Real Refund vs Refund / Overpayment Scam
How to recognise a legitimate refund from a scam that tricks you into sending money back after a fake overpayment.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
In a refund or overpayment scam, a fraudster 'accidentally' sends more money than agreed, then urgently asks you to return the excess — often before the original payment has actually cleared or after a counterfeit cheque has been deposited. By the time the fake payment bounces, your real money is gone.
Side-by-side comparison
| Genuine refund | Overpayment / refund scam | |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation | You requested the refund through an official complaints or returns process | An unexpected windfall arrives — a cheque, transfer, or PayPal payment you did not expect |
| Payment method | Refund goes back to your original payment method (card, bank, PayPal) | You are asked to return money via bank transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency — not the original route |
| Clearing time | Retailer confirms the refund is processed before asking anything of you | Urges you to send the 'overpayment' back before the incoming payment has cleared |
| Reason given | Clear reference to your original transaction, order number, or dispute | Vague or invented reason — billing error, prize distribution, or remote computer support 'overpayment' |
| Urgency | Normal processing time; no pressure to act within the hour | Insists you act immediately before the window closes or the account is frozen |
| Contact channel | Comes through the official account portal or customer-service email you initiated | Arrives via unsolicited text, call, or message from someone you have not previously contacted |
Common red flags
- Asked to return an 'overpayment' before it has fully cleared
- Requested to send money back via gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer
- Refund is larger than you expected for no clear reason
- Urgency about returning money 'today' or 'within the hour'
- Contact comes from a number or email you do not recognise
Verification steps
- Wait for the incoming payment to fully clear — several business days for cheques and some bank transfers
- Log in to the official retailer or service account to check your refund status
- Contact the company directly using contact details from their official website
- Ask your bank whether the received funds are fully cleared before taking any action
What not to do
- Do not send money back via a different method than the original payment
- Do not act on urgency — a genuine overpayment will remain visible in your account
- Do not assume a payment has cleared because it shows in your balance; cheques and some transfers can be reversed
A safe response
If you receive an unexpected payment, contact the company through official channels and let the funds fully clear before doing anything. Never return money via gift card or crypto.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep an overpayment sent to me by mistake?
Generally no — even genuine overpayments must be returned to the sender. The difference is that a real sender will wait for you to do so through normal banking channels, not demand you send gift cards immediately.
What if my bank says the cheque cleared?
Cheques can appear to clear and still be reversed days later if they are counterfeit. Your bank should tell you when a cheque is final — ask explicitly before acting on any funds.