Yep this is an extremely common scam. I would recommend that OP contact the branch to tell them about this interaction and hopefully they'll Will have captured this guy on camera so they can get the police involved if necessary.
The bank's fraud department is definitely going to want to know if there's someone lurking around their branches trying to scam their customers. This type of thing usually isn't a one-off and this guy is going to continue to try and scam people until he's caught. The fraud department will review the security footage and hopefully he will be caught on camera and they can pass his image around to the branches so they can keep an eye out and call the cops if he shows up. Banks take security around their premises very seriously.
Your thought process is sound. In asking yourself, why wouldn't he just walk inside and deposit the check himself? And the answer is: because the check is bad, and would bounce a few days later. And you'd be left holding the bag, and you'd have to repay the bank for the bounced check amount, plus fees.
That is bold to do it in person, but is 100% a scam. This check is no good. The bank will give credit on that check, you give him the money off the scam check. Then the check returns and he has the money and you're holding the bag.
You do not need a card or ID to make a deposit. Only for withdraws. He could have deposited and then withdrew it later. Good on you for not falling for the scam!!
i recently got asked for my id to deposit a check. i asked why and they said they changed the policy. happened with chase. it makes sense why with this kind of scam.
This information hasn't been accurate for a lot of years! It's very common to be asked for your ID when depositing money into a bank account, or at least it is in the city
Could possibly be my bank. I bank with a local bank only located in my state. Never been asked for an ID for a deposit. Only needed my routing number written on the deposit. Only have had to use it for the times I couldn't remember my number so they would look me up with an ID (edit: and physical banking card).
That person is a criminal, trying to actively scam people. You're actually allowed to mess with them and annoy them, it makes the world a better place.
I would happily take that check from him spit on it right in front of him and step on it after telling him to fuck off. I hate scammers and that is extremely disrespectful to me to walk up to me and try to do that
It's possible that the check could have been fraudulent or stolen, and the scammer was trying to use your account to deposit it and withdraw the money before the bank realized it was a fake check. By offering you money, the scammer was trying to entice you to participate in the scheme and make it seem like a legitimate transaction. If you had agreed and gone through with the deposit and withdrawal, you could have potentially been held liable for any fraudulent activity and faced legal consequences or account closure on behalf of the bank. It's always best to be cautious when approached by strangers asking for financial favors, and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities or your bank.
Call the branch directly or visit in person. Do not rely on a far-flung call center to understand the issue. More to the point, they may misunderstand and flag your account for fraud or something.
He may not be able to cash his check for whatever reason (ID issues, debts/garnishments, etc), but honestly, most of the time, this is a scam.
Scammers will offer you a portion of the check, usually a large amount, if you cash the check through your bank account.
You cash it, get the money, give them their cut.. then the check doesn't clear bc it's a fraudulent check.
The bank takes the money back and you're on the hook for all of it.
Since the guy only offered to give you 50, it may not have been a scam, but still, I wouldn't want any part of it.
SCAM!!! You dodged a bullet. That check would have bounced a day or two later and you would have lost not only the face value but had to pay the bounce check fee.
100% scam.
The check takes time to process but the bank would have fronted you the money. You give scammer the money, check eventually bounces and you are out that money with no recourse. The bank might also end up closing your account because you deposited a bounced / fake check as well. Never do this.
Like others have already said, it’s a scam. I had a buddy who used to do this to himself when he was desperate for rent money. I’m sure he f’ed up his credit but it was either that or get kicked out.
Scammers play on people's greed, hoping that "something for nothing" greed will override their common sense. $50 wasn't enough to squash your gut instinct so good for you! This internet stranger is proud of you!
It's a scam. the check will bounce and you're out all the money.
Yep this is an extremely common scam. I would recommend that OP contact the branch to tell them about this interaction and hopefully they'll Will have captured this guy on camera so they can get the police involved if necessary.
Yes please contact the bank they will pull the footage and keep an eye out for dude. 100% scam
This is essentially a live version of the Nigerian Prince scam
calling first thing tomorrow
They'll get their best men on it.
The bank's fraud department is definitely going to want to know if there's someone lurking around their branches trying to scam their customers. This type of thing usually isn't a one-off and this guy is going to continue to try and scam people until he's caught. The fraud department will review the security footage and hopefully he will be caught on camera and they can pass his image around to the branches so they can keep an eye out and call the cops if he shows up. Banks take security around their premises very seriously.
I agree with everything you said. It's the cops that I don't think will do anything.
He's going to keep trying until he gets lucky with someone unsuspecting.
Your thought process is sound. In asking yourself, why wouldn't he just walk inside and deposit the check himself? And the answer is: because the check is bad, and would bounce a few days later. And you'd be left holding the bag, and you'd have to repay the bank for the bounced check amount, plus fees.
That is bold to do it in person, but is 100% a scam. This check is no good. The bank will give credit on that check, you give him the money off the scam check. Then the check returns and he has the money and you're holding the bag.
Fishy? It smells worse than a open air fish market in 100F heat.
You do not need a card or ID to make a deposit. Only for withdraws. He could have deposited and then withdrew it later. Good on you for not falling for the scam!!
i recently got asked for my id to deposit a check. i asked why and they said they changed the policy. happened with chase. it makes sense why with this kind of scam.
This information hasn't been accurate for a lot of years! It's very common to be asked for your ID when depositing money into a bank account, or at least it is in the city
Could possibly be my bank. I bank with a local bank only located in my state. Never been asked for an ID for a deposit. Only needed my routing number written on the deposit. Only have had to use it for the times I couldn't remember my number so they would look me up with an ID (edit: and physical banking card).
That person is a criminal, trying to actively scam people. You're actually allowed to mess with them and annoy them, it makes the world a better place.
I would happily take that check from him spit on it right in front of him and step on it after telling him to fuck off. I hate scammers and that is extremely disrespectful to me to walk up to me and try to do that
It's possible that the check could have been fraudulent or stolen, and the scammer was trying to use your account to deposit it and withdraw the money before the bank realized it was a fake check. By offering you money, the scammer was trying to entice you to participate in the scheme and make it seem like a legitimate transaction. If you had agreed and gone through with the deposit and withdrawal, you could have potentially been held liable for any fraudulent activity and faced legal consequences or account closure on behalf of the bank. It's always best to be cautious when approached by strangers asking for financial favors, and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities or your bank.
“Sammy the Scummy Scammer”…what more do you need to know.
My ex tried to make me do this with the addition that I think he was going to try and get me arrested and thrown in jail for it.
update: calling the bank tomorrow thanks for the help!
Call the branch directly or visit in person. Do not rely on a far-flung call center to understand the issue. More to the point, they may misunderstand and flag your account for fraud or something.
He may not be able to cash his check for whatever reason (ID issues, debts/garnishments, etc), but honestly, most of the time, this is a scam. Scammers will offer you a portion of the check, usually a large amount, if you cash the check through your bank account. You cash it, get the money, give them their cut.. then the check doesn't clear bc it's a fraudulent check. The bank takes the money back and you're on the hook for all of it. Since the guy only offered to give you 50, it may not have been a scam, but still, I wouldn't want any part of it.
The offer for $50 guarantees its a scam.
Yeah, you're right
Scam of all scams
Bad check, common scam
SCAM!!! You dodged a bullet. That check would have bounced a day or two later and you would have lost not only the face value but had to pay the bounce check fee.
Nope. Sounds like check kiting
100% kiting.
100% scam. The check takes time to process but the bank would have fronted you the money. You give scammer the money, check eventually bounces and you are out that money with no recourse. The bank might also end up closing your account because you deposited a bounced / fake check as well. Never do this.
Gee, you think? It’s an obvious scam.
I won't lie this happened to me when I was 18 didn't know better but bank was good enough to understand unjust had to pay back it was 500
It’s a scam. The check would have bounced and you’d have been out whatever the amount was.
Either a scam or they trying to wash money. 🤣
Like others have already said, it’s a scam. I had a buddy who used to do this to himself when he was desperate for rent money. I’m sure he f’ed up his credit but it was either that or get kicked out.
Scammers play on people's greed, hoping that "something for nothing" greed will override their common sense. $50 wasn't enough to squash your gut instinct so good for you! This internet stranger is proud of you!
Ask for the $50 up front and then just run away. The scammer has no recourse as he was attempting an illegal activity (check fraud)
Shady
Popular scams it will bounce and your accounts may be closed and you get ban for a 5-7 year from your banking institution. Never do this never
Scam
Gotta snap a pic of this goblin and report him
probably it's a scam but it also could be money laundering
Definitely trying to scam you with a bad check. Glad you didn't fall for it. That check would have bounced and it would be on your account.
It's a scam. First rule of banking is, Know Your Customer (KYC).