An unknown individual from Africa is contacting people who post ads in our classifieds and attempting to scam them. He's already taken one of FTE's users for $4500.

Basically, he contacts you about buying parts you post for sale. He then sends you a cashier check for thousands of dollars more than the purchase price. Claiming its an innocent mistake (such as saying the check was intended for a different sale), he asks you wire (Western Union) the difference back to him. After all, a cashier's check is supposed to be good as cash, right? Wrong. The check he sends is a counterfeit check that's so well done your bank will accept it. A few days later, after you've wired him the money, your bank will notify you that the check is a counterfeit and you then owe them the money (banks aren't responsible for bad check deposits to your account, only for bad check withdrawals).

Please exercise caution and good judgement when dealing with individuals on-line and never deal in cash. I recommend the use of an escrow service for all transactions. Never let an individual convince you that a suspicious transaction is "on the level."