Before you respond
Fake checks and overpayments
Learn fake check and overpayment scam warning signs, including cleared-funds confusion, refund requests, movers, supplies, and fake jobs before sending money.
Reviewed June 10, 2026
Quick answer
A fake check scam may start with someone sending a check and asking you to send part of the money back or pay someone else.
Do not send money from a check until your bank confirms it is fully collected. A check can appear available before it is later found fake.
At a glance
Fake check scams use deposits that appear available, then ask you to send money back before the payment fails.
- Someone sends more money than expected and asks you to return the extra.
- A new job asks you to deposit a check and buy equipment, gift cards, or supplies.
- A buyer wants you to pay a mover, shipper, assistant, or vendor from the check.
Do not send money back from a new or unexpected check.
Why fake checks can look cleared before they fail
Fake check scams rely on a timing gap. Your bank may make funds available before the check is fully verified. A scammer uses that window to ask you to send money back, pay a mover, buy supplies, purchase gift cards, or forward funds to someone else.
The check can later be found fake, and the money you sent may be gone. Overpayment requests are common in online sales, job offers, rentals, and car sales. If a buyer or employer sends too much money and asks you to return part of it, compare the message with car seller fake check and task job scam patterns.
What it may look like
"I overpaid by accident. Deposit the check, keep $100 for your trouble, and send the rest to my mover."
Signs to slow down
- Someone sends more money than expected and asks you to return the extra.
- A new job asks you to deposit a check and buy equipment, gift cards, or supplies.
- A buyer wants you to pay a mover, shipper, assistant, or vendor from the check.
- They pressure you to send money before the bank has fully verified the check.
What to do next
- Do not send money back from a new or unexpected check.
- Ask your bank whether the check has fully cleared and whether funds are final.
- Do not buy gift cards, crypto, equipment, or supplies from check funds for someone else.
- Keep messages, check images, and receipts if you need to report it.
- Talk with a trusted contact before moving any money.
How to report it
- Do not send money back from a new or unexpected check until your bank confirms funds are final.
- Contact your bank immediately if you deposited a check and sent money.
- Report fake check scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and keep check images, receipts, and messages.
How Olevo can help
Olevo can give you a calm second opinion before you respond.
Paste the message or upload screenshots of the check request. Olevo can help you review why they want money sent back.
Trusted sources
How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Fake Check Scams
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance says a check can appear to clear before the bank later finds it is fake.
Paying to get paid: gamified job scams drive record losses
Federal Trade Commission
FTC reporting describes task scams that start with unexpected job messages and later ask for deposits.
Avoiding and Reporting Gift Card Scams
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance says anyone who demands payment by gift card is trying to scam you.
Common questions
Can a bank make fake check funds look available?
Yes. Funds can appear available before the bank later learns the check is fake.
Why would someone overpay me?
Overpayment can be part of the setup. The goal is often to make you send real money before the check fails.
What should I do if I already sent money back?
Contact your bank or payment provider quickly, keep all messages and receipts, and report the situation if appropriate.
Can a check be fake after my bank shows the money?
Yes. Funds can appear available before the bank later discovers the check is fake, and you may be responsible for money you already sent.