Scam library · Shopping · Jobs · Banking & payment apps
Overpayment refund scam
A buyer sends a check or payment for more than the price of what you're selling, then asks you to refund the difference by wire or payment app.
Days later, the original payment bounces or is reversed, and you're out the money you sent.
What the message looks like
From: Buyer for your listed couch
Subject: Payment sent
I sent a cashier's check for $1,450. That's $950 extra for my mover. Please send the difference by Zelle when the check arrives.
Thanks for your help, the mover will pick up the couch on Monday.
How this scam works
Overpayment scams happen in online selling, rental deposits, job offers and freelance work. The FTC warns about fake checks that can take weeks to be discovered as fake, even after your bank makes the funds available.
Scammers use cashier's checks, business checks or payment app transfers made with stolen accounts. The bank reverses the funds when the fraud is discovered.
The story may be believable: a mistake, a shipping company fee, or a deposit for a moving company.
Small business owners and freelancers are frequent targets because overpayments can look like accounting errors.
The rule is simple: never accept extra money and send back the difference.
A related trick uses fake payment emails. A 'buyer' sends an email that looks like it's from a payment app or PayPal, saying money is on hold until you send a refund or shipping fee. The money was never sent. Always check your balance in the payment app itself.
Overpayment scams also target landlords and people renting out rooms. A 'tenant' who's overseas sends too much for the deposit, then asks for the extra back. The check later bounces.
Red flags
- Payments for more than the agreed price.
- Requests to send back the difference.
- Checks from people you don't know.
- Stories about movers, shippers or agents.
- Urgency.
How to tell it’s fake
- Refuse overpayments and ask for the exact amount.
- Wait for checks to clear fully, and ask your bank if a check is valid.
- Contact the check issuer directly.
- Use secure payment methods.
- Count the money before you count on it: if anyone asks you to return part of a payment, stop and call your bank.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Don't send money back.
If you paid
- Contact your bank or payment app immediately and report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared bank details, watch your account.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard in Chrome and Edge on your computer checks buyer and payment emails. It recognizes overpayment requests and fake payment notices. If a payment seems legit, a scam expert can check before you send money.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Why did my bank say the check cleared?
- Funds can be available before a check is confirmed as good.
- Can a payment app transfer be reversed?
- Yes, if it was from a stolen account.
- What if I already sent money?
- Contact your bank right away.
- How do I avoid this?
- Never accept overpayments.
- The buyer seems really nice. Could it be real?
- Friendly behavior is part of the scam. Any request to send back extra money is a red flag.