Information received by The Mover from IAM claims that there may be a scam operating that could catch out inexperienced or unwary movers.

Information received by The Mover from IAM claims that there may be a scam operating that could catch out inexperienced or unwary movers.  This is how it works.

The scam originated from West Africa (no great surprise there). An apparent client e-mails a legitimate moving company requesting that the mover contact an alleged ‘agent’ with logistical information and costs for delivering goods from West Africa to the U.S. The ‘client's’ e-mail is quickly followed by one from the ‘agent’ with an invoice attached. The ‘agent’ says that an air waybill will be sent, along with clearance papers for delivery of the items, but that a bank wire of an amount exceeding USD$2,000 for ‘demurrage and storage fees’ must be received before the ‘agent’ can forward details of delivery and pick-up.  Needless to say, when the cash has left the account, the client and agent are no more ….  You have been warned.