Freelancing

Stage 7 · Lesson 7 of 8

Fake cheques and overpayments

Getting paid, records and safety

In an , a pays you more than agreed. It often comes by cheque or another payment that can be reversed. They then ask you to send the difference back, or on to a supplier.

The money appears in your account, so it looks safe. But weeks later the payment bounces or is reversed. You owe the full amount, and the money you sent is gone.

This is the fake cheque and overpayment scam. The US explains that money showing in your account does not prove a payment is good. The rule is simple.

Never send money back or onward to a client for any reason, and refuse any payment larger than agreed.

Common traptrusting your balance and acting quickly because the client says it is urgent.

A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 1 cheat sheet entry come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it

Resources for this stage

Practise

  • Zoho Invoice

    Numbered invoices, reminders and a record of what each client has paid

Keep handy

  • Payoneer

    The usual payout route for marketplace earnings in many countries; check fees in your account

  • Wise

    Multi-currency transfers; check what an account can do in your country before relying on it

Also worth your time

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