I have been approached by a company situated in Japan to be their Agent in the U.S. I was to handle payments?

Question

I was to handle payments from their customers in the U.S.A. Today I received a check in the amount of $150,000.00 in my name. It was accompanied by a letter, no letterhead, saying that one of their clients has made a partial payment to my client, check enclosed.
When I contacted this company in Japan, I was told to deposit the check into my account and
then they would give me further instructions, what do you think? I think I probably know the
answer.

Answer 1

It's probably similar to this:



Scam: Fraudulent Checks Issued in the Name of Japanese Consulate in Detroit, Michigan



http://www.fbi.gov/detroit/press-releases/2011/scam-fraudulent-checks-issued-in-the-name-of-japanese-consulate-in-detroit-michigan

Answer 2

First of all - have you signed an agency agreement with this company? Have you engaged the services of a corporate lawyer? Have you engaged a business adviser and tax adviser? Now I would do all of that before I did anything with the cheque.



Make sure everything is above board and that you are set up so you do not find yourself liable for paying taxes.



Fail to prepare - then prepare to fail. Nothing wrong with what is happening IF everything is sone properly and legally.

Answer 3

I am 100% sure the cheque will bounce and that before it comes back the company will ask you to send them the money. You will be stuck with a bounced cheque and a debt the bank wants paid NOW.



This is a well known scam...to everyone by you it seems. Either contact your local police or just cut off dealings with them. Either way, you are being scammed.

Answer 4

SCAM. if you cash the check your account will likely be overdrawn due to a bounced check.

Answer 5

Scam. Run away. Fast. Report it to the FBI.

Answer 6

Don't draw off of that check until it has REALLY cleared. B/A calls that funds collected, it can take a few weeks. 99.9999% sure it will bounce.