Scam library
Fake checks and overpayments
A check appears in your balance, then the sender asks you to send some of the money elsewhere.
What it looks like
Fictional example: I sent $2,400 for the childcare deposit by mistake. Keep $400 and transfer the remaining $2,000 today.
Fictional example: Deposit this check, keep your fee, and pay our equipment supplier at example.com/supplier.
How it works
Someone sends a counterfeit or stolen check and asks you to return an overpayment or pay another person. Your bank may make funds available before discovering the problem. When the deposit is reversed, the money you sent can become your loss.
Warning signs
- The check exceeds the agreed amount.
- You must pay another person using money from the check.
- The sender treats an available balance as proof the check is genuine.
- They insist on a transfer before your bank can investigate.
If you got one of these
- Do not deposit a suspicious check or spend money from one already deposited.
- Do not send an overpayment back yourself.
- Contact your bank fraud line and explain the entire arrangement.
- Keep the check, envelope, messages, and payment instructions.
If you already paid or shared something
- Tell your bank immediately that the incoming check may be fraudulent.
- Contact the service used for the outgoing payment and request cancellation or recovery.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and include both the check and outgoing payment details.
Who gets targeted
Caregivers, freelancers, sellers, students, and anyone receiving a check from someone they have not verified.