Scams Online

Online scam · added Oct 27, 2026

A real buyer never needs money back to pay you.

A buyer overpays with a check or a payment email, then asks you to send back the difference.

BuyerText message

Recreation

Spot the tell. Tap the part that gives this scam away.

The tell

Sent you $950 for the bike. Oops, it was $650. Can you send back the $300?

Money has to go back to the buyer before the sale is done.

Example from our recreation.

How it works

  1. You are selling something online.
  2. The buyer overpays with a check or a payment email, then asks you to send back the difference.
  3. The payment was never real. Your money was.

What to do

  1. Check payments inside your own bank app, not an email.
  2. Never send money back to a buyer, and never share a code.

Already fell for it?

Already sent money back? Call your bank or payment app now, then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

What to do if you were scammed

Watch it

This scam is on The Tell as a short video. YouTube, TikTok or Instagram.

Sources

Checked Oct 27, 2026.

More scams like this

Call nowOnlineThe tech support pop-upYour screen freezes, flashes red and tells you to call support now. The number goes to a scammer.