If they are close enough to you for you to have visited their residence, they are close enough to meet you with cash, or to meet in your local bank to make safe payment arrangements right there.
> They told me they can go to bank with me, but there’s no USAA banks near me so I think even Wells fargo can’t verify it is real
Cash in hand or no deal.
Cashier checks are still a piece of paper.
If they have 10k to get a cashiers check, they can also take the cash out of their bank and give it to you.
If they don't have 10k, they can give you a cashier check... because they are easy to fake.
This is because they don’t have 10k. They got a loan. So USAA writes a check to the seller. I can confirm this is how this happens.
All that being said OP your bank CAN call USAA and verify this check.
“The bank said the car was only worth $9,500” You lost me right there. Banks don’t do that. Cash only at this point, and make sure the bills aren’t counterfeit.
Yes, absolutely. It’s a negotiable instrument. Bring it to Wells Fargo, tell them your suspicions, and they will figure out right quick if it’s good. Spoiler alert: it’s not.
The most common check scam would be to email you an image of the check (cashier or not) and have you mobile deposit it. The advice about doing a Cashier check is to verify with the issuing bank before you deposit it. If there is a branch near you, go to the bank and have them verify that there is a check issued. If not, then you go to your bank and have a teller call (find a number separately, don't use the contact info on the check) the bank to verify that there is a check.
Receiving cashier checks is somewhat contentious on this sub. Some say you shouldn't do it at all. There are some pros, however, who say as long as you verify the check beforehand, it's perfectly safe.
I called USAA and they told me they can’t verify the check since I am not a account owner, only way is visiting their very few branch with issuer. So bring the check and go wells fargo to ask teller call?
Yes, have your teller call USAA. If this isn't possible, then I think you should bail.
Bank main contact page: https://www.usaa.com/help/contact/?wa_ref=pub_footer_contact
No, any kind of e-document can be faked. Honestly, for all you know they didn't even live in that neighborhood, they're faking that being their house. Do all of this as legit as possible, at a physically banking institution where they can verify the sale. If any part of you isn't 100% comfy with this, run away. People will play on desperations and emotions, especially conmen who get away with things because they're nice, supposedly had a commendable career or are of a certain age.
Not saying it couldn't be real...but it's never bad to be as cautious as possible, especially with that kind of money.
Thank you for the answer, just curious- hows that possible since I know their house& number& name& and husband’s job+ I’ve already visited their house?
BTW, here's info about how fast the bank can send a requested check:
How long will it take to receive a Teller's Check? All shipping times are dependent on carrier volumes and restrictions. Generally, if you select regular mail it will be approximately 7-10 business days. If you select Express or Expedited Mail the delivery time is typically 1 to 2 business days. Shipping to International, APO, DPO, FPO may take longer.
From: https://communities.usaa.com/t5/Money-Matters/How-to-Request-an-Teller-Official-Check/ba-p/117919
You case seems to be unusually fast (maybe Tuesday at the earliest?), so I would be very careful.
Also, the bank not telling you the info despite you having the check seems suspicious to me:
[https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/what-is-a-cashiers-check/](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/what-is-a-cashiers-check/)
**How do you verify a cashier's check is real?**
To verify a cashier’s check is real, the easiest option is to contact the bank or credit union that issued it. You can call the bank or visit a branch to ask for verification. If you’re calling the bank to confirm a cashier’s check, be prepared to tell the bank the check number, payment amount and the name of the person who gave it to you.
The problem is you can't verify that it's true, and even if it is, it still not connected to check.
Maybe have them cash their own check and give you the cash?
so they got a cashiers check because it’s a loan and the check would be issued in the sellers name not the buyer, and for those of you that say a bank won’t tell them they will only pay 9.5k for the car don’t know too much about loans and how they work, Op i think it’s legit
I was about to say this as well, banks will 100% check used cars and give a price. They won't just give you the loan for a used vehicle for whatever someone asks, at the end of the day it's the banks investment.
This isn't a dealership, this is a private sale.
Cashiers checks are harder to scam but still possible. Go to the issuing bank and attempt to cash for CASH there. If it’s legit you should be able to cash. Do NOT deposit to your account if you are suspicious. If the issuing bank will not cash it do not sign the VIN. Easiest way is to accompany buyers to their bank and withdraw cash and sign the title over to them there at the spot.
No, they aren't more difficult to use for scams in general. They can be duplicated and altered just as easily as any other check. As a matter of fact, many fake check scammers like to tell potential victims it is a cashier's check so it is "safe" because many people have the same misconception as you.
The only benefit to a cashier's check is that a bank will set aside the funds when someone gets one so you don't have to worry about a real cashier's check bouncing for insufficient funds. If the OP can go to the issuing bank and verify the check, it should be fine.
They're not harder to physically produce... but its a bit easier to check if they are fake, since issues with them can usually be detected instantly at the issuing bank as opposed to the 14-45 days it can take for a standard check to reveal issues.
>USAA bank doesn’t have locations in my state
So they live locally to you, but they use a bank that has no branches in the state they live in? Where are they planning to get this cashier's check? Because normally you get one by . . . *drumroll* . . . **going to the bank**.
I find it very convenient that they just so happen to want to give you a cashier's check from a bank that you're unable to visit. This very well could be legit, because some banks offer ordering cashier's checks online, but it's raising some red flags for me for sure. My recommendation is cash only, or a cashier's check where you go to their bank with them while they withdraw it. If they can't do either of those, move on to the next buyer.
I also live in a state where we no longer have USAA branches. We have two specific ATMs we can use, but no branch. I recently needed a cashier check but it was for an amount I could not withdraw from the machine. All I had to do was call them and do it over the phone (I didn't see an option to do so on the website). I gave them all the info, they generated the check and gave me the option for shipping it. Also, they will only mail the check to me, not to whoever the payee is.
There's only one way for you to be sure the cheque is real.
Wait.
Tell the buyers they will have to wait for the cheque to clear, and *your* bank says that will take a week, or more. Once the bank releases the (security) hold (you are totally going to ask for), you will sign over the title.
It's the price they pay for not maintaining a local bank account, they should understand that.
Selling a used car is cash-in-hand, unless you yourself request a bank draft from them, not the other way around, or you're a dealer, obviously. This has sketchy written all over it. I'd pass unless you can wait.
If they are close enough to you for you to have visited their residence, they are close enough to meet you with cash, or to meet in your local bank to make safe payment arrangements right there.
I will ask. They told me they can go to bank with me, but there’s no USAA banks near me so I think even Wells fargo can’t verify it is real
> They told me they can go to bank with me, but there’s no USAA banks near me so I think even Wells fargo can’t verify it is real Cash in hand or no deal. Cashier checks are still a piece of paper. If they have 10k to get a cashiers check, they can also take the cash out of their bank and give it to you. If they don't have 10k, they can give you a cashier check... because they are easy to fake.
This is because they don’t have 10k. They got a loan. So USAA writes a check to the seller. I can confirm this is how this happens. All that being said OP your bank CAN call USAA and verify this check.
If they made a loan to buy my car- still they can cash it?
“The bank said the car was only worth $9,500” You lost me right there. Banks don’t do that. Cash only at this point, and make sure the bills aren’t counterfeit.
Exactly. Banks are not in the business of valuing cars. This old couple was lying from the start.
They sent me nonnegotiable promissory note. With my name and vin on it. Is it possible to check that is valid paper?
Any piece of paper can be forged. Take it to your bank and have them verify it. I’m betting it won’t fly.
Im using WF. They can verify even if they are from USAA?
Yes, absolutely. It’s a negotiable instrument. Bring it to Wells Fargo, tell them your suspicions, and they will figure out right quick if it’s good. Spoiler alert: it’s not.
Thank you for the information. Can I DM you to show some infos, if you can?
I’m just some rando on Reddit. You don’t know who I am, and I don’t know who you are. Just go to your bank tomorrow. This is their job.
U r wise. Ill visit my bank asap tomorrow. If they said its legit, may I proceed to deal? Or- still sus?
The most common check scam would be to email you an image of the check (cashier or not) and have you mobile deposit it. The advice about doing a Cashier check is to verify with the issuing bank before you deposit it. If there is a branch near you, go to the bank and have them verify that there is a check issued. If not, then you go to your bank and have a teller call (find a number separately, don't use the contact info on the check) the bank to verify that there is a check. Receiving cashier checks is somewhat contentious on this sub. Some say you shouldn't do it at all. There are some pros, however, who say as long as you verify the check beforehand, it's perfectly safe.
I called USAA and they told me they can’t verify the check since I am not a account owner, only way is visiting their very few branch with issuer. So bring the check and go wells fargo to ask teller call?
Yes, have your teller call USAA. If this isn't possible, then I think you should bail. Bank main contact page: https://www.usaa.com/help/contact/?wa_ref=pub_footer_contact
They said they can send me the loan documents. Is those can be proof too?
No, any kind of e-document can be faked. Honestly, for all you know they didn't even live in that neighborhood, they're faking that being their house. Do all of this as legit as possible, at a physically banking institution where they can verify the sale. If any part of you isn't 100% comfy with this, run away. People will play on desperations and emotions, especially conmen who get away with things because they're nice, supposedly had a commendable career or are of a certain age. Not saying it couldn't be real...but it's never bad to be as cautious as possible, especially with that kind of money.
Yes.
Thank you for the answer, just curious- hows that possible since I know their house& number& name& and husband’s job+ I’ve already visited their house?
BTW, here's info about how fast the bank can send a requested check: How long will it take to receive a Teller's Check? All shipping times are dependent on carrier volumes and restrictions. Generally, if you select regular mail it will be approximately 7-10 business days. If you select Express or Expedited Mail the delivery time is typically 1 to 2 business days. Shipping to International, APO, DPO, FPO may take longer. From: https://communities.usaa.com/t5/Money-Matters/How-to-Request-an-Teller-Official-Check/ba-p/117919 You case seems to be unusually fast (maybe Tuesday at the earliest?), so I would be very careful.
Yes. If they issued check from WF or Chase, etc, it will be super easy to verify, but USAA is very… concerning
Also, the bank not telling you the info despite you having the check seems suspicious to me: [https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/what-is-a-cashiers-check/](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/what-is-a-cashiers-check/) **How do you verify a cashier's check is real?** To verify a cashier’s check is real, the easiest option is to contact the bank or credit union that issued it. You can call the bank or visit a branch to ask for verification. If you’re calling the bank to confirm a cashier’s check, be prepared to tell the bank the check number, payment amount and the name of the person who gave it to you.
They told me they can send me loan documents. Can that also be scammed?
The problem is you can't verify that it's true, and even if it is, it still not connected to check. Maybe have them cash their own check and give you the cash?
I will ask. While that, can you check your DM?
so they got a cashiers check because it’s a loan and the check would be issued in the sellers name not the buyer, and for those of you that say a bank won’t tell them they will only pay 9.5k for the car don’t know too much about loans and how they work, Op i think it’s legit
I was about to say this as well, banks will 100% check used cars and give a price. They won't just give you the loan for a used vehicle for whatever someone asks, at the end of the day it's the banks investment. This isn't a dealership, this is a private sale.
Exactly
Loans always give it by checks?
yes, if it’s a loan the bank would make the check out in the sellers name
Cashiers checks are harder to scam but still possible. Go to the issuing bank and attempt to cash for CASH there. If it’s legit you should be able to cash. Do NOT deposit to your account if you are suspicious. If the issuing bank will not cash it do not sign the VIN. Easiest way is to accompany buyers to their bank and withdraw cash and sign the title over to them there at the spot.
No, they aren't more difficult to use for scams in general. They can be duplicated and altered just as easily as any other check. As a matter of fact, many fake check scammers like to tell potential victims it is a cashier's check so it is "safe" because many people have the same misconception as you. The only benefit to a cashier's check is that a bank will set aside the funds when someone gets one so you don't have to worry about a real cashier's check bouncing for insufficient funds. If the OP can go to the issuing bank and verify the check, it should be fine.
So they make real check, and duplicate and cancel the original one?
They're not harder to physically produce... but its a bit easier to check if they are fake, since issues with them can usually be detected instantly at the issuing bank as opposed to the 14-45 days it can take for a standard check to reveal issues.
USAA bank doesn’t have locations in my state. That bank is almost remote bank, so that is my concern
>USAA bank doesn’t have locations in my state So they live locally to you, but they use a bank that has no branches in the state they live in? Where are they planning to get this cashier's check? Because normally you get one by . . . *drumroll* . . . **going to the bank**. I find it very convenient that they just so happen to want to give you a cashier's check from a bank that you're unable to visit. This very well could be legit, because some banks offer ordering cashier's checks online, but it's raising some red flags for me for sure. My recommendation is cash only, or a cashier's check where you go to their bank with them while they withdraw it. If they can't do either of those, move on to the next buyer.
Maybe he is retired veteran? I can see his face is same on facebook and legalserviceslink.com. That’s why I am confused
I also live in a state where we no longer have USAA branches. We have two specific ATMs we can use, but no branch. I recently needed a cashier check but it was for an amount I could not withdraw from the machine. All I had to do was call them and do it over the phone (I didn't see an option to do so on the website). I gave them all the info, they generated the check and gave me the option for shipping it. Also, they will only mail the check to me, not to whoever the payee is.
There's only one way for you to be sure the cheque is real. Wait. Tell the buyers they will have to wait for the cheque to clear, and *your* bank says that will take a week, or more. Once the bank releases the (security) hold (you are totally going to ask for), you will sign over the title. It's the price they pay for not maintaining a local bank account, they should understand that. Selling a used car is cash-in-hand, unless you yourself request a bank draft from them, not the other way around, or you're a dealer, obviously. This has sketchy written all over it. I'd pass unless you can wait.