The fake-check overpayment

Someone sends you a check for more than you're owed, then asks you to wire back the overage—but the check bounces later, leaving you responsible.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z

How it works

You're offered money (for selling something, a job, a prize, or a loan) and receive a check that seems legitimate. The sender then contacts you with urgency, saying there was an 'accounting error' and asks you to wire or transfer the extra funds back quickly. By the time you discover the check is fake, you've already sent real money from your own account.

What it can look like

You list an item for sale online. A buyer sends a check for $500 more than the agreed price, then emails saying they overpaid by mistake and urgently need you to wire the difference to a shipping company. You deposit the check, send the money, and weeks later your bank tells you the check was counterfeit.

How it unfolds

Scams like this follow a pattern. Knowing the arc helps you notice where you are — and step away before the ask.

You receive a check in the mail or email—sometimes for a job, sale, or prize. The amount is larger than expected or agreed upon. A friendly person explains it was sent by mistake and asks you to deposit it and wire back the difference.

The check clears in your bank account within a few days. You feel reassured and begin to trust the person. They thank you warmly and may ask you to send the refund quickly or mention they're in a hurry.

You wire the money back or send funds by gift card, transfer, or cash. Days or weeks later, your bank tells you the check was fake all along—but your own money is already gone to the scammer.

Stop here: If you haven't sent any money back yet, do not send anything. If someone is pressuring you to act fast, that is a red flag. Verify the check independently with your bank before moving any funds.

Red flags

You receive a check for more than the amount owed or agreed upon.
The sender pressures you to refund or wire money quickly, citing an 'error' or time constraint.
The check looks real but comes from an unfamiliar or suspicious source.
You're asked to wire money to a third party (not the person who sent the check).
The sender avoids meeting in person or insists on remote payment methods.

What to do

Never wire money or transfer funds based on a check you've just deposited—wait at least two weeks for the bank to fully clear it.
If someone pressures you to send money back quickly, pause and contact your bank directly (use the number on your card, not one provided by the caller).
Report the scam attempt to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

If it already happened

Acting quickly can limit the damage. You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

Contact your bank or financial institution right away. Tell them you deposited a fraudulent check and sent money to a scammer. Ask them to freeze or reverse any outgoing transfer if possible, and to document the fraud in your account.
If you sent money via wire transfer, gift card, or cash app, contact that service immediately with your transaction details. Some transfers can be stopped or reversed if caught quickly.
Keep all messages, emails, photos, and records of the check and your communications with the scammer. Write down dates, names, phone numbers, and account details you used.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Include all records and details about how you were contacted and what happened.

Sources

Guidance on this page draws on public, authoritative consumer-protection resources (verified live 2026-07-10). Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z.

Spotted this or lost money? Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This is general educational information, not legal or financial advice — and ScamVet never asks for your identity or account details.

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