Scammers use phony Mass. checks on auction sites

BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Department of Revenue says scammers are using fraudulent checks bearing the name and address of the agency to bilk Craigslist sellers out of their money.

Officials say the scam begins when the buyer contacts a seller on the auction Web site about an item and sends a phony department check for more than the item's amount.

The buyer then asks for a real check in return to cover the difference between the phony check and the sales price of the item.

A seller who is victimized could deposit the bad check, send money to the scammer and ship the item all before realizing the trick.

A revenue spokesman says the hoax has shown up in other states besides Massachusetts, including Pennsylvania, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin and Kentucky.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)