What it looks like
"Hi, I mailed the check for the dining set, but my assistant made a mistake and wrote it for $2,850 instead of $850. Please deposit it and send the extra $2,000 to my mover by Zelle today. So sorry for the trouble!"
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
By law, banks must make money from a deposited check available quickly, often within a day or two. That does not mean the check is good. A fake check can take weeks to be found out. When it bounces, the bank takes the money back out of your account, and you owe the bank for whatever you already spent or sent.
The scammer counts on that gap. They send a real looking personal check or cashier's check, along with a reason to send some of it back: an overpayment for something you are selling, a mystery shopping job, or a prize that needs taxes paid. They ask for gift cards, a wire or a payment app, because that money cannot be pulled back.
This fools careful people because the money shows up in the account, and the teller may even say it is available. Available is not the same as cleared. The safe rule is short: never deposit a check from someone you do not know and then send any of the money on to someone else.
Signs it is fake
- A check for more than the agreed amount, with a request to send back the difference
- A 'job' as a mystery shopper or personal assistant that starts with depositing a check
- A prize check, with a request to send back money for taxes or fees
- Instructions to send the money by gift card, wire transfer, a payment app or cryptocurrency
What to do
- Never use money from a check to send money on to anyone.
- If you are selling something, do not accept a check for more than the price.
- If you already have the check, call the bank it is drawn on using a number you look up yourself, not one printed on the check.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- Call your bank right away and tell them the check may be fake.
- If you sent money, call the gift card company, the wire company or your bank to try to stop it.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
- Gift card scam
- Zelle and payment app scam
- Bitcoin ATM scam
- Gold bar courier scam
- See all common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle