As a real estate agent, I was recently contacted by email via my website by a person identifying himself as Dr. Richard E Ashton, dermatologist, United Kingdom, for purposes of purchasing a home in Chesapeake, Virginia for himself & family of 3 children.
(Dr. Ashton is a real person, but not involved in the ruse.)
Much email correspondence ensued, time lines & processes established, arrangements for wire funds to an attorney were made & agreed to. "Dr. Ashton" was referred to & did contacted a local real estate attorney for delivery of funds. A letter of proof of assets/funds was provided by Karen James of Global Financial Management. An offer was ratified on a selected property subject to receipt of wire funds. Time deadlines passed and the offer was terminated by the sellers for non-performance. No wire funds were ever delivered.
After the fact the attorney has just received a Cashier's Check from Global Financial Management drawn on Chase Bank USA, delivered from Canada by DHL, for an excessive amount. The check was determined to be bogus. No watermarks visible & banking officials did confirm the check to be counterfeit.
This incident has been reported to www.IC3. Gov for investigations.
As an experienced Realtor, I have sold many homes to buyers from outside of US borders. No matter how much effort one puts into researching the prospective buyer or his references, some slip through to this level.
It appears that the activity level of this Scam involving Global Financial Management has been heightened. Note the previous posts. This event has occurred May 3.
0 comments