From: "Tim" 
Newsgroups: uk.finance
Subject: Re: Money mule (type of scam)
Date: Wed, 24 Aug 2005 11:55:36 +0000 (UTC)

"john boyle" wrote
> If the drawer can duplicate all the stamps
> and computer printing and thingies ...

They wouldn't need to!

"john boyle" wrote
> ... and if the payee doesnt know what to look for, then yes.

Exactly - the common layman *wouldn't* know what to look for!
But they usually trust written notifications from their own bank.

"john boyle" wrote
> I will be bold AND SAY I THINK I would spot it though!

I would expect *you* to -- but unfortunately not the "masses" (including
myself!).

"john boyle" wrote
> But I suppose anything can be forged. Including
> a letter from the bank to say it is 'paid' when it isnt.

I would trust a letter handed-over from a bank clerk in the branch, much
more than anything the drawer gave - not forgetting, of course, that if you
trusted the drawer as much as your bank then you wouldn't even need to ask
for any proof!

"john boyle" wrote
> The payee neednt wait much longer though 'cos the real
> unpaid cheque would normally be back in his hands by day 5.

Exactly - which is why this must be the best method (wait for day 5), rather
than using 'special presentation'.