The Better Business Bureau has been made aware of a scam using the Timken Company’s UPS account to ship fraudulent checks to businesses Nationwide in exchange for services not rendered.
The scam artists are contacting businesses found on Craigslist, newspaper, and online advertisements about hiring the company to perform services. The scam artist then sends the company a fraudulent check before services are performed and tells the company accounts payable has made a mistake and instructs the business to cash the check, keep $500 for the inconvenience, and Western Union or Money Gram the rest to a UPS box. The UPS account is registered under the Timken Company’s name. The checks display a variety of legitimate business names with a PO Box 8826, Canton, OH 44711-8826 address, which is The Timken Company’s UPS address. The checks are not legitimate and if cashed, the individual is responsible for the full amount.
Timken is one of the world's leading producers of highly engineered antifriction bearings and related products and services and alloy steel and components. Timken has operations in 26 countries on six continents. Corporate Headquarters for the Timken Company is located in Canton Ohio.
A local spokesperson for the Timken Company says they have been made aware their UPS address is being used in the scam and are working with UPS to investigate the matter.
The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice to business that advertise on Craigslist, in newspapers, and online…
• Get as many details from the consumer as possible before you begin work.
• Investigate checks that appear to come from someone other than the person that hired you to do the job.
• Never cash a check from anyone that tells you to keep some of the money for your inconvenience and wire the rest back.
• Check with your local Better Business Bureau if something just doesn’t seem right.