Mobile Check Deposit Fraud Recruitment
Someone offers you cash to deposit a check and send back most of the money, or to let them use your account — leaving you liable when the check bounces.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
A message offers easy money if you deposit a check and forward part of it, or if you let someone use your bank account or debit card. The check is fake; when it bounces days later, the bank claws back the funds and you are on the hook for the money you already sent, plus fees and possible account closure. Renting out your account also makes you part of a fraud ring.
What it usually looks like
- An offer to deposit a check and keep a cut.
- A request to send most of the money back quickly.
- An offer to 'use' your bank account or card for a fee.
- Recruitment via social media or texts.
Common warning signs
- Being paid to deposit checks and forward funds.
- Anyone wanting access to your bank account or debit card.
- Pressure to send money before the check 'clears.'
- Promises of easy money for little work.
Example wording scammers use
“Make $300 today — deposit this check and send $2,000 back via Zelle, keep the rest.”
“I'll pay you weekly to use your bank account for a few transactions.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- You to move money from a fake check before it bounces.
- Access to a real bank account to launder funds.
- A liable middle person.
What to do
- Never deposit checks for strangers or forward the money.
- Never let anyone use your bank account or debit card.
- Remember 'available' funds are not the same as 'cleared.'
- Ignore and report these offers.
What to do if you already responded
- Tell your bank immediately; you may reduce liability.
- Keep all messages as evidence.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.