is this a cheque scam?

camz09

A few days ago, my dad received a cheque on the post from HSBC UK with his name on it and the amount of 5,800 euros. Signed and everything. One was "real" pen and another beside it boilerplate type signature. The cheque looks authentic enough, posted from UK Royal mail..But we have no idea who or what or why he would receive such a cheque much less that amount. So this must be some kind of scam right? Searching through here and google haven't really shed light on this. Anyone have any experience? Seems too good to be true, wouldn't want to lodge it and then get sued or something. Would contacting HSBC here help??

mp22

He probably won the lottery,spend it all.

Orim

1. Cash Cheque
2. Withdraw Funds
3. ?????
4. Profit

Can't see any scam possibility in it and I can't see what anyone could do about it.

CreepingDeath

Orim wrote: »

Can't see any scam possibility in it and I can't see what anyone could do about it.

With a cheque alone... no.

But if it's a scam, someone will follow up with a letter or phone call, claiming to be the cheque writer or claiming to be from HSBC, and asking you to transfer the money back to them.

It could also be identify theft.

Where someone pretended to be your Dad, and applied for a loan in their name.
But the bank in question sent it to your Dad directly, not to the fake applicant.

Contact hsbc directly... do not trust anyone who rings up and claims to be from HSBC themselves.

Rhinocharge

camz09 wrote: »

A few days ago, my dad received a cheque on the post from HSBC UK with his name on it and the amount of 5,800 euros. Signed and everything. One was "real" pen and another beside it boilerplate type signature. The cheque looks authentic enough, posted from UK Royal mail..But we have no idea who or what or why he would receive such a cheque much less that amount. So this must be some kind of scam right? Searching through here and google haven't really shed light on this. Anyone have any experience? Seems too good to be true, wouldn't want to lodge it and then get sued or something. Would contacting HSBC here help??

First protocol contact the bank.
Use the ID code on the base of the cheque to track with the bank.

If it's a scam it will fall like this, you lodge the cheque, it takes 10+ days to clear, they contact your father & tell him they sent too much, could he reimburse them back the difference.
The cheque bounces, if you send back a cheque you're out of pocket.
Old trick.

PizzamanIRL

You don't get €5,800 for no reason. It must be a mistake/scam

Fr_Dougal

It's 100% legit.

It's part of the new "Here's free money from the bank" scheme that all the banks have launched over the last few weeks.

The banks, terribly nice guys.

jordainius

Try and cash it. Nothing to lose.

A lot to potentially gain, google "Man 1 Bank 0", some jammy bastard cashed a $95000 cheque which was clearly a fake, stupid bank, when the bank realised their mistake, tried to sue him. Cue much legal wrangling, long story short, he got to keep the money in the end!

paradisepaddy

interested to hear how this pans out. Please do keep us updated.

PP

Capt'n Midnight

jordainius wrote: »

Try and cash it. Nothing to lose.

Banks will charge you about €4 if you lodge a cheque that bounces. Some will charge a lot more.

MadsL

Fr_Dougal wrote: »

It's 100% legit.

It's part of the new "Here's free money from the bank" scheme that all the banks have launched over the last few weeks.

The banks, terribly nice guys.

Use it as a deposit on a house, you have been "pre-approved" for a 110% mortage.

Book the holiday in Dubai next. There's still time to nip to NY for the Xmas shopping.

gabsdot40

jordainius wrote: »

Try and cash it. Nothing to lose.

A lot to potentially gain, google "Man 1 Bank 0", some jammy bastard cashed a $95000 cheque which was clearly a fake, stupid bank, when the bank realised their mistake, tried to sue him. Cue much legal wrangling, long story short, he got to keep the money in the end!

I saw his one man show and he didn't keep the money.

Mince Pie

Did he ever have a loan or credit card from HSBC? The only thing I can think of is that banks ARE actually sending out cheques direct to customers for missold PPI.
I'd give them a buzz although prepare to be on hold to Bangalore for a good while.