Don’t bank on a “cleared” check

How it works

You receive a check by mail or email, often as payment for a job, mystery shopping gig, or online sale. The scammer tells you to deposit it and send back part of the money by wire transfer, gift card, or money order for a supposed business expense, refund, or evaluation task. The funds appear in your account within 1-2 days, making it feel safe to spend them. Weeks later, the bank discovers the check is fake and reverses the deposit, leaving you liable for the full amount you sent out.

Red flags to watch for

• A stranger sends you a check and asks you to wire or spend part of it
• You are told to buy gift cards and share the PIN numbers
• The check arrives before you meet the person or employer in person
• Payment comes as a cashier's check, money order, or electronic check for a job you applied for online
• You are pressured to act quickly before the check clears
• A mystery shopping or car wrap job offer includes upfront payment

What to do

Do not send money back to anyone who sends you a check first, no matter how official the story sounds or how quickly you see the funds in your account. If you don't know the person who sent the check, do not cash it. If you are selling something online, never accept a check for more than your asking price. If you already sent money, stop immediately and report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. If you paid with a gift card, visit ftc.gov/giftcards for next steps.