An individual going by the name "Alexander Wheels" is trying to conduct an overpayment scam with freelance editors as the target. The scam follows this process:
1."Alexander Wheels" contacts an editor with a request for assistance with editing a paper for a seminar. Paper (on the subject of gender discrimination) is attached. Offer looks fairly legit, except that "Alexander Wheels" insist on paying by bank check.
2. Check arrives via Priority Mail (with tracking number) but amount is much larger than the agreed on fee. "Alexander Wheels" sends an e-mail saying the "seminar sponsor" made a mistake in issuing the check. He instructs the editor to deposit the check right away and keep the excess amount because there is more work coming.
3. Later, the editor receives an urgent request from Alexander Wheels to wire him the excess money via Western Union.
4. The bank discovers the check is fake. Editor is liable for bank charges and has lost any money wired via Western Union.
I was targeted by this scammer but saw the red flags before any money was lost. Am recording damages of $50 because I wasted time drawing up a Letter of Agreement and exchanging in e-mail correspondence.
Had the scam succeeded, however, I could have been out thousands of dollars.
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