Five common overpayment scams to avoid, with tips to protect yourself

Overpayment scams are rising, targeting online sellers, renters and job seekers who are told to forward the difference after being paid more than owed. A Fox News CyberGuy roundup identifies five recurring patterns that share a common playbook: someone pays you too much, pressures you to move the extra funds, and the payment ultimately proves fraudulent.

In the dog walker scenario, a person posing as a client offers a job for pet care. Bob, a resident of Harrison, Ohio, received a counterfeit check for 4,358 and was told to forward 4,000 to a supposed appliance retailer. The request adds a third party to make the story sound legitimate. The check may look real and banks may release funds temporarily, but once the check bounces, the victim is on the hook for the full amount. Tip: If asked to forward money to a third party unrelated to the job or sale, treat it as a scam. Keep the check and envelope as evidence and report it to the Federal Trade Commission and the state attorney general.

The online marketplace scam involves buyers who “accidentally” send too much and then ask you to return the difference through Zelle, Venmo or a wire transfer. Once the payment reverses, you’ve lost both the product and the refunded funds. Tip: Always insist on verified payment methods. If a buyer pushes you for a fast refund, walk away.

In the mystery shopper scam, you might receive an email or letter offering a job as a mystery shopper. They send you a large check to test stores by buying gift cards and then ask you to send the gift card numbers back as proof of purchase. After the bank reverses the fake check, you’ve already spent the money on those gift cards. Tip: Real companies never pay upfront with extra funds or ask for gift card codes by email.

The rental deposit scam targets renters by mailing a check for more than the deposit or rent, claiming it was a mistake and asking you to refund the difference. The check later bounces, leaving you liable for the funds. Tip: Only accept payments through secure online portals or in person with verified funds.

The work-from-home equipment scam lures jobseekers with promises of a stipend to cover work-from-home gear. The “employer” sends a large check to buy office equipment and directs you to forward the excess funds to a vendor. Of course, the check is fake, and the vendor is also a scammer. Tip: Legitimate employers provide equipment directly or reimburse verified expenses, not through overpayments.

How to protect yourself from overpayment scams

The core pattern in all these schemes is the same: you’re paid more than you’re owed, and you’re pressured to send the difference. The best defense is to pause before acting and verify everything before you move money or share sensitive information. Banks can technically release funds before a check clears, so victims should seek confirmation that funds are fully verified before spending or refunding any amount. Do not let urgency drive your decision; scammers often push for immediate action.

Use secure payment systems whenever possible. Paper checks remain a popular vehicle for fraud because they’re easy to counterfeit; secure online portals or in-person verifications reduce risk when money changes hands. Preserve records of all communications and retain the original envelope and any related documents as evidence. Personal data exposure is another risk; consider data removal services to limit the information available to scammers, while understanding these services are not guarantees.

If you suspect you’ve encountered an overpayment scam, stop all actions, verify funds with the bank, and report the incident. File with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and notify your state attorney general; you can also alert local police and community groups to help protect others. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson emphasizes that recognizing warning signs—unsolicited funds, requests to forward the difference, and pressure to act quickly—can prevent losses.

For ongoing guidance and alerts, readers are encouraged to consult CyberGuy.com and sign up for the free CyberGuy Newsletter. Awareness and careful verification remain the most effective tools against overpayment scams.