An independent Ocean City real estate company victimized by an international e-mail scam that cost the company $4,400. The Ocean City police reported that an agent at the company was contacted by e-mail on May 21 from a man claiming to be from England who said he wanted a month-long reservation for a minister and his wife who lived in Canada.

The con-man made the company believe that he would pay for the stay through a non-profit donation account, but because of the way the account was set up, he would need to send a check for around $8,000. All expenses from a month-long stay were to be deducted from the $8,000 and the remaining money was to be refunded back to the man.

he Ocean City police reported that the company received a cashier’s check on May 30 and deposited it into the company account on June 1. The check cleared on June 3. After the check cleared, a check for $4,400 was wired through Western Union to the man in England.

However on June 6, the company was told by its bank, BB&T, that the check for $8,000 had been counterfeit. Upon learning the original check was counterfeit, the company attempted to stop the Western Union wire transfer, but learned that the money had already been picked up.

The police department sent out a warning on Wednesday for all businesses to be on the lookout for this style of scam. They want people to be aware of a customer wishing to send more money than what is owed.

By M. Sese
http://realestatepress.org