[Boatanchors] Scammer?
Tom B
tbryan at nova.org
Mon Sep 7 18:49:27 EDT 2026
I plugged the text into AI and it said yes, it is a scam. See below.
Tom
N3AJA
*_AI Overview_*
Yes, this is 100% a scam.
This message is a classic setup for a fake check or overpayment scam.
The message uses deliberate tactics to manipulate you and steal your money.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) (.gov)
🚩 Red Flags in the Message
The "Out of Town / Medical" Excuse: Scammers frequently claim they
are suddenly leaving town, hospitalized, or undergoing emergency
surgery. They do this to explain why they cannot meet you in person and
why they cannot answer phone calls.
Reddit·r/Scams +1
The "Secretary / Assistant" Buffer: Bringing an imaginary secretary
or third party into the conversation creates a layer of separation. It
allows the scammer to blame any future logistical errors (like
"accidentally" writing a check for too much money) on someone else.
Payment "In Transit": They claim a physical check or payment has
already been sent to your address before you have even confirmed the
details. This is meant to make you feel committed or pressured to
cooperate once it arrives.
🛑 What Happens Next (How the Scam Works)
If you reply, a physical check will likely arrive at your mailing address.
The Overpayment: The check will be written for a much higher amount
than what you agreed upon.
The Request: The scammer will contact you in a panic, claiming
their secretary made a mistake. They will ask you to deposit the check,
keep a small bonus for your trouble, and immediately wire back the
difference via a non-refundable method (like Zelle, Venmo, wire
transfer, or cryptocurrency).
Consumer Advice | Federal Trade Commission (.gov) +1
The Bounce: Your bank may temporarily make the funds available, but
days or weeks later, the bank will discover the check is completely
fraudulent. The bank will reverse the deposit, leaving you responsible
for the entire amount you wired to the scammer.
🛡️ What You Should Do
Do not reply to the message.
Do not deposit any check that arrives in the mail from this sender.
Block the sender immediately and mark the conversation as spam.
A
On 9/7/2026 6:22 PM, Bill Mellema via Boatanchors wrote:
> Guys,
> This is definitely a scam!. I had the same email sent to me for the purchase of a power supply. The same wording. Thanks for sharing with all of us, we have to stick together against these crooks.
> 73's
> Bill N3WM
> On Monday, September 7, 2026 at 05:23:07 PM EDT, Lee Craner via Boatanchors<boatanchors at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
>
> This could be a scam, but not necessarily. Hold up shipment until the check is received and clears. You can check with your bank to see if they can "send the check for collection." This pulls the check out of the traditional Fed check processing. Rather your bank works directly with the bank where the check was drawn. Then you'll know definitively if the check is good. There is usually a fee for this service, but it might be worth it.
> 73 Lee WB6SSW
> Sent from my Commodore 64
>
> On Monday, September 7, 2026 at 01:56:50 PM PDT, KA2PTE<ka2pte at 3950.net> wrote:
>
> Got some emails from
>
> David P Sundbergacewood34567890 at gmail.com
>
> Saying he wanted to buy something I think was listed on QTH swap.
>
> I responded saying he could use Paypal or send a check, and supplied a
> mailing address.
>
> Today he said:
>
> "Good afternoon,
> I wanted to inform you that I had to leave town on short notice for a quick
> surgery and recovery. I apologize for the brief delay. However, my secretary
> has already processed the payment, and it is currently in transit to your
> mailing address. Please let me know if you are available or away for the
> holiday. I can provide you with the Priority Tracking number to ensure
> delivery tomorrow (Tuesday). Feel free to reach out if you need any further
> details. Thank you for your understanding. "
>
> Should I expect a check made out for $5000 and a not inside saying "keep the
> rest" lol.....
>
> --
> Steve Hearns [ KA2PTE ]
> Technotronic Dimensions [USA]
> https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://WWW.TECHNOTRONIC-DIMENSIONS.COM__;!!KfGNmQmE!mGGH3C-eRDt5T8CABJ0PZ8w3qUeNJSRoxlW09ysCQEhkM4ha1WhCqQBKfVJ1dtPk10My3_U8e8-dJEWlloeheJA$
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "JAMES D COMSTOCK"<comnoz2 at comcast.net>
> To: "KA2PTE"<ka2pte at 3950.net>;<boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 5:36 PM
> Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Scammer?
>
>
>> No doubt t is a scam. That scam has been around for quite a while now.
>>
>> And be careful of bank checks and cashiers checks. They are the easiest
>> ones to forge and you will not find out that they are no good till quite a
>> while later- after the goods are shipped.
>>
>> I know my bank will always put a 30 day hold on a cashiers check. But a
>> personal check is no problem. Jim k0jjf
>>
>>
>>> On 09/17/2024 12:37 PM MDT KA2PTE<ka2pte at 3950.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> I have an ad placed on QTH swap for a Kenwood TS-520SE
>>> for parts, someone inquired how much for the entire radio -
>>> did not indicate a call sign.
>>>
>>> I told them the cost, they agreed to mail a check in advance,
>>> but said they would setup the shipping or pickup.
>>>
>>> The first mailing got returned to sender, they wanted a signature
>>> confirmaiton, then they said they would send it in a priority mailer,
>>> which came today.
>>>
>>> Inside is what looks like a legit bank check, its for alot more than
>>> I asked for the radio, with a special note saying to "kindly" text "the
>>> accountant"
>>> who will enable the funds to be available the next day....
>>>
>>> When I hear that word "kindly", I am thinking some sore of scam.
>>>
>>> Anyone smell the same stink?
>>>
>>> --
>>> Steve Hearns [ KA2PTE ]
>>>
>>>
>>>
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