Message from Leandra Williams, Region III Representative

Scam Targeting Interpreters

As our Region III Representative, there is something happening that I think you should be aware of.  It involves a serious scam that is actually targeting Sign Language interpreters.  The perpetrators are contacting interpreters under the auspices of hiring them to interpret for an event, conference or function.  Once contact is established, interpreters are receiving advance payment for services, often in amounts above and beyond what was initially discussed.  These may come in the form of checks or money orders.  Then at some point, the hiring entity will send the interpreter a message stating they are sorry for the "overpayment" asking them to go ahead and cash those into their accounts and just wire the money back to the so-called company.  This is a scam. Please DO NOT cash any of these over-payments from anyone. 

1) If you cash those money orders or checks into your account, then they can lawfully gain access to your name, which bank you use and your account number.

2) These "over-payments" are actually stolen money orders or fake checks.  Once discovered, then it will be your bank account that the funds will be deducted, leaving you in the hole, and the "cash" that you wired back to the company is long gone.

Normally, I do not forward these types of emails to everyone, but since it has affected people we know and work with, and it is specifically directed to our profession, I thought it prudent to let you know.

Leandra Williams
RID Region III Representative
R3Rocks@aol.com