Three steps to avoid fake check scams

Fake check scams are on the rise — and there are several variations of this type of check fraud.

Typically, scammers ask you to deposit or cash a counterfeit check and quickly send them back a portion of the money.

Important: It can take weeks to spot a fake check after it’s been deposited. Be careful because you may be responsible for the full amount of the check. And if you transfer or send money to a check scammer, we may not be able to recover those funds.

Here are three steps that can help you avoid fake check scams.

Step 1: Know the common fake check scams.


The key to these scams is that you’re asked to act quickly, deposit a fake check, and send back a portion of the funds before your bank can spot the fraud.

Here are examples:

Overpayment Scam: Someone sends you a fraudulent check for a product or service, but the amount is higher than the price you agreed upon. You’re asked to return the “overpayment.”

Employment Scam: Someone posing as an employer who wants to hire you sends a fake check as an advance payment or to cover expenses. You’re asked to send back the “extra money.”

Lottery or Sweepstakes Scam: Scammers say you’ve won prize money. They send a fake check and ask for a partial payment in return, claiming it's for processing fees, taxes, or another phony reason.

If you receive a check related to a deal that seems too good to be true, trust your instincts.

Be skeptical, don’t deposit the check, and verify that it’s real before taking any action.

Step 2: Look for the fake check warning signs.


If you're suspicious about a check you received, ask yourself:

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, don’t deposit the check.

Step 3: When in doubt, stop and let us help you.


Fake check scams can be complex.

If you are ever unsure about a check you’ve received, we are here to help.

Bring the check to your local Wells Fargo branch and let us assist you.

If you’ve already deposited a suspicious check and suspect you are the victim of fraud, contact us right away.

Terms and conditions apply. Setup is required for transfers to other U.S. financial institutions, and verification may take 1–3 business days. Customers should refer to their other U.S. financial institutions for information about any potential fees charged by those institutions. Mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. See Wells Fargo’s Online Access Agreement for more information.

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