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Translation scam
Thread poster: Sprout6t
Sprout6t
Sprout6t
United States
Local time: 06:16
Flemish to French
+ ...
Mar 27, 2010

I was wondering if any of you has ever been victim of a scam with a payment for a translation? I received a cashier's check for an amount way over what I requested for the job. I am afraid it is a fraud.
 
Katalin Horváth McClure
Katalin Horváth McClure  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 07:16
Member (2002)
English to Hungarian
+ ...
Yes, well known scam Mar 27, 2010

Do not deposit the check, it is fraud.

There were numerous discussions about this and other similar tricks, the latest of those is here:

http://www.proz.com/forum/money_matters/158975-ata_members_beware:_fake_translation_job_linked_to_fraud.html
 
Nicole Schnell
Nicole Schnell  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 04:16
English to German
+ ...
In memoriam
A cashier's check? Mar 27, 2010

This check has been pre-paid and is guaranteed by the bank.

If it is a real one, that is, and not a fake which only an experienced bank employee at your bank will be able to tell.

Did you notify the client? What did they say?

I once have been overpaid by accident - one of my most favorite clients sent me twice the amount they owed me. It was huge. We had a good laugh, I asked if I should send it back, they said no, bank fees are way too expensive and I s... See more
This check has been pre-paid and is guaranteed by the bank.

If it is a real one, that is, and not a fake which only an experienced bank employee at your bank will be able to tell.

Did you notify the client? What did they say?

I once have been overpaid by accident - one of my most favorite clients sent me twice the amount they owed me. It was huge. We had a good laugh, I asked if I should send it back, they said no, bank fees are way too expensive and I simply worked it off. That, however, was a highly trustworthy client that I have been working with for years. ▲ Collapse
 
José Henrique Lamensdorf
José Henrique Lamensdorf  Identity Verified
Brazil
Local time: 08:16
English to Portuguese
+ ...
In memoriam
If it's a scam... Mar 27, 2010

... they'll ask you to deposit it and send them the balance immediately.

So, do either of the following:

a) offer to hold it and mail it back to them as soon as you receive another check for the right amount.

b) ofer them to send the excessive funds only after the amount has been definitely credited to your account.

If they insist, tell them you don't have that balance available right now... See more
... they'll ask you to deposit it and send them the balance immediately.

So, do either of the following:

a) offer to hold it and mail it back to them as soon as you receive another check for the right amount.

b) ofer them to send the excessive funds only after the amount has been definitely credited to your account.

If they insist, tell them you don't have that balance available right now, you'll have to wait until that cheque of theirs clears. ▲ Collapse
 
Sprout6t
Sprout6t
United States
Local time: 06:16
Flemish to French
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
Translation scam Mar 27, 2010

Thank you all for taking the time to reply!
I have learned a lesson.

 


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