The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers, especially Mary Kay consultants, about a new scam.
A Springfield resident recently received a text message from someone claiming to be April Weiss, wanting to order $175 in products. April stated that she was opening a modeling agency and the payment would come via cashier’s check from her art director.
Upon receiving the check, the consumer noticed two business names: CU Services Center and California Coast Credit Union out of San Diego. The consumer also received another text message from Weiss stating that the check was accidentally made out in the wrong amount for $2,230.65. April asked that the consumer cash the check and send the remaining balance back to her personal assistant — who she claims is a man named Mark Queen — via MoneyGram. The number associated with the text messages is 404-490-2503, an area code out of Atlanta.
BBB conducted a simple search of the phone number and found several similar stories on www.800notes.com dating from June 16. The bureau offers the following tips on how to avoid being scammed with fake checks.
• Talk to a branch manager in person before depositing a check from a stranger. Banking experts know what to look for in