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Fake Check & Overpayment Scams
Scammers send real-looking checks, ask you to deposit them and wire back the "overpayment" — then the check bounces and you owe the bank.
$28M+
Annual losses (US)
27,000+ annually (US)
Reported victims/year
Report Now
FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
🎭 How Scammers Do It: Tactics
- ▸ Send legitimate-looking check as payment for a Craigslist or Facebook item
- ▸ Check is for more than agreed price — ask victim to wire back the difference
- ▸ Use in mystery shopper, caregiver, lottery, or job offer schemes
- ▸ Check takes days to bounce — victim has already sent the wire transfer
- ▸ Obtain victim's banking information through the deposit process
- ▸ Use high-quality counterfeit checks that fool bank tellers
🚩 Red Flags: Stop If You See These
⚠ Buyer sends a check for more than the purchase price
⚠ Asked to wire back the "overpayment" immediately
⚠ Check arrives before you have agreed on a price
⚠ Buyer is from another country or cannot meet in person
⚠ Urgency to cash the check and send money right away
⚠ Payment method does not match the transaction type
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
1. Never accept a check for more than the agreed amount
2. Wait for checks to fully clear before spending the funds (not just appearing)
3. For in-person transactions, accept cash or verified bank transfers only
4. Know that banks can hold checks for days and you are responsible if it bounces
5. Ignore any overpayment and ask the buyer to send a new correct amount
6. Use verified payment methods like PayPal Goods and Services for extra protection
📋 How to Report This Scam
Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state attorney general.