Fake Cheque Scams
You're sent a cheque, asked to deposit it and forward part of the funds — then the cheque bounces.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
A fake cheque scam sends you a cheque (often as 'salary advance', 'overpayment', or for buying supplies), asks you to deposit it and send part of the money onward. Days later the cheque bounces, and you owe the bank the full amount.
How it works
As part of a fake job or sale, you receive a cheque for more than expected. You're told to deposit it and forward the surplus to a 'vendor' or 'colleague' fast. Banks may show funds as available before the cheque clears — but once it bounces, you're liable.
Common red flags
- Receiving a cheque before doing any work
- Instruction to forward part of the funds quickly
- Overpayment 'by mistake'
- Urgency to send money before the cheque clears
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
We've sent your first cheque early. Deposit it, keep [amount], and wire the rest to our supplier today.
Payment methods used
- Cheque deposit + onward transfer
Who is usually targeted
- New 'employees'
- Sellers
- Freelancers
What to do immediately
- Do not forward any funds from a deposited cheque
- Wait for full clearance and ask your bank to confirm
- Report the scam and keep the cheque and envelope
Evidence to preserve
- The cheque and packaging
- Instructions received
- Bank records
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
My bank showed the money — isn't it cleared?
Funds shown as available are not the same as cleared. A fake cheque can bounce days later, and you'll be responsible for any money you already forwarded. Never send money from a cheque you didn't expect.