Fraudulent Check Alert!

Recently someone has been creating fraudulent Mark's Marine, Inc. checks and mailing them to people all over the country. 

Usually this operation targets someone selling product or services online.  They deliver the fraudulent check via UPS and DHL for a considerable amount over the selling price and ask the seller to wire them the difference using Western Union, etc...

Recipients of the checks who have tried to cash them have for the most part been notified immediately that the check is no good.  However, in cases where the check has been cashed and money returned to the sender, it is the person cashing the check that has become responsible for the full amount of the cashed check.

Mark's Marine, Inc. does not make purchases from individuals or businesses over the internet.  Any and all purchases made by Mark's Marine, Inc. would be done with a known and trusted supplier with whom we have an established relationship.

We have contacted all known authorities about the matter, but it seems there is little that can be done to stop this from occurring.  However, we are actively pursuing the matter, building a paper trail and contacting authorities regularly with updates.  Please read the "What Can Be Done" section if you would be willing to help.

If you believe you have received a fraudulent Mark's Marine, Inc. check, please contact us at (706) 782-5565.  Information regarding all correspondence related to your receipt of the check, including a copy of the actual check and the envelope it was received in, can be faxed to (706) 782-1427 or emailed to office@marksmarine.com and would help us considerably in trying to find out who is responsible.

Complaints can also be made at www.ic3.gov at the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Thank you,

Mark's Marine, Inc.

What You Can Do.

1.  Contact your local police or sheriff's department.

Many of the check recipients have provided the organization conducting the fraud/scam with their home address, phone number, etc...  Several have reported receiving threatening emails demanding the money be sent to them.  IF YOU FEAR FOR YOUR SAFETY OR THE SAFETY OF YOUR FAMILY CONTACT THE AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY!  Even if you do not have fears it would be very helpful if you at least file a complaint.

2.  File a Complaint at www.ic3.gov.

We are not the only company falling victim to this scam.  The more of us that file complaints, the more likely we will get authorities actively pursuing this operation.

3.  Save all information retaining to the receipt of the check.

Particularly the package the check was received in.  Save all emails.

4.  Send as much information regarding the fraudulent transaction to Mark's Marine, Inc.

Frankly, we are furious about what is going on and are actively pursing it with any and all authorities who will even listen to us.  You could help us considerably by providing us with as much information regarding the fraudulent transaction.  Your information will only be shared with authorities and never be used for any solicitations, spam, etc...

• Actual Check Received
• Package that the Check Arrived In
• Any Contact Information for the Person Who Sent the Check
• Any Email Correspondence
• Reason You Received the Check

All information should be sent to:

Martha Lee Sherman

Mark's Marine, Inc.

31 Charlie Mountain Road

Clayton, GA 30525

Phone: (706) 782-5565

Fax: (706) 782-1427

Email:  office@marksmarine.com

 

What We Know:

1.  Checks have been sent mainly to people advertising on Craig's List and all have reported selling an item or service online.

2.  Check's arrive via UPS or DHL.

3.  People in the following areas have reported receiving checks:  Georgia, Florida, California, Texas, Canada, Oregon, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Montana, DC and  Arizona.

4.  Tracking numbers show the DHL and UPS packages are originating from Washington and Georgia.  The Address written on the package are usually false and from another state.

5.  The check amount is always for more than what the seller was asking.  The organization asks the seller to send back the difference using a money gram, wire, etc...

6.  A few people have reported talking on the phone to the person sending the check and have claimed the number was local to them.