Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

A german co wants me to dep US chks in my acct, retain $800 and then Western Uni

I have been seeking telecommuting work that I can supplement

my income with. I was approached by a Germany company called

Meko Medical Technics International. They sell medical goods

here in the US and need someone to process payment through to them from here (they claim it takes forever to clear checks from here.) They want me (or anyone working for them) to receive large checks($9,000 checks or thereabouts). Then I would have to deposit them into my personal checking account and wait forthem to clear. At that point I retain $800.00 for my salary;go to the nearest Western Union office and wire the funds. All charges to do that are taken from the money being sent so it doesnot cost me anything.

My question is, this legal? If I participate am I doing anything wrong?


Asked on 9/30/03, 5:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Miller Robert L. Miller & Associates, A Law Corporation

Re: A german co wants me to dep US chks in my acct, retain $800 and then Western

Thank you very much for your posting and your inquiry.

This is a well known scam that has operated out of African countries for years. Because federal (FDIC) guidelines mandate that banks clear and release funds from cashier's checks within a time period (seven days) that makes it almost impossible to verify funds from overseas accounts, the funds are released, but unfortunately, the liability for any counterfeit or bounced checks might be yours.

You should check out www.snopes.com, and the following warnings on the internet about this scam:

http://www.denverda.org/ECU_Consumer_Alerts/Nigerian%20scam%20twist.htm

http://www.malilink.net/archive-052003/0006.html

I hope that this information helps you, but if you have further questions, want more information, or feel that you need legal representation, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected]. It's my pleasure to assist in any way that I can.

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Answered on 9/30/03, 7:00 pm


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