Victim of a spoof job advert on gumtree - help!

[mathieu]

Hello,

 

I`m wondering if anyone can help me?

 

I lost my job in January and with bills to pay have been desperately applying for a new one.

 

I saw an ad on Gumtree for a personal assistant job, which I applied for and got.

 

It turns out I think this is a [problem] as I was sent a cheque to run some errands for someone away on business,

after I deposited the cheque into my bank account I was then asked to send £200 cash via moneygram as part of an errand to someone in South Africa.

 

This is when I realized it was a [problem],

 

I have not sent any money via moneygram, but am worried about the cheque I deposited as I think it will bounce.

 

I payed the cheque in to my account on Thursday and was told it will clear next Wednesday,

apart from going back to my bank and asking them to stop processing the cheque/ stop the cheque clearing is there anything else I can do?

 

Can the bank stop the cheque before it clears?

[dx100uk]

pers i'd be contacting actionfraud

 

dx

[mathieu]

Oh okay I see, what action can my bank take?

[dx100uk]

have you used the money?

 

in other words you don't 'owe' because of this spoof?

 

dx

 

 

dx

[rebel11]

Hi Mathieu

 

You need to report the matter to Action Fraud. Also send them a snapshot of the Ad, inform the bank as to what has happened, as you have unwittingly got involved in something, I'm not sure what, but it does sound very suspect.

 

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/fraud_protection/employment_fraud

 

Thread moved to correct forum.

[mathieu]

Ive used £10 to buy a mothers day present the cheque was for £750 but I already had £400 in my account at the time I deposited the cheque, so my balance is still showing £390 at the moment, so i`m not sure if that means Ive "used the money" or the money from what I already had??!!

[Grotesque]

As long as you never go below +£750 in your a/c you will not have spent the money or a portion of it

 

You can stop a cheque that you write but not one you pay in- as soon as the bank holds it they must put it somewhere.

[mathieu]

Okay, will I get into trouble with my own bank over this?

[mathieu]

will my bank close my account down? or report me to the police?

[rebel11]

Hi mathieu

 

I shouldn't think so, just be upfront as to what has happened, they should treat you sympathetically. If you get any problems from the 'situation', let us know on this thread, watch out for any bank charges, again let us know on this thread.

 

Okay, will I get into trouble with my own bank over this?

[rebel11]

I would be very surprised if you do.

 

Okay, will I get into trouble with my own bank over this?

[rebel11]

They should report the matter to the police, I don't think they will close your account. Your actually a victim (although no loss of monies) if I'm correct in what I think has happened.

 

will my bank close my account down? or report me to the police?

[Grotesque]

No the bank are more likely to reward you! They used to do that when people reported fraud. Although nowadays I guess the rewards are to be found in the ****ing Boardroom.

[rebel11]

Just scroll down:-

 

http://help.gumtree.com/articles/General_Information/Is-it-a-[problem]-The-top-warning-signs

[mathieu]

okay what is the best way to explain all this to my bank without them being angry with me? I still have the receipt for depositing the cheque will this help the bank at all?

[Grotesque]

Which bank are you with? BTW, it's yer mum that gets angry with ya not a bank LOL

[mathieu]

Halifax bank, this is my only bank account I have, I`m worried that I have to pay my rent next week by cheque and the bank might close my account down so I cant pay my rent or bills

[rebel11]

Hi mathieu

 

Why would they be angry with you? Write everything that has happened in list form, go to the bank, speak to the Customer Service person, go through the list, nothing too it. Take the receipt and a snapshot of the Gumtree ad with you to help you explain.

 

okay what is the best way to explain all this to my bank without them being angry with me? I still have the receipt for depositing the cheque will this help the bank at all?

[rebel11]

When you talk to Customer Services, seek reassurance as the status of your account, it's pointless worrying about it.

 

Halifax bank, this is my only bank account I have, I`m worried that I have to pay my rent next week by cheque and the bank might close my account down so I cant pay my rent or bills

[Grotesque]

And if you have already reported it to Action Fraud and received a Crime Ref., then they will thank you for it, not close you down!

[mathieu]

Okay thanks, i`m still abut confused as the cheque hasnt cleared yet, would I still be able to spend money in my account to buy groceries? or would that be taking money from the £750 cheque amount?

[Grotesque]

Don't spend more than £390

[mathieu]

Okay I think I can manage that

[citizenB]

Link to westham's own thread.

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?421651-Victim-of-problem

[Grotesque]

Apologies to westham for libelling him (ironically!) in your Staff Room lol