SCAM LIBRARY · MONEY & PAYMENT

The fake-check overpayment

Someone sends you a check for more than you're owed, then pressures you to send back the overage—but the check turns out to be fake, leaving you responsible for the full amount.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-06

How it works

You may be selling something online, applying for a job, or receiving a payment, when you're told a check is being sent. Days later, a check arrives for more than the agreed price, with a story about 'an accounting error' or a 'shipping fee' already included. You're asked to deposit it and wire or send back the extra amount right away. The check looks real, but weeks later your bank discovers it's forged—by then the scammer has the money you sent.

Red flags

• A check arrives for significantly more than the amount you expected or agreed to.
• The sender urgently asks you to return or wire back the overage, often within days.
• You're told to keep some of the overage as a 'fee' for your trouble—a red flag that pressure is building.
• The story behind the overpayment is vague, apologetic, or involves a third party (shipper, accountant, etc.).

What to do

• Do not deposit the check or send any money back. Legitimate payments don't come with urgent requests to return funds.
• Contact the supposed sender directly using a phone number or email you find yourself (not one provided in the message) to verify the payment.
• Report the incident to reportfraud.ftc.gov and your bank immediately.