If you have ever sold anything over the Internet, you are a prime target for this type of fraud. Following is just one example (and variation) of how this type of fraud works:

You are selling car parts for $400 and (finally) get an offer, which you readily accept. After talking back and forth via e-mail, you agree to accept a cashier's check for the $400, which will cover the car parts and the shipping/handling fees.

OOPS! The buyer sent the check, but has made a mistake with the amount and "accidentally" sends you $4,400. The buyer contacts you right away to apologize for this error, but has a solution for you, as to not slow down the transaction. The buyer conveniently owes someone else money as well. The solution: You keep the $400 for the car parts, as agreed, plus an extra $100 for the inconvenience caused to you and then you wire out the remaining $3,900 to the other person involved.

Being the helpful person that you are, and knowing that you have a cashier's check (or money order), you agree. You cash the check, ship the parts, and wire out the $3,900 as instructed. Now the bad news! The check (or money order) is counterfeit, and you owe the bank $4,400 plus fees, not to mention that you have already shipped the parts which have been signed for and picked up. You try to reach the buyer via e-mail and receive no reply.

While there are many legitimate users of Internet sales sites, you need to protect yourself from fraudsters who rely on a person's good-heartedness, greed, and the lure of a money order or cashier's check. If you are contacted by anyone to participate in this type of transaction, take the following steps to protect your money and your merchandise:

• First and foremost, question "why?". Why would the buyer, who is (supposedly) located in Nevada, be sending you a cashier's check post marked from England? Also, why are they asking you to wire money to another country?
• Delay the transaction, send the check back to the buyer, and ask for the agreed upon price. Let them make arrangements to pay the other person described to you.
• Bring the check/money order into First Banking Center and allow us to collect the funds on your behalf before you deposit the questionable item into your account. Collection fees may apply.

If you do by chance, become a victim of this type of fraud:

• If you provided your personal account information, you may wish to contact any of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Trans Union or Experian) and ask that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file.
• File a report with your local law enforcement agency. Keep a copy of this report as you will need it when dealing with retailers, financial institutions, and other companies.
• Contact your financial institution immediately to alert them to the situation. Though the financial obligations are your responsibility, many institutions will offer whatever assistance they can.
• Close any accounts that have been accessed or you think may be accessed; this includes bank accounts, credit card accounts, etc.
• Contact the Web site provider if a security/fraud section is provided to alert them to the problem as they may be able to warn other buyers.
• Keep detailed records of your contacts. Start a file with copies of all reports along with information pertaining to who you spoke with, when, and what the expected outcome is to be.