{"success":true,"data":{"id":"fake-overpayment-check-refund-scam","label":"Fake overpayment / check refund scam — accidentally sent too much via cashier's check / money order + deposit it + wire back the difference / send gift card codes","description":"Email claiming an \"accidental overpayment\" via cashier's check, money order, or certified check — where the sender \"mistakenly\" sent more than the agreed amount and asks the recipient to deposit the check and wire back the \"excess\" or \"difference\" via Western Union, MoneyGram, Zelle, or gift cards. The check is counterfeit; once the bank discovers it (days after deposit), the full amount is reversed and the victim is liable for what they wired back. Also includes \"mystery shopper\" variants where the recipient is asked to deposit a check and purchase gift cards, then send the codes. FTC 2024: fake check scams caused $456M in reported losses with a median loss of $1,900; most victims are selling items on Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace when contacted by the \"overpaying buyer.\" The rule: if someone sends you a check and asks you to send money back, it is always fraud.","tier":"danger","category":"scam","isThin":false}}