They paid too much and want the difference back

If someone you don't know pays you more than you agreed and asks you to send the rest back, stop. The FTC describes this exact shape as a fake check scam: the money you deposit disappears when the bank finds it's fake, and the money you sent back is gone (FTC).

What it looks like

A new client or buyer pays by check, cashier's check, money order or an electronic payment. The amount is too big: sometimes by a little, sometimes by thousands. There's always a reason. It covered a shipping agent, a supplier, taxes, or "our accountant made a mistake". They ask you to refund the difference quickly, often by wire, gift card or crypto, or to pay a third party for them.

Why it works

Funds can appear in your account before the payment is actually confirmed as good. The FTC's guidance is that when a check turns out to be fake, the bank will want the full amount back from you, while the scammer keeps the real money you sent. Creators see the same shape as a "sponsor" who overpays and asks you to forward some of it to "our designer" or "the shipping company".

Red flags

• The payment is more than the agreed price, for any reason.
• You're asked to send money back or on to someone else.
• The payment method is a check or money order from a stranger, or the refund must go by wire, gift card or crypto.
• The story comes with urgency: the shipping agent is waiting, the tax deadline is today.

What to do

1. Don't send any money back. Refuse the overpayment and ask them to cancel and send the right amount.
2. Wait until your bank confirms the payment is final, not just available, before shipping or delivering anything. Ask your bank directly.
3. Never pay a third party on a client's behalf.
4. If you've already sent money, contact your bank or payment provider straight away and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (US) or your local equivalent.

Questions people ask

The money is already in my account. Doesn't that mean it cleared?

Not necessarily. Money being available and a payment being final are different things. The FTC warns that fake checks can take weeks to be discovered.

What if they say it was an honest mistake?

Then they can cancel the payment and send the right amount. Returning the difference yourself is the part that loses you money.

Can I check the message first?

Paste it into the free scam checker. It flags overpayment and "send part of it back" requests.