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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on June 9, 2026 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam, childcare, fake check ( 55 ), overpayment scam ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,673 )   

  Childcare Providers Are the Latest Targets of an Old Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  For years, scammers have been using variations of the same overpayment scam to steal money from unsuspecting victims. The targets have changed over time. Online sellers, landlords, job seekers, freelancers, and small businesses have all been caught in its web.

  Now, according to a warning from the Federal Trade Commission, childcare providers are finding themselves in the scammers’ crosshairs.

  The setup may sound new, but the underlying fraud is one of the oldest and most successful scams on the internet.

  A stranger sends you a payment. The payment is for more than you were expecting. They ask you to send back the difference.

  What happens next is where victims lose money.

  What’s Going On?

  According to the FTC, scammers are posing as parents who urgently need childcare services.

  The fraudsters reach out through:

  • Email
  • Text messages
  • Social media
  • Online caregiving platforms

  The story often sounds believable.

  The supposed parent claims they are relocating to the area, sometimes from another state or even another country. They explain that they need childcare arrangements quickly and want to reserve a spot in advance.

  To show they are serious, they send a check.

  At first glance, it appears to be good news.

  Then the problem appears.

  The check arrives for more money than expected.

  Soon afterward, the “parent” contacts the provider with an explanation. They claim they accidentally overpaid and ask for the excess money to be returned.

  That’s the trap.

  How the Scam Works

  The scam succeeds because most people misunderstand how checks are processed.

  Many victims believe that if a bank accepts a check and makes the funds available, the check must be legitimate.

  Unfortunately, that’s not how the system works.

  Banks often make funds available before the check has fully cleared. The verification process can take days or even weeks.

  During that window, the money may appear in the victim’s account.

  Believing the payment is legitimate, the childcare provider sends the “overpayment” back through:

  • Wire transfers
  • Payment apps
  • Gift cards
  • Cryptocurrency

  Later, the bank determines the original check is fraudulent.

  The deposited funds disappear.

  But the money sent to the scammer is gone for good.

  The victim is left covering the loss.

  Why This Scam Keeps Coming Back

  One reason the overpayment scam has survived for so many years is because it can be adapted to almost any situation involving payments.

  We’ve seen versions targeting:

  • Online marketplace sellers
  • Small businesses
  • Job seekers
  • Freelancers
  • Landlords
  • Event vendors
  • Personal assistants
  • Pet sitters
  • And now childcare providers

  The details change.

  The scam doesn’t.

  The criminal’s goal is always the same: convince the victim to send real money in exchange for fake money.

  Why Childcare Providers Are Vulnerable

  Many childcare providers operate small businesses and frequently communicate with new families.

  A request from a parent seeking immediate care does not seem unusual.

  In fact, urgency is often part of legitimate childcare arrangements.

  Scammers know this.

  By creating a believable story involving relocation, work schedules, or family needs, they can make their request appear routine rather than suspicious.

  The fraud also exploits something many caregivers value deeply: helping families during stressful situations.

  Red Flags

  Watch out for these warning signs:

  • A prospective client you’ve never met wants to pay immediately.
  • Someone claims to be moving from another city or country.
  • A check arrives for more than the agreed-upon amount.
  • The sender asks you to return part of the payment.
  • The person creates a sense of urgency.
  • They request repayment through wire transfers, payment apps, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
  • The explanation for the overpayment seems confusing or overly complicated.

  The biggest red flag of all?

  Anyone who sends you too much money and then asks for some of it back.

  Quick Tip: A legitimate customer who accidentally overpays by check can wait for the check to fully clear and for the situation to be resolved through normal banking channels. A scammer needs you to act before the bank discovers the check is fake.

  What You Can Do

  Slow Down
  Scammers want victims to make quick decisions. Taking extra time often exposes the fraud.

  Verify the Customer
  Ask questions, request references when appropriate, and confirm identities through independent means.

  Never Return Overpayments
  If someone sends more money than expected, do not send any portion back until your bank confirms the funds are legitimate and fully cleared.

  Be Skeptical of Advance Payments
  Especially when they come from strangers who are eager to secure services immediately.

  Contact Your Bank
  If you’re unsure whether a check is legitimate, speak with your financial institution before taking any action.

  If You’ve Been Targeted

  • Stop communicating with the suspected scammer.
  • Contact your bank immediately.
  • Save emails, text messages, checks, and payment records.
  • Report the incident to local law enforcement if appropriate.
  • File a report with the FTC.

  The sooner you act, the better your chances of limiting further losses.

  Final Thoughts

  The FTC’s warning about childcare providers highlights an important lesson: scammers rarely invent entirely new schemes. Instead, they recycle old scams and adapt them to new audiences.

  The overpayment scam has been plaguing consumers and businesses for years because it exploits a simple misunderstanding. People assume money appearing in their account means the payment is legitimate.

  Scammers know better.

  Whether the target is a marketplace seller, a job seeker, a small business owner, or a childcare provider, the formula remains the same. Send fake money. Ask for real money back. Disappear before the fraud is discovered.

  That’s why the safest response to any unexpected overpayment is also the simplest one: never send money back to someone who sent you too much in the first place.

   

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  Greg Collier 8:09 am on October 7, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: ATM ( 7 ), check scam, parking lot scam ( 4 ), Scams ( 1,673 ), social engineering ( 5 )   

  Watch Out for Check Scam at ATMs 

  

  By Greg Collier

  State Police in the Southern Tier area of New York are alerting residents to a parking-lot check deposit scam that has been reported at banks, ATMs, and large retail locations. Although recent cases are concentrated in this region, this type of scam is not unique to New York and has appeared in other parts of the country under similar circumstances. The scheme relies on face-to-face persuasion. A stranger approaches someone in a parking area, claims to be unable to access an account, and asks for help by having the target deposit a check on their behalf. After the deposit, the stranger directs the target to withdraw cash from the same account and hand it over on the spot.

  These encounters often succeed because they are built on social engineering. Scammers use politeness, urgency, or emotional stories to make their targets feel obligated to help. They may present themselves as calm and respectable to lower suspicion and push the interaction forward before the other person has time to think it through.

  The risk stems from how check processing works. Funds may appear in an account before the check has actually cleared, and a bank can later determine the item is fraudulent. Institutions may place temporary holds on deposits that seem unusual, but such measures are not foolproof, and the account holder is still responsible if the check is returned. When that happens, the deposit is reversed, and the person who made the deposit is liable for the full amount. By the time the check is rejected, the scammer and the cash are gone.

  Residents should treat any request to deposit a check for someone else as a red flag. Do not withdraw or hand over cash on behalf of another person, even if the story seems urgent or sympathetic. If approached, end the conversation, go inside the branch to speak with staff, or contact local law enforcement to report the encounter. After any unusual interaction at an ATM or in a parking lot, review recent account activity and notify your bank immediately if you see anything out of place.

  The safest rule is simple in practice. Only deposit checks into your own accounts for transactions you can personally verify, only withdraw cash for your own use, and report suspicious behavior promptly so others are not targeted.

   
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  Greg Collier 9:12 am on September 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam, employment ( 47 ), fake check ( 55 ), job scam ( 95 ), Scams ( 1,673 ), Whatsapp ( 5 )   

  BBB Flags Surge in Job Offer Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is warning job seekers about a surge in fraudulent employment offers impersonating well-known companies. According to reports collected through the BBB Scam Tracker, individuals have been contacted by people claiming to be human resources representatives from companies such as Amazon and others. These offers often appear genuine because the scammers adopt personal-sounding names and reference real businesses.

  The approach usually begins with a message suggesting that a resume was discovered online. Recipients are encouraged to continue the application process through WhatsApp, where a staged interview may be conducted. After positive feedback, the applicant is sent an official-looking contract and is asked to provide personal information such as a home address, date of birth, and banking details under the pretense of setting up payroll systems. This information can then be used for identity theft.

  Some variations of the scheme go further by involving a supposed training manager. In these cases, the victim is sent a counterfeit check for office equipment and told to return part of the funds after making a deposit. Because the check is not valid, any money returned to the scammers becomes a direct loss.

  One of the strongest warning signs in these schemes is when the supposed recruiter insists on moving the conversation to WhatsApp. In the United States, most legitimate companies conduct hiring through official websites, business email accounts, or platforms like LinkedIn. WhatsApp is not widely used as a primary communication tool for hiring in the U.S., unlike in many countries overseas where it is a dominant messaging service. That cultural difference makes the request unusual for American job seekers, and scammers exploit that unfamiliarity to lure victims into a less formal, harder-to-trace setting.

  The BBB advises job seekers to carefully research employment opportunities before sharing sensitive information. Checking company websites directly and looking for existing warnings online can help verify the legitimacy of offers. The organization also emphasizes that legitimate employers will not send money upfront to new hires or request that funds be sent back.

  With the rise of remote work and online recruiting, these scams have become increasingly sophisticated. The BBB continues to encourage vigilance and reminds job seekers that promises of easy hiring and high pay with little interaction should be treated as warning signs.

   
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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on September 11, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam, fake check ( 55 ), overpayment scam ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,673 ), selling ( 2 )   

  Overpayment Scam Targets Online Sellers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The Williamson County Tax Assessor’s Office in Texas has alerted the public to a new scheme designed to defraud unsuspecting victims. Fraudulent checks made to look as if they originated from the county are being used in attempts to purchase expensive items, including vehicles.

  The method involves sending a check that exceeds the sale price of the item, followed by instructions for the seller to return the excess funds. While the check may appear legitimate at first glance, it has no real value and is part of a coordinated scam. Anyone depositing such a check risks financial loss once the fraud is uncovered.

  This is a scam we have covered many times before, but it bears repeating as it continues to find new victims. Known as the overpayment scam, it remains a common tactic used against people selling items online. In reality, every check should be viewed with suspicion, especially in private transactions where verification can be difficult.

  What makes the scam particularly effective is the way banks process deposits. Funds from a check may appear in an account quickly, sometimes within a day, but it can take weeks for the bank to confirm whether the check is legitimate. By the time the fraud is discovered and the deposit reversed, many victims have already sent the supposed extra money back to the scammer, leaving them with the financial loss.

  There are common warning signs that sellers should keep in mind. A check written for more than the agreed price, requests to wire or return money to the buyer, and pressure to complete the transaction quickly are all indicators of fraud. Any check received under those circumstances should be treated as highly suspicious.

  Reports of fraudulent checks should be directed to law enforcement. This ensures that potential crimes are properly documented and that investigators can track ongoing scams.

  This warning highlights the importance of caution when conducting private sales. Fraudulent tactics continue to evolve, and vigilance remains one of the best defenses against financial exploitation. Scammers often use the names of trusted institutions to give their schemes credibility, which makes it all the more vital to verify every transaction before acting.

   
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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on July 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: car wrapping ( 12 ), check scam, fake check ( 55 ), job scam ( 95 ), Scams ( 1,673 )   

  Car Wrap Scam Returns for Summer 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A long-running scam has returned to Springfield, Missouri, this time using the Dr. Pepper name to bait potential victims. What seems like a simple chance to make money by advertising the well-known soda on your car is actually part of a counterfeit check scheme that could leave you with a serious financial loss.

  The pitch usually arrives by mail. It offers to pay you for wrapping your car in Dr. Pepper branding and driving around for a few weeks. Along with the offer are checks that look authentic, often totaling several thousand dollars. You’re told to deposit the checks, keep a portion as your pay, and send the rest to a company that will supposedly handle the wrap installation.

  However, the checks are fake. Banks may initially make the money available through provisional credit, giving the impression that the funds have cleared. Victims often follow through with the instructions and send the money out. Days later, when the checks bounce, the bank withdraws the funds, and the victim is left covering the entire amount.

  While Dr. Pepper is the brand used in this case, scammers can use the name of any recognizable company to build trust and make the scam look credible. The appearance of legitimacy is part of the trap. Scammers know that familiar brands can lower a victim’s guard.

  Legitimate car wrap programs do exist, but they don’t operate by sending out unsolicited checks. Real advertising jobs require you to apply, and payment is never made before services are performed. Any unexpected job offer that comes with upfront money should be treated with extreme caution.

  Consumers who encounter offers like this are urged to report them to consumer protection agencies to help warn others before more damage is done.

   
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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on June 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam, fake check ( 55 ), job scam ( 95 ), overpayment scam ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,673 ), Small Business ( 5 )   

  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.

   
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  Greg Collier 9:07 am on January 2, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cashier's checks ( 3 ), check scam, Facebook Marketplace ( 68 ), fake check ( 55 ), Jeep, Scams ( 1,673 ), used car ( 41 )   

  Scammed and Stranded: A $25K Jeep Gone 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The story of a man in Trussville, Alabama, who lost his Jeep Wrangler to a scam highlights a troubling trend in online marketplaces, the increasing vulnerability of sellers to fraud and the limited recourse available to victims. Selling a vehicle, especially one as valuable as a $25,000 Jeep, should not become a gateway to financial devastation. Yet, for this individual, the transaction ended in loss, frustration, and an uphill battle to reclaim justice.

  The ordeal began with what seemed like a routine transaction. The seller advertised his vehicle on Facebook Marketplace, and a buyer expressed interest. They met in a public area with surveillance cameras in an effort to ensure safety during the exchange. The buyer handed over a cashier’s check, a seemingly secure method of payment. However, days later, the check was discovered to be fraudulent, leaving the seller without his vehicle or the promised payment.

  The situation quickly spiraled into a complex and disheartening battle. While law enforcement identified a suspect and issued a warrant, the seller’s attempts to recover his losses through insurance were met with denial. His policy explicitly excluded coverage for losses stemming from fraudulent sales agreements, a clause that left him stranded financially. Despite being a long-time customer, his frustration with the insurance company’s decision underscores the broader issue, victims of scams often find themselves without meaningful support from institutions they’ve relied upon.

  Adding insult to injury, the seller remains responsible for the remaining payments on a vehicle he no longer possesses. The Jeep is still legally his, yet it is out of reach, lost in the hands of a criminal. This situation is not unique to this case. It illustrates the stark reality faced by many scam victims, the legal and financial systems are ill-equipped or unwilling to offer timely restitution or support, leaving individuals to bear the burden of their losses.

  Law enforcement officials have offered advice to help prevent similar scams, such as verifying buyer credentials and payment methods. These precautions, while valuable, place the onus of fraud prevention squarely on the shoulders of individuals. For those who are already victims, this advice comes too late, highlighting the need for systemic changes to address the growing sophistication of online scams.

  The seller’s decision to pursue a civil suit against his insurer reflects his determination to seek justice, but it also shines a light on the lengthy and uncertain path many victims face when attempting to recover losses. For those who lack the resources or knowledge to navigate such processes, the outcome can be even more devastating.

  This story serves as a grim reminder of the risks involved in high-value online sales and the lack of safeguards for those who fall prey to fraud. Without robust protections and a more victim-centered approach from insurers and banks, scam victims will continue to find themselves in a precarious position, navigating a system that often leaves them with little recourse.

   
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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on September 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: car wrapping ( 12 ), check scam, fake check ( 55 ), gift cards ( 108 ), job scam ( 95 ), marketing ( 3 ), Scams ( 1,673 )   

  Car Wrap Scam: A Costly Tempting Offer 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A deceptive scam has been quietly circulating for years, continuing to claim unsuspecting victims. It begins with what seems like a straightforward offer, get paid for letting a company advertise on your car while you drive around. The idea of easy money might be appealing, but this so-called opportunity is actually a financial trap that could leave you thousands of dollars in debt.

  The scam typically starts with an ad online, offering to turn your vehicle into a rolling billboard. The pitch is simple: allow a company to wrap your car with their brand, and you’ll be paid weekly for just driving around as you normally would. The promise of several hundred dollars per week for a few months can seem irresistible.

  Once you respond to the offer, you receive a check for a few thousand dollars, with instructions to deposit it and wire part of the money to an installer who will wrap your vehicle. This is where the real scam begins. The check is fake, but by the time your bank realizes this, you’ve already wired the scammer the money, leaving you on the hook for the full amount. Sometimes, they even ask for payment in gift cards, a hallmark of scam operations because of the difficulty in tracing them.

  It’s easy to see how this scam claims victims. The checks are often convincing, and the idea of making quick, easy money can be appealing. However, like many scams, it preys on trust and the desire for financial gain, leaving victims not only out of pocket but potentially dealing with bounced check fees and other financial fallout.

  Avoid becoming a victim by steering clear of similar unsolicited offers, and always be cautious when asked to deposit a check and send money or gift cards in return.

  Remember, no legitimate business will ever ask you to pay for services like vehicle wrapping in advance or request payment through gift cards. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay informed, and always verify opportunities before parting with your money.

   
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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on August 26, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam, fake check ( 55 ), fake order, Scams ( 1,673 ), Small Business ( 5 )   

  Fake Order Scam, Targets Small Businesses 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A small Los Angeles bakery specializing in unique baked goods recently fell victim to a scam that serves as a stark reminder of the dangers facing small businesses. The bakery, known for its intricate cookies and special occasion cakes, received an unexpected order for around 1,000 cupcakes. Although the bakery is not typically associated with cupcakes, the sizable order seemed like a great opportunity to generate income.

  The payment for the order arrived via priority mail. It was a check for over $7,500. After consulting a bank representative, the bakery owner felt reassured when the funds cleared and promptly began preparations, purchasing ingredients and starting the baking process. However, the situation took a turn when the person who placed the order requested that the quantity be halved and half of the payment returned. Despite initial reassurances from the bank, the bakery owner refused the refund request due to the expenses already incurred.

  The next day, the bakery received devastating news. The check had been flagged as counterfeit, and the funds were withdrawn from the account. Further investigation revealed that the scam involved stolen checks from another company, and the bakery was not the only victim. Several other businesses, mostly bakeries and landscaping companies, had received similar fraudulent orders.

  Small business owners can protect themselves from fraud by taking the following precautions. Always verify the authenticity of large or unusual orders, especially from new or unfamiliar customers. Contact the customer directly using a verified phone number to confirm details before proceeding.

  Exercise caution with payments made by check, particularly for large sums. If accepting a check, wait for the funds to be fully cleared by the bank before fulfilling the order. Remember that initial bank verification is not always final.

  Establish and communicate clear refund policies to prevent scammers from manipulating your business. Avoid issuing refunds for orders paid by check until the payment has fully cleared.

  Be wary of customers who make unusual requests, such as rushing an order, changing the quantity, or requesting refunds before the order is fulfilled. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure businesses into quick decisions.

  If you suspect a scam, report it immediately to your bank, local authorities, and relevant fraud prevention agencies. Early reporting can help mitigate losses and prevent the scammer from targeting others.

  This scam left the bakery owner with excess ingredients, unsold products, and significant financial and emotional distress. The experience underscores the importance of vigilance for small business owners, who are often targeted by increasingly sophisticated scams. By sharing this story, the hope is to raise awareness and help prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes.

   
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  Greg Collier 8:00 am on July 30, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: artist scam, check scam, fake check ( 55 ), Scams ( 1,673 ), social media ( 90 )   

  Fake check scam hides behind ‘artist’ facade 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The fake check scam has been prevalent for decades. Scammers continually attempt to trick victims into depositing counterfeit or stolen checks into their bank accounts. After the check is deposited, the scammers request a portion of the money back, using various excuses.

  Our initial encounter with fake check scams was through the overpayment scam. In this scenario, online sellers post an item for sale on a marketplace website or app, and scammers send a counterfeit check for more than the asking price. The scammer then claims it was a mistake and asks for the ‘overpayment’ to be returned.

  In our view, the fake check scam is most commonly used in job scams. Typically, a fraudulent employer sends a check to the victim, instructing them to deposit it into their bank account. The victim is then told to use the money to buy supplies needed for the job. However, the supply vendor is also fake, resulting in the victim unwittingly giving the money back to the scammer.

  Unfortunately, most banks do not consider it their responsibility to wait for the check to fully process before making the funds available to the account holder. This often leaves scam victims owing their bank the full amount of the fake check.

  Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning about a new tactic scammers are using to trick victims into depositing fake payments. This alert is warning consumers about an online scam involving an ‘artist’ who offers to pay you to paint your photo.

  The scam typically starts with a direct message on social media. You receive a compliment on one of your photos, and the sender expresses interest in painting it. They promise to send you a check in exchange for permission to use your image, which might seem flattering and harmless at first glance.

  Once you agree, the scammer sends you a check and instructs you to deposit it. You’re asked to set aside a portion of the funds to send back to the “artist” for supplies, with the assurance that you’ll keep the remainder. The scammer might even promise to reimburse you for any money you send back, making the offer seem even more enticing.

  Despite appearing legitimate, the check is fake. Initially, the funds may be deposited into your bank account, giving you a false sense of security. However, once you send money back to the scammer, you’ll soon discover that the check was counterfeit. This means you’ll be out of the money you sent, and the funds from the fake check will be withdrawn from your account.

  If someone you don’t know reaches out with an offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of any requests involving checks and money transfers. If something feels off about the communication, trust your instincts. Scammers often use charm and flattery to gain your trust.