From: randall@informix.com (Randall Rhea)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc,rec.radio.swap
Subject: Re: Hamfest Bogus Check Alert
Date: 10 Sep 92 23:37:55 GMT
Organization: Informix Software, Inc.

isoper@matrix.cs.wright.edu writes:

>ATTENTION ALL FLEA MARKET SELLERs
>Especially in the Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky areas

>On 23 August 1992 a white male with semi long dark hair and full
>beard speaking with a slow southern accent, height 5' 10" to 
>6' 0", weight 220 to 250 pounds claiming to be from St. Petersburg
>Florida passed me a bad check. The check was drawn against the Southeast
>Bank, N.A. of the same city. BE ADVISED THIS BANK NO LONGER EXISTS.
>The check will be in the mid 100's in numbers bearing an address
>of 2712 55th Terrace South in St. Petersburg, FL with a phone number
>of 813-867-8876. The individual will present a Florida drivers
>license beari the same address, that haexpired on 29 July 92.

After working a few years in retail, here is a guide to taking
checks.  The following are all suspicious:

1) A low check number.  The account may just
have been opened.  Be suspicious of check numbers below 500.

2) An expired driver's license.  Always ask for a driver's
license as an ID on checks.  Examine the license carefully,
especially the picture.  Look for signs of alterations.
(the picture may have been pasted on)  

3) An address on the driver's license that is different
from the one that is on the check.   If he can show
you some other form of ID with the same address, that is OK.

4) A check that does not have a pre-printed name and address.
Do not take such a check ever, unless it is for a very low
amount.

5) A non-driving ID instead of a driver's license.  In California,
non-driving ID cards are very easy to get.

6) The person appears to be nervous, in a hurry, or
gets angry when you ask for ID.  Every bad check that my 
store took was from someone who was in a hurry.

7) He/she is with someone who seems to be in a hurry, or seems
suspicious in some way.  Bad check writers often work in teams
of two.  Some of them are real pros.

8) You are selling something that would have a high black
market value.  Car stereos, CBs, home stereos, TVs, jewelry,
VCRs, and other high-priced mass-market consumer goods fit
this category.  Ham radio equipment generally does not
have a mass market appeal or a high black market value.

If the above person had followed these guidelines,
he would not have taken the check.  Here are a few other guidelines:

1) Since the person is buying ham equipment, have a copy
of the Callbook with you and look up his call sign.  If he
has no call sign, perhaps you should not sell him ham
equipment.

2) If possible, call information and ask for his phone
number.  It should match the one printed on the check.
If his number is unlisted, add it to the above suspicion
list.

3) If you are suspicious, ask for other forms of ID.  
A major credit card (Visa, Amex, Master Card) is a good
form of ID.  Do not write down the number, as this is
illegal in some places.  Department store credit cards
are useless, as they are very easy to get and usually have
no expiration date.  Make sure that any form of ID is still
valid and not expired.

4) If you are suspicious, work out a deal where he gives
you at least some cash along with the check.  


When all is said and done, you will need to use your
own judgement.  In general, hams at flea markets are
fair and reasonable.  However, if you use some common
sense, you can protect yourself from getting ripped off.

-- 

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Randall Rhea                                        Informix Software, Inc. 
Project Manager, MIS Sales/Marketing Systems    uunet!pyramid!infmx!randall