Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

To Good To Be True???

This is a internet question.

I have a sister who has been approached by a person who states he is a man who owns an art gallery in UK.

He would like her to receive bank issued checks from his customers in the US. Take them to the issuing bank cash them and wire the money to a staff member in the states. He has offered a % of the check to do this. My qustion is, does this sound like some type of scam that could backfire on her some how? She is not one to open junk mail. Is this man an angel or a devil? She has already done one transaction for this man and everthing went just as he said. Were is the catch? Please respond.


Asked on 8/08/06, 5:45 pm

5 Answers from Attorneys
George Davis Law Office of T. George Davis, Jr.

Re: To Good To Be True???

It is a scam. As Attorney Johnson states, this type of scam is well established and happens very often. It is typically called a "Nigerian 419 Scam," because the concept apparently originated in Nigeria years ago, and I think the number "419" refers to a specific law. If you want more information about Nigerain 419 Scams, contact the U.S. Secret Service, who routinely investigate them. Actually, I am surprised that you say even one transaction went as advertised. Quite often, these scam artists send you a counterfeit check that looks good, but you don't find out that it isn't until weeks after you have deposited it. At that point, you have already sent the money out to them, and the bank will not make good on the check or reimburse you for your losses. Your sister should stay far, far away. Better yet, she should contact the Secret Service and forward the e-mail to them. Good luck.

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Answered on 8/09/06, 1:27 pm
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

Re: To Good To Be True???

Too good. Why would a stranger apprach someone to cash checks, At best is sounds like money laundering, a criminal offense, state and federal. Why does this person need an agent for which he pays a percentage, when he can have 100%. If he is legitimate, then he can sign an agreement which should be reviewed by an attorney. It is the missing aspect of this "deal" that poses the greatest risk of harm to your sister.

If your sister thinks it is a real deal, she should not be afraid to contact an attorney and review this. She or you can contact my office.

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Answered on 8/08/06, 5:57 pm

Re: To Good To Be True???

It seems to good to be true because it probably is. This looks like a money laundering scheme on the cheap (or else why not have the mail go to a virtual office and be forwarded internationally so he casehes the checks at his own bank... or better yet, have direct deposit. Your sister probably wants to talk to an attorney.

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Answered on 8/08/06, 6:07 pm
Martha Kovner Law Offices of Martha J. Kovner

Re: To Good To Be True???

Definitely sounds like a scam to me--and your sister might be involved in criminal activity without even knowing it. She should definitely speak with an attorney. Hope that this helps. Please feel free to contact me further. Martha Kovner

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Answered on 8/08/06, 10:01 pm
Barbara C. Johnson Law Office of Barbara C. Johnson

Re: To Good To Be True???

SCAM SCAM SCAM

What they want is YOUR SISTER'S BANK ACCOUNT WIRING NUMBER. Then the funds in her account disappear.

I must get 3 or 4 of there a day. Usually person is from Nigeria or the UK or South Africa. The names constantly change. The situations are identical. $10million, $50million, $100 million. The amount is as varied as the imagination.

STAY AWAY from it.

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Answered on 8/08/06, 11:26 pm


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