What to Do If You Encounter a Fake Check Scam

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Exactly is a Fake Check Scam and How Does It Work?

A fake check scam involves receiving a check that appears legitimate but is counterfeit or fraudulent. Scammers typically send these checks as payment for goods or services, a prize, or a job offer. After you deposit the check, they ask you to wire or send back a portion of the money, often claiming it’s an overpayment or a processing fee. Banks may make some funds available right away, but once the check bounces, you are responsible for the full amount.

For example, if you sell a used laptop online and get a check for $1,200 when your asking price was $800, the scammer might ask you to deposit the check and send the extra $400 back immediately. You might feel confident because your bank’s system shows the money available, but after several days, the bank discovers the check is fake and deducts the entire amount from your account. This leaves you out-of-pocket for the $1,200.

Scammers design fake checks to look authentic by copying bank logos, using real routing numbers, and including legitimate-looking endorsements. They often target people who are less familiar with checking processes, such as older adults or those new to online selling. Recognizing this scam helps prevent financial and identity damage.

What Information and Resources Do You Need Before Taking Action?

Before doing anything, gather the following materials and information to ensure you can act effectively:

• The suspicious check, along with any letters, emails, or texts that came with it.
• Contact details of the sender (name, phone number, email).
• Your bank account statements or online banking access for monitoring.
• Contact information for your bank’s fraud or customer service department.
• Access to official fraud reporting resources like the Federal Trade Commission website or local law enforcement contacts.
• A notebook or file to record dates, times, and details of all communications related to the suspicious check.

Having these ready is important so that when you contact your bank or authorities, you can provide clear, organized information. For example, telling your bank the exact date you received the check and the amount helps them track any related transactions or suspicious account activity. Keep notes of every phone call or email you send regarding the scam.

What Are the Step-by-Step Actions to Take When You Receive a Suspicious Check?

Taking prompt, specific steps can save you from financial loss:

1. Do Not Deposit or Cash the Check Avoid depositing or trying to cash the check until you fully verify its authenticity. Depositing it activates the scam and puts you at risk of owing money once the check bounces.

1. Contact Your Bank Immediately Call your bank’s fraud or customer service department as soon as you suspect the check might be fake. Provide them with the check details and any related communications. They can advise on whether the check is valid and help flag your account for monitoring.

1. Do Not Send Money or Wire Funds Back to the Sender Never send money to the person who gave you the check or to a third party based on instructions attached to the check. Legitimate payers will not pressure you to return funds quickly.

1. Report the Incident to Authorities File a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and also report it to your local police or sheriff’s office if possible. This helps authorities track scam trends and may help other victims.

1. Contact the Bank or Institution Listed on the Check Call the bank or company shown on the check using a number from their official website (not the check). Ask if the check’s account number and amount are legitimate.

1. Monitor Your Bank and Credit Accounts Closely Watch for suspicious withdrawals or charges. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com to prevent identity theft.

1. Keep Detailed Records Save copies of all documents, emails, and notes from phone calls related to the fake check. This documentation supports any future disputes or investigations.

For example, if you received a check from “Global Traders Bank” for $2,000, call the bank’s official number (found by searching online) to ask if this check was issued from their accounts. If they confirm no such check exists, immediately tell your bank and report the fraud.

How Will You Know If You Have Successfully Avoided the Scam?

You have successfully avoided the scam if:

• You never deposited or cashed the suspicious check.
• Your bank confirms no funds were released or reverses any accidental deposits.
• You have not sent any money back based on the check.
• You received confirmation that your reports to the FTC and local police were received.
• You maintain vigilance on your bank and credit accounts without unauthorized transactions.
• You feel confident recognizing suspicious checks or requests in the future.

If you followed the steps above, your money and personal information should be safe. For example, if your bank flags a pending deposit as suspicious and delays funds availability pending verification, you have effectively stopped the scam before losing money.

What Should You Do If You Already Deposited a Fake Check and Sent Money?

If you’ve already deposited a fake check and sent money to a scammer, act without delay:

• Contact Your Bank Immediately

Tell them you suspect the check was fake and you sent money based on it. Banks sometimes recover funds if the fraud is reported quickly.

• File a Police Report

Report the scam to local law enforcement. Provide all documentation and copies of the fake check and communications.

• Notify the FTC and Other Consumer Protection Agencies

File a complaint at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and check if your state attorney general’s office has a fraud reporting program.

• Consider Placing Fraud Alerts or Credit Freezes

To protect against identity theft, place fraud alerts on your credit reports or freeze your credit through AnnualCreditReport.com or the three major credit bureaus.

• Change Online Banking Passwords and Secure Your Accounts

If your bank account or personally identifiable information may have been compromised, update login credentials and enable multi-factor authentication where available.

• Seek Legal Advice if Needed

If your losses are substantial, consider consulting a consumer protection lawyer or legal aid service for guidance.

For instance, if you deposited a $1,500 fake check and sent $700 to the scammer, immediately call your bank to stop payments and report the fraud. File police and FTC reports to document the crime. This quick response improves your chances of recovering funds.

How Can This Guidance Be Adjusted for Older Adults or Others Who Are More Vulnerable?

Older adults and other vulnerable groups are often targeted by fake check scams because scammers exploit trust or lack of familiarity with banking technology. To adapt this advice:

• Encourage Involvement of Trusted Family Members or Caregivers

Have a family member or trusted adult review any unexpected checks or financial requests.

• Use Simple, Clear Language When Explaining the Scam

Avoid jargon. For example, say, “If you get a check in the mail that you weren’t expecting, don’t deposit it until someone checks it out.”

• Suggest Visiting the Bank Together

Offer to accompany the person to their bank branch to ask staff about the check.

• Provide Printed Resources from Trusted Government Websites

Give them pamphlets or printouts from the FTC or CFPB about scams.

• Remind Them That Scammers Often Create a Sense of Urgency

Explain that legitimate organizations do not pressure people to send money immediately.

• Encourage Participation in Community Fraud Education

Many senior centers and libraries offer free workshops on recognizing scams.

For example, a senior who receives a check for a prize should be advised not to cash it until a trusted family member or bank official confirms it is real.

What Are Common Warning Signs That a Check Might Be Fake?

Knowing what to look for helps you avoid scams:

• Unusually Large Payment Amounts

A check for more than you expected or a sudden overpayment is suspicious.

• Pressure to Act Quickly

Scammers often urge you to deposit and send money back right away.

• Poor Printing Quality or Spelling Errors

Fake checks may have blurry logos, inconsistent fonts, or misspelled words.

• No Clear Reason for Payment

The memo line is blank or vague, like “payment” or “gift.”

• Sender Is Unsolicited or Unknown

You did not expect a check from this person or company.

• Request for Money Transfer or Wire Service Payment

Legitimate checks rarely come with demands to send money elsewhere immediately.

• Bank Name or Logo Looks Off

Sometimes the bank name is slightly wrong or outdated, or the routing number is fake.

For example, a check from “First National Bankk” with two “k”s in the name or a memo line saying “For you” is likely fake. If you spot these signs, do not deposit the check and verify before proceeding.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for a fake check to bounce?

It can take several days to over a week for a fake check to bounce because banks initially make funds available while verifying the check. This delay is why scammers ask for immediate money transfers before the check clears.

Can my bank guarantee a check is real if they make funds available?

No. Banks often release funds before fully verifying a check, which means you can still be responsible if the check is fake and later bounces.

What should I do if someone asks me to deposit a check and send money back?

This is a major red flag for a fake check scam. Do not deposit or cash the check, and do not send money. Report the request to your bank and authorities immediately.

Can fake check scams be reported to the IRS if they involve tax issues?

If the scam involves tax-related fraud, contact the IRS and also report to the FTC. Otherwise, the IRS is not usually involved in fake check scams.

How can I protect myself from fake check scams when selling items online?

Use secure payment methods like cash or payment platforms with buyer and seller protections. Avoid accepting checks from unknown buyers without verifying authenticity first.

Is it safe to use mobile deposit to deposit checks from unknown senders?

Mobile deposits carry the same risks as in-person deposits. Never deposit checks from unknown sources without verification, even with mobile apps.