How the Fake Check Scam Works
You apply for a remote job. You get hired. They say: "We will send you a check to purchase your work equipment from our approved vendor."
A real-looking cashier's check arrives for $2,500–$4,000. You deposit it. Your bank shows the funds. They say: "Great — now wire $1,800 to the vendor for the laptop."
You wire the money. Three days later the check bounces. You owe your bank the full amount.
Why Your Bank Is Not Your Friend Here
Banks are required to make deposited funds available within 1–2 business days. But check verification takes 5–10 business days. The money appearing in your account does not mean the check is real.
The Anatomy of a Fake Check
Scammers buy templates of real cashier checks and print them with real-looking routing numbers. The checks look identical to legitimate ones.
How to Protect Yourself
- 01Never purchase equipment from a "preferred vendor" — Legitimate employers ship equipment to you directly
- 02Never wire money back from a deposited check — This is always a scam
- 03Call the issuing bank directly using the number from their official website to verify any check before doing anything with the funds