a reply to:
N3k9Ni
That is absolutely hysterical. I have done similar with spam email, but none quite so funny.
In one case, when the 'Nigerian scams' were new, I decided to see how far it would go..I actually made $600+ from it. And I never expected anything. I
will explain how.
I received an email from some 'government official' stating someone wealthy had died, in Nigeria- a Nigerian- with no heirs, but that I may be one of
those heirs, after their very diligent research.
It was quite a surprise that I might have a Nigerian relative, but 'cradle of civilization' and all that...who knows???
We emailed back and forth several times and the man was extremely cordial.
They said they wanted to send me a check for $5000 USD and would only want me to return $500 to them in fees.
I could see where this was going...the check clears 'temporarily', you send $500 out and then the check, after international clearing, which was an up
to 2 week process at the time, would fully bounce and one would be responsible for $5000 + fees to their bank.
They asked me for nothing up front. My address is public record. So my answers were sort of like "I am so sorry to hear of his passing, my deepest
condolences." And I gave my address. I HAD to see this check.
I did receive it. It was written on The Bank of New York, at a NYC branch. I looked up the routing # online, that was legit.
I thought, well, if I bring this into my bank, they should be able to tell if the account number and name is legit. They could call the bank in
question. They should be able to say yes or no without depositing it.
I did bring this to Bank of America, my bank at the time. Then they were a good, solid bank. But at this point they have had about 100 different class
action suits about unfair fees, the order in which they process, sub prime mortages..and other stuff...name it, they have been sued and lost.
The helpful teller does call the bank on the check. She assures me that it is good. Many Customer Services Reps have assured me of things that later
turn out to be untrue. I told her I will deposit it, but if it turns out to be 'no good', I don't want to be on the line for any fees and I want my
account noted. She agreed.
The check 'cleared' in about 4 business days. I spent about $200 of it, but was still wary and left the rest.
A week later it 'fully bounced' and BofA sent me charges for 3 overdrafts and a bounced check fee. This totaled about $90 in fees and $200 worth of
purchases I might have been on the line for at other businesses.
I went back to the bank and spoke to the manager. I saw her go to the teller I had previously seen. They spoke/argued for a full 15 minutes. At the
end of that visit, I received credits to my account totaling $290. The part I had spent and the fees. My balance was brought into the positive.
Two class action settlements against bank of America later, I have received just over $300 in settlement checks and I am told a third is on the way.
The 3 of these due to inappropriate fees and the the order in which transactions were processed.
I don't plan on trying this ever again, but in this case...it came out well.
Sorry that was so long and as far as I know...this would not work this way ever again. So, 'do not try this at home'.
edit on 3-2-2016 by reldra because: (no reason given)
edit on 3-2-2016 by reldra because: (no reason given)