Craigslist check scams: the overpayment buyer and how to stay safe
Quick answer
A Craigslist buyer who sends a check for more than your asking price and asks you to send the difference back is a scammer. The check is fake, even if it shows up in your balance. Don't deposit it, don't send anything back, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Last updated
How it works
You list something on Craigslist and a buyer replies quickly, often by text or email, without haggling or asking to see the item. They say they'll pay by check, sometimes a cashier's check or one that looks like it comes from a company.
The check arrives for more than the price. The buyer has a reason: a shipping agent to pay, a mix-up, a family member who made a mistake. They ask you to deposit it and send the extra back by wire, gift card, Zelle or cash app.
The FTC says the check is fake, but if you deposit it, the money can show up in your account balance. That doesn't mean the check is good. A bank can take days or weeks to find a fake check, and by then the money you sent is gone and the bank takes the deposit back out of your account.
What they want is your money, and sometimes your item too if you ship it before the check bounces. They may also collect your name, address and phone number along the way.
Red flags
- A buyer who agrees to your price right away and never asks about the item
- A check or payment for more than you asked
- A request to send part of the money back or to a third party such as a shipper
- Pressure to deposit the check and ship today
- A buyer who wants to move the chat off Craigslist to text or email
- Payment by check from a person or company you can't verify
Example message
Hi, I'll take it at your asking price. I'm out of town so I'll mail you a check. My shipping agent will pick it up, so the check will be a bit higher. Please deposit it and send the extra to him by [payment app] and I'll arrange the pickup.
What to do
- 1
Don't deposit the check or send anything back
If a buyer's check is for more than your price, return it or tear it up. Never send part of the money to the buyer or anyone they name.
- 2
Stay on the listing and use safer payment
Meet in person in a public place and accept cash you can check on the spot, or wait until the funds have fully cleared before you hand over the item.
- 3
If you deposited a check, call your bank now
Tell the bank you suspect a fake check and ask what you can do. Stop any payment you haven't sent yet.
- 4
If you sent money, contact the payment provider
Use the number on your card or in the app, not one the buyer gave you. Ask them to stop or reverse the transfer, and keep the receipts.
- 5
Protect your accounts if you shared details
Change passwords you reused and watch your bank statements. Consider a credit freeze if you gave out your Social Security number.
- 6
Report it
File a report so it can be tracked. Flag the listing or the buyer on Craigslist too.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers find sellers from public listings, and a name or phone number in your ad is enough to start. They can then look you up on people-search sites to find your address and other details, which makes them sound more convincing. Details like these also show up in data breaches. Serus finds where your address and phone number are listed and removes them, and alerts you when your details appear in a breach, so fewer scammers can build a story around you.
More Craigslist scams
Frequently asked
Is a cashier's check safe to accept?
Not on its own. The FTC warns that checks of all kinds can be fake, including ones that look official. If it's for more than the price, don't accept it.
My bank made the money available. Isn't it good?
No. Funds can show in your balance before the bank finds the check is fake, which can take weeks. When it bounces, the money comes out of your account.
Why do they want me to send money back?
That's how the scam works: you send real money in return for a fake check. The check bounces later and you've lost what you sent.
Does this also happen on Facebook Marketplace?
Yes. The FTC's selling guidance covers Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other sites where scammers look for sellers.
Sources
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