Greg's Corner

Overpayment Scam Targets Small Businesses

By Greg Collier

Scammers continue to target small business owners, and one recent case in the Tulsa Metro area highlights just how easily a routine job request can turn into a financial trap. This situation involved a new cleaning business that was approached for what seemed like a standard move-in cleaning. The request came through a text message, supposedly from someone who found the company through Facebook and had seen positive reviews.

The individual claimed to need cleaning services for a home listed for sale, even offering an address and referencing a Zillow listing to make the request appear legitimate. After checking the address and confirming the listing existed, the business owner provided a quote for the cleaning service. The client responded with agreement, saying a check would be sent in advance to avoid delays.

What arrived, however, was a check for nearly four times the agreed amount. The sender explained the excess was intended for a handyman who would be on-site the same day as the cleaning, asking the business owner to deliver the extra funds directly to that individual. This request immediately raised concerns.

Additional warning signs appeared. The check was shipped overnight from a sender in New Jersey, yet it was drawn from an account in Oregon and issued by an organization unrelated to the cleaning job. There was even a typographical error in the city name printed on the check. Seeking confirmation, the business owner contacted the listing agent tied to the home on Zillow. The agent confirmed neither the homeowner nor the agency had requested cleaning services, confirming the job offer was fraudulent.

This type of fraud is a textbook example of an overpayment scam. The victim is sent a check that appears legitimate, deposits it, and then is asked to return or forward the extra money. When the check eventually bounces, the victim is left responsible for any money they withdrew and paid out, losing real funds in the process.

This case serves as a reminder that small business owners are frequent targets for these types of scams, especially those operating through social media and online platforms. Caution is essential when dealing with unsolicited job offers that involve advance payments or unusual financial arrangements. Even when a job seems straightforward and comes with plausible details, it is worth double-checking every step, especially when unexpected money enters the equation. Recognizing the red flags early can prevent a costly mistake.