I Sold My Couch Online & Got a Fake Check for MORE Than the Price! The Overpayment Scam.
Sarah sold her couch for $300 on Facebook Marketplace. The buyer sent a check for $1,800, claiming it was an error by their “assistant” and asked Sarah to deposit it, keep her $300, and wire back the extra $1,500. Sarah recognized this as an overpayment scam. The buyer’s check is fake and will eventually bounce, but by then, Sarah would have already sent her real money to the scammer, leaving her out $1,500.
The ‘Mystery Shopper’ Check Was Fake: How I Almost Lost $2000
Liam was “hired” as a mystery shopper. His first assignment came with a check for $2,500. He was instructed to deposit it, evaluate a store by purchasing $2,000 in gift cards, keep $300 as his pay, and send the gift card codes to his “supervisor.” The check was counterfeit. Had he proceeded, his bank would eventually reclaim the $2,500 from his account, leaving him responsible for the $2,000 spent on gift cards that went to the scammer.
Hired for a ‘Work From Home’ Job, First Paycheck Bounced (Fake Check Scam)
Maria was excited about her new remote data entry job. She received her first “paycheck” for $1,900 via mail, with instructions to deposit it and then purchase $1,500 worth of specific “office software” from a designated online vendor using the funds. The check bounced days after she “bought” the software (from the scammer’s fake site). The job was a front for a fake check scam, designed to trick her into sending her own money for non-existent goods.
That ‘Grant Money’ Check in the Mail? 100% Fake. Here’s Why.
Ben received an unsolicited letter and a check for $3,500, supposedly from a federal grant program he never applied for. The letter instructed him to deposit the check and send a $300 “processing fee” via wire transfer to activate the full grant. Governments don’t award grants this way, nor do they send checks requiring you to pay a fee to unlock them. The check was undoubtedly fake, part of an advance fee fraud.
How Fake Check Scams Work: The Bank Makes Funds Available, Then Reverses
Chloe deposited a check from an online buyer. Her bank made the funds “available” in her account within a day or two, so she thought the check had cleared and shipped the item. Weeks later, the bank notified her the check was fraudulent and debited the full amount from her account. By law, banks must make funds from deposited checks available quickly, but it can take weeks to discover a check is fake. Victims are liable for any money withdrawn or sent based on that bad check.
The Car Wrap Advertising Scam: They Sent a Fake Check to ‘Cover Costs’
David signed up for a car wrap advertising gig promising $400 a week. He received a check for $2,900, told to deposit it, keep his first $400 payment, and wire $2,500 to a “specialist” who would install the wrap. The check was fake. This common scam uses the lure of easy money to get victims to cash fraudulent checks and wire real money to the scammers before the check bounces, leaving the victim indebted.
Won a ‘Prize’ and Got a Check to Cover Taxes? It’s a Scam!
Sarah received a notification she’d won $10,000 in a sweepstakes, along with a check for $2,500. The letter instructed her to deposit the check and use $2,000 of it to immediately pay “mandatory prize taxes” to a “tax agent” via wire transfer. Legitimate sweepstakes don’t send checks to cover taxes or fees, nor do they ask you to wire tax payments to third parties. The prize and the check are fake.
Selling Something Online? Beware Buyers Who ‘Accidentally’ Overpay
Liam was selling a camera online for $500. A buyer offered to send a certified check and “accidentally” sent one for $2,000, asking Liam to deposit it and return the $1,500 overage via Zelle. This is a classic overpayment scam. The buyer’s check is fraudulent. If Liam sent the “extra” money, he’d be out $1,500 when the check eventually bounced. Always refuse overpayments.
The Rental Deposit Overpayment Scam: Landlords and Renters Targeted
Maria, a landlord, received a deposit check for $3,000 from a prospective tenant for a $1,000/month rental. The “tenant” then had an emergency and asked her to wire back $2,000. Renters can also be targeted if they receive a “refund” check that’s too large. In both cases, the initial check is fake. The scammer hopes to get real money wired before the fraud is discovered.
Why Scammers Want You to Wire Back the ‘Extra’ Money from a Fake Check
Ben deposited an overpayment check. The scammer urgently insisted he wire back the “excess” funds immediately, claiming a dire need. Scammers prefer wire transfers (or gift cards/cash apps) for the “refund” because these methods are fast, difficult to trace, and almost impossible to reverse once the money is sent. They want the victim’s real money in their hands before the fake check inevitably bounces.
My Bank Cashed a Fake Check, Then Took the Money Back From MY Account
Chloe deposited a check from a buyer. The teller accepted it, and the funds appeared in her account. Thinking it was legitimate, she sent the merchandise. Later, the bank informed her the check was counterfeit and withdrew the full amount from her account, leaving her overdrawn. Even if a bank initially accepts a check or makes funds available, they can (and will) reclaim the money from the depositor if the check is later found to be fraudulent.
How to Spot a Fake Check: Security Features (Or Lack Thereof)
David received a check that felt flimsy, had a blurry logo, no perforated edge, and the routing number seemed off. He took it to his bank, who confirmed it was likely fake. Fake checks often lack security features like watermarks or microprinting, may have inconsistent fonts, feel like cheap paper, or contain typos. If a check seems suspicious, don’t deposit it; ask your bank to verify its authenticity first.
The ‘Secret Shopper’ Assignment Involving Cashing a Check and Buying Gift Cards
Sarah was “hired” as a secret shopper. Her first task: deposit a $1,800 check, use $1,500 to buy gift cards from various stores (and send the codes to her “manager” for “verification”), and keep $300 as payment. The check was fake. This scam uses the allure of a job to trick victims into cashing bad checks and sending the scammers untraceable gift card codes, leaving the victim liable for the bounced check.
Never Spend Money from a Check Until It Officially CLEARS (Which Takes Weeks!)
Liam deposited a buyer’s check. His bank statement showed the funds as “available” the next day. However, “available” doesn’t mean “cleared” or “good.” It can take weeks for a check to travel through the banking system and for a fake to be discovered. Only after a check has officially cleared (confirm with your bank) are the funds truly yours. Spending or sending money before that is risky.
The Online Tutor Who Got Paid With a Fake Check for ‘Supplies’
Maria, an online tutor, was “hired” by a new client who sent a check for $1,200, telling her to deduct her $200 tutoring fee and use the remaining $1,000 to buy special “learning materials” for the student from a specific online vendor. The check and the vendor were both part of the scam. She would have lost $1,000 if she’d purchased the non-existent supplies.
Overpayment Scams on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay
Ben was selling furniture on Craigslist. Multiple “buyers” offered to send a check for more than the asking price, asking him to forward the difference to their “movers.” These overpayment scams are rampant on online marketplaces. Scammers target sellers with these too-good-to-be-true offers, relying on the seller depositing a fake check and sending real money before the fraud is detected. Always be wary of overpayments.
The ‘Lottery Winnings’ Check That Came With Instructions to Send Back Fees
Chloe received a letter announcing she’d won a $25,000 lottery, accompanied by a check for $4,500. The instructions were to deposit the check and immediately wire $3,000 to cover “taxes and administrative fees” to release the full winnings. The lottery “win” and the check were both fraudulent. Legitimate lotteries never send checks to cover fees or ask winners to wire money back.
How Scammers Get Your Address to Mail You Fake Checks
David wondered how scammers got his address to mail him a fake grant check. Scammers obtain addresses from various sources: if you’re selling something online and provide it for shipping/pickup, from public records, data breaches, or if you previously filled out a form for a fake job or prize. They don’t always need a specific reason related to you; sometimes they conduct mass mailings.
The ‘Inheritance Payout’ via Check: Another Advance Fee Fraud Variant
Sarah received a letter from a “law firm” informing her of an unexpected inheritance of $50,000 from a distant relative. Enclosed was a check for $5,000, with instructions to deposit it and send $3,500 to cover “estate taxes and legal fees” to facilitate the full payout. The inheritance was fictional, and the check was fake, designed to trick her into paying bogus advance fees.
If the Story Involves You Sending Money Back for ANY Reason, It’s a Scam
Liam was selling a bike. The buyer sent an overpayment check and asked him to send the extra money to a “shipping agent.” He remembered a key rule: if any transaction involves you receiving a check (especially for more than the agreed amount) and then being asked to send a portion of that money back or to a third party for any reason (overpayment, fees, taxes, shipping), it is almost certainly a fake check scam.
The Relief of Realizing the Check Was Fake BEFORE I Sent Money
Maria received an overpayment check from an online buyer with a convoluted story. Something felt off. She took the check to her bank and asked them to verify it before depositing. They identified it as likely fraudulent. The relief of realizing it was a scam before she lost any money or merchandise was immense. Always trust your gut and verify suspicious checks.
What to Do If You Receive an Unsolicited Check in the Mail
Ben received an unexpected check in the mail with a letter about winning a prize he didn’t enter. He knew not to deposit it. If you receive an unsolicited check, especially if it comes with instructions to send money somewhere: Do not deposit it. Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS if mailed), and the National Consumers League. You can then shred it.
The Psychology of Fake Check Scams: Making You Feel Obligated or Lucky
Chloe received an overpayment check. The “buyer” pleaded for her to quickly return the extra funds due to an “urgent family emergency.” This tactic creates a sense of obligation. Other fake check scams (like prize wins) make victims feel lucky. Scammers exploit these emotions – obligation, excitement, greed, or kindness – to make victims act quickly without scrutinizing the situation or the check itself.
How These Scams Are Often Tied to Fake Job Offers or Sweepstakes Wins
David was “hired” for a work-from-home job and received a check to buy equipment. Sarah “won” a sweepstakes and got a check to cover taxes. Both checks were fake. Fake check scams are frequently intertwined with other types of fraud, such as employment scams (checks for supplies/salary) or lottery/sweepstakes scams (checks for fees/taxes). The fake check is the tool used to extract real money from the victim.
Reporting Fake Check Scams: Who to Contact (FTC, USPIS)
Liam received a fake check through the mail for an online sale. He reported it to the Federal Trade Commission (ReportFraud.ftc.gov) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (uspis.gov/report), as mail fraud is a federal crime. He also notified the online platform where he encountered the scammer. Reporting helps authorities track these crimes and can prevent others from being victimized.
The ‘Financial Aid’ Check for Students That Was Totally Bogus
Maria, a college student, received a letter and a check for $2,800, supposedly from a “Student Financial Aid Grant.” She was instructed to deposit it and send $500 for “registration fees” to an administrator. This is a scam targeting students. Legitimate financial aid is disbursed through the school’s financial aid office, not via unsolicited checks requiring upfront fees.
Scammers Using Real Company Names on Fake Checks
Ben received a check that appeared to be drawn on a legitimate, well-known company’s bank account. However, the check itself was counterfeit. Scammers often print fake checks using the names and sometimes even stolen account numbers of real businesses to make them appear more authentic. The presence of a real company name doesn’t guarantee the check is valid.
The Emotional and Financial Fallout of Falling for a Fake Check Scam
Chloe deposited a fake check, sent merchandise, and wired “overpayment” funds. When the check bounced, she was out several thousand dollars and her bank account was overdrawn. The financial loss was significant, but the feelings of foolishness, betrayal, and stress were also deeply impactful. These scams can have severe emotional and financial consequences for victims.
Why Banks Initially Make Funds Available from Bad Checks (And Why It’s Tricky)
David wondered why his bank let him withdraw funds from a check that later turned out to be fake. Federal regulations (like Regulation CC) require banks to make deposited funds available to customers relatively quickly, often within a few business days. However, this “availability” doesn’t mean the check is good. It can take weeks for the check to actually clear or be identified as fraudulent by the banking system.
The ‘Art Model’ Scam: Paid with a Fake Check, Asked to Send Money to ‘Photographer’
Sarah responded to an ad for an art model. She was “hired” and sent a check for $2,500. She was told to keep $500 as her fee and send $2,000 to the “photographer” to cover studio rental and supplies. The check was fake. This is a common scam in creative fields, using a job pretext to pass a bad check and extract real money.
How to Protect Yourself When Selling Goods Online from Overpayment Scams
Liam sells items on Facebook Marketplace. To protect himself, he never accepts checks for more than the asking price, prefers cash for local pickups or secure payment apps (like PayPal Goods & Services, not Friends & Family, for shipped items), and waits for any e-payments to fully clear and be verified before shipping. He’s wary of buyers with convoluted stories or urgent demands.
The ‘Business Investment’ Opportunity That Started With a Large, Fake Check
Maria was approached with a “lucrative business investment.” To get started, she received a “seed money” check for $10,000, with instructions to deposit it and then immediately wire $8,000 to another “partner” to secure initial inventory. The check was, of course, fake. This scam uses the allure of a business opportunity to pass a fraudulent check and steal the victim’s funds.
If a Buyer Insists on Using a Specific (Unusual) Payment Method, Be Wary
Ben was selling a laptop. A buyer insisted on paying with a certified check mailed via overnight courier and refused PayPal or local pickup, even though they claimed to be nearby. This insistence on a specific, somewhat cumbersome payment method that facilitates overpayment can be a red flag. Scammers often dictate payment terms that suit their fraudulent check scheme.
The Scammer Used a Sob Story to Explain the Overpayment
Chloe received an overpayment check. The buyer claimed their elderly parent, who helps with their finances, made a mistake due to poor eyesight and was very distressed. They pleaded for Chloe to quickly wire back the difference. Scammers often use emotional sob stories to explain overpayments and pressure victims into acting quickly out of sympathy, before they realize the check is fake.
My Experience Trying to Get Money Back After a Fake Check Scam (Difficult!)
David fell victim to an overpayment scam and wired $1,500 before the fake check bounced. He reported it to his bank, the FTC, and police. Unfortunately, because wire transfers are like sending cash, recovering the money was nearly impossible. His bank held him responsible for the bounced check. This highlights the difficulty in recouping losses from these scams.
Educating Young Adults About Fake Check Scams: They’re Often Targeted
Sarah, a college student, learned about fake check scams after a friend almost fell for one tied to a “too good to be true” summer job. Young adults, often new to managing finances or seeking their first jobs, can be prime targets. Education about these scams, especially the fact that “available funds” doesn’t mean a check is good, is crucial.
The ‘Pay Off Your Debts’ Check From an Unknown ‘Benefactor’ – Scam!
Liam received an unexpected check for $5,000 in the mail with a letter from an anonymous “benefactor” wanting to help people pay off debts. The letter instructed him to deposit the check and then send a 10% “gratitude fee” to a specified charity (which was also fake). Unsolicited checks from unknown sources, especially those requiring you to send money somewhere, are always scams.
How Scammers Use High-Quality Printing for Surprisingly Realistic Fake Checks
Maria received a cashier’s check that looked incredibly authentic, with watermarks and official bank logos. Only when her bank examined it closely did they spot subtle signs of forgery. Scammers now use sophisticated printing technology to create high-quality counterfeit checks, including cashier’s checks and money orders, making them harder to detect by eye alone. Always have your bank verify any suspicious check.
The Link Between Overpayment Scams and Money Muling
Ben was asked to deposit an overpayment check and wire the excess to an overseas account. This process can inadvertently involve the victim in money muling – helping criminals move illicit funds. While the primary goal is often to steal from the victim directly, the movement of funds can also be part of broader money laundering operations.
If You Get a Fake Check, Don’t Just Throw It Away – Report It!
Chloe received a fake check in the mail for a prize she didn’t win. Instead of just discarding it, she reported it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (since it came via mail) and the FTC, providing images of the check and envelope. Reporting provides authorities with valuable evidence to track and combat these fraud operations.
The ‘Home Repair’ Contractor Who Overpaid Me ‘By Mistake’ With a Fake Check
David hired a contractor who then “accidentally” sent him a check for $1,000 more than the estimate, asking David to deposit it and give him the $1,000 difference in cash. This can be a scam targeting homeowners, using a service pretext to pass a bad check. Verify any contractor’s legitimacy and be extremely wary of overpayments, especially if cash back is requested.
Why You Should NEVER Accept a Check for More Than Your Asking Price
Sarah listed a textbook for $50. A buyer offered $250 via check, asking her to send the extra $200 to their “cousin” who needed it. Sarah declined. Accepting a check for more than your agreed price is the number one setup for an overpayment scam. There is no legitimate reason for a buyer to send you significantly more money than you are owed.
The Pressure Tactic: Scammers Urging You to Deposit the Check Quickly
Liam received an overpayment check. The “buyer” immediately started calling and texting, pressuring him to deposit the check “right away” and wire back the excess because of an “urgent situation.” Scammers use pressure tactics to get victims to act before they have time to think critically, consult others, or allow the bank sufficient time to discover the check is fake.
Fake Cashier’s Checks and Money Orders: They Can Be Counterfeited Too!
Maria thought a cashier’s check was as good as cash. A buyer for her antique lamp sent a cashier’s check for $300 more than the price, asking for the difference back. The cashier’s check turned out to be a high-quality counterfeit. Scammers can fake any type of paper payment, including those perceived as more secure like cashier’s checks or postal money orders. Treat them all with caution.
The ‘Computer for Your New Job’ Check: They Want You to Buy From Their ‘Vendor’
Ben was “hired” for a remote job and received a check for $2,800. He was instructed to use $2,500 of it to purchase a specific laptop and software from the company’s “approved vendor” (whose website link they provided). The check was fake, and the “vendor” was part of the scam, designed to steal his money. Legitimate employers provide equipment or use standard reimbursement processes.
How I Verified a Check Was Real Before Shipping My Item (And Dodged a Scam)
Chloe received a check from an online buyer. Before shipping her valuable item, she called the issuing bank (using a number she found independently, not from the check) and asked to verify the check details (account number, check number, amount). The bank confirmed no such check had been issued from that account. This crucial verification step saved her from a loss.
The International Buyer Overpayment Scam: Extra Complications
David was selling specialized equipment. An international buyer offered to pay with a check, overpaid significantly, and asked him to wire the excess to a “shipping agent” in another country. International fake check scams add layers of complexity (currency conversion, international wire transfers) that can make them seem more plausible or harder to unwind, but the core scam is the same: the check is bad.
Always Wait for Funds to Be Irrevocably Yours, Not Just ‘Available’
Sarah learned the hard way that “funds available” in her bank account did not mean a deposited check was good. She now waits until her bank explicitly confirms a check has fully and finally cleared and the funds are irrevocably credited (which can take weeks) before considering the money hers or acting upon it, especially in transactions with unknown parties.
The Long-Term Damage a Fake Check Scam Can Do to Your Bank Account History
Liam fell for a fake check scam. Not only did he lose the money he wired, but his bank also charged him fees for the bounced check, and the incident was noted on his account history. Repeatedly depositing bad checks (even as a victim) can lead a bank to close your account or make it difficult to open new accounts elsewhere.
Spread the Word: The More People Know, The Fewer Victims of Fake Checks
After encountering an overpayment scam, Maria made sure to tell her friends, family, and colleagues about how these scams work, emphasizing the dangers of overpayment checks and the delay in discovering fakes. Raising awareness about the red flags and mechanics of fake check scams is one of the most effective ways to prevent others from becoming victims.