The check that “accidentally” overpays you
A buyer or employer sends too much, and asks you to send back the difference. Their check bounces later; your money was real.
The mechanics
Banks must make deposited funds available quickly — often before the check truly clears, which can take weeks for a forged one. The scammer exploits the gap: their fake check shows in your balance, you wire back the "extra," and days later the check bounces. The bank pulls the full amount from you.
The rule
Anyone who sends money and asks for part of it back is scamming you. No real employer overpays a new hire "for supplies." No real buyer overpays and trusts a stranger for change.
Where it shows up
Work-from-home "assistant" jobs, secret-shopper offers, online marketplace sales, "car wrap" ads, and roommate deposits.
If you already sent money
Call your bank now — ask about recalling the wire and say the deposited check is counterfeit. Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov. The faster you call, the better the (honest) odds.
Not sure how exposed you are? Our free check shows which leaks your email is in — about one second, and you keep the answer. And if you are in the middle of something right now, a person answers at contact@protectindiana.org.