Overpayment 'Return the Difference' Scam
Someone 'accidentally' overpays you and asks you to return the extra — but their payment is fake or reversible, so the money you send back is your own.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
A buyer, employer, or 'client' pays you more than owed — by check, app, or transfer — and asks you to refund the difference or forward it to a third party. Their original payment is fake, stolen, or reversible; when it fails, you have already sent real money away. This pattern shows up in job scams, rental deposits, marketplace sales, and mystery-shopping. The overpayment is the trap.
What it usually looks like
- A payment for more than the agreed amount.
- A request to send back the extra or forward it on.
- A rushed timeline to refund quickly.
- An explanation like 'accounting error' or 'I'll pay the mover directly.'
Common warning signs
- Any overpayment followed by a 'send the difference back' request.
- Pressure to refund before the original payment settles.
- Being asked to forward money to a third party.
- Payment by check or reversible transfer.
Example wording scammers use
“Oops, I sent $2,500 instead of $500 — please send the extra $2,000 back via Zelle.”
“Your first paycheck includes funds for equipment; buy it from our vendor and return the rest.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Real money back from a fake overpayment.
- To exploit settlement delays.
- A middle person to move funds.
What to do
- Never refund an overpayment until the original fully settles (days, not 'available').
- Be suspicious of any overpayment plus a refund request.
- Do not forward money to third parties for an employer or buyer.
- Decline and report.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your bank or the payment app immediately.
- Keep all records.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.