Learn how to recognize fake check scams and keep your money safe.
Fake check scams are on the rise, and they can cost victims thousands of dollars. These scams often look convincing, sometimes even official, but they’re designed to trick you into depositing a fraudulent check and sending money back to the scammer before the check bounces. Understanding how these scams work is the first step to protecting yourself.
What Is a Fake Check Scam?
A fake check scam happens when a scammer sends you a counterfeit check, asks you to deposit it, then quickly asks you to send the money back, usually through wire transfer, gift cards, or through a payment app. The scam works because financial institutions often make funds from a deposited check available immediately, even though the check itself takes time to clear. Once processing is complete, the check is flagged as counterfeit and the funds are withdrawn from your account. By then, you’ve already sent money to the scammer, leaving you responsible for the loss.
Common Signs of a Fake Check Scam
Scammers often rely on urgency and promises that feel legitimate to trick you into acting before you verify the check. Recognizing these patterns can help you stop a scam before it costs you money.
- Unexpected payment. You receive a check unprompted, often for something you didn’t sell or request.
- Urgent instructions. The sender pressures you to deposit the check right away. They might claim there’s a deadline or that funds need to be returned immediately to avoid penalties.
- Requests for refunds. After the check is deposited, they request you send them money to cover fees, taxes, or shipping costs. This is the core of the scam, getting you to deposit the check and send real money back to them before the fake check bounces.
- “Too good to be true” offers: Be wary of promises of easy money or prizes that seem unrealistic. If something sounds like a quick windfall with little effort, it’s almost always a scam.
How to Protect Yourself
Fake check scams can look convincing, but a few simple steps can help you avoid becoming a victim. The key is to slow down, verify, and never send money to someone you don’t know.
- Don’t deposit suspicious checks. Be cautious if you receive a check you weren’t expecting. Confirm the source by contacting the company or person directly using official contact information, not what’s provided on the check, in a letter, or an email.
- Never send money back. Legitimate organizations will never ask you to return funds from a check they sent you. If someone insists you send money back for fees, taxes, or shipping, it’s almost certainly a scam.
For more information on how to protect yourself from fraud, visit our Fraud Prevention & Account Security page for helpful resources. If you ever suspect something isn’t what it should be, give us a call at 888.800.3328 to speak to a trusted representative.
