Fake check scams are on the rise. Learn about the most common scam tactics so that you can help protect your money.

Typically, scammers ask you to deposit or cash a stolen or counterfeit (usually worthless) check and quickly send them back a portion of the money.

Step 1: Know the common fake check scams.

The key to these scams is that you’re asked to act quickly, deposit a fake check, and send back a portion of the funds before your bank can spot the fraud.

Here are examples:

Overpayment Scam: Someone sends you a fraudulent check for a product or service, but the amount is higher than the price you agreed upon. You’re asked to return the “overpayment.”

Job Scam: Someone posing as an employer sends a fake check as an advance payment or to cover expenses. You're asked to send back the extra money, buy gift cards as a "secret shopper" or purchase equipment or supplies from a specific person.

Lottery or Sweepstakes Scam: Scammers say you’ve won prize money. They send you a fake check and ask for a partial payment in return, claiming it's for processing fees, taxes, or another phony reason.

If you receive a check related to a deal that seems too good to be true, trust your instincts.

Be skeptical, don’t deposit the check, and verify that it’s real before taking any action.

To learn more, review the American Bankers Association guidance on fake check scams.

Step 2: Look for the fake check warning signs.

If you're suspicious about a check you received, ask yourself:

• Is the check for more than you expected?
• Are you being pressured to quickly make the deposit and return some of the money?
• Did you receive unusual instructions on how to deposit the check?
• Were you asked to send money back using an immediate form of payment such as a money order, gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency?
• Were you asked to give someone cash or an immediate payment through Zelle^® or other payment apps?
• Are you being threatened with law enforcement action?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, don’t deposit the check.

Step 3: When in doubt, stop and let us help you.

Fake check scams can be complex.

If you are ever unsure about a check you’ve received, we are here to help.

Bring the check to your local Wells Fargo branch and let us assist you. Make sure to provide as much information about the situation as possible, such as the reason for the check and whether or not you're being asked to send money back.

If you’ve already deposited a suspicious check and suspect a scam, contact us right away.

FAQ

What is the difference between check fraud and a check scam?

Check fraud happens when criminals steal legitimate checks and alter them through ink washing or forgery to redirect funds. In contrast, check scams use fake checks in schemes such as overpayments, lottery or sweepstakes winnings, or job offers to trick people into sending money to fraudsters.

Are check scams common?

According to the American Bankers Association, fake checks are one of the most common instruments used to deceive customers. The scam almost always involves someone sending you a check in exchange for some goods or services that is “accidentally” in an amount that is greater than what you need. They may make a plea for you to send the extra money back so they don’t lose their job. They may ask you to wire money to a foreign country, purchase gift cards, or mail cash.