How do I scam the scammer without breaking the law?

[radwriter0555]

So when I was selling my miata these past couple weeks on craigslist.org there is a whole page devoted to wire scams, see here http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams.html

So I got one! A guy emailed me "from amsterdam" who said he wants to buy the car (listed for $5750), and consider it sold and could have his friend send me a check for $8,000 and would I reimburse him the rest?

So I said "SURE!!!!" and doncha know, I got a cashier's check in the mail today.

Now, I have to believe it's bogus. Any ideas on what I can do to it to teach him a lesson?

[MissB]

1. Other than turning it directly over to the authorities, no.

Definitely don't cash it, though. :D

[benburch]

2. If you deposit it, and wait for it to clear...

(Which can be 30 days for such a check) and it then bounces, you would have fees to pay.

Best thing to do is take it to your bank and tell them you think it is suspect, and let the bank and police worry about how to sting them.

[slackmaster]

3. Talk to your banker

You might deposit the check then wait for it to clear before doing anything else. On a DOMESTIC cashier's check, once the funds are "collected" the bank cannot accept a stop-paument.

I used to be an analyst for a bank but know ZERO about international funds transfers.

[benburch]

6. Actually, even on a domestic check, if it was fraud...

they can still freeze your account.

[mr_hat]

4. Yes, that's an old, old scam. I'll bet nearly 100% of >

online car (and other high-ticket item) sellers get that one.

Happened to me -- I just ignored it.

[Rick Myers]

5. Call the local Postal Inspector

Don't cash it!