Case study · 4 min read
Case Study: The 'Out-of-State Buyer' Overpayment Scam
Quick answer
In an overpayment scam, the buyer sends a check for more than the price and asks for the difference back. The check later bounces and the refund is lost.
This illustrative example follows a pattern commonly reported by people selling furniture and electronics online.
The message
“Hi, I want to buy your couch but I'm out of state. My shipper will collect it. I'll send you a check for $850 — that's more than the price — just refund the extra $250 to my mover by Zelle once it clears.”
How the scam plays out
The check appears in the seller's balance within a day or two. The seller sends $250 by Zelle, which can't be reversed. Days later the check bounces — the seller loses the $250 and sometimes the item too.
Red flags
- Buyer can't meet in person and uses a third-party 'shipper'.
- Payment is more than the asking price.
- You're asked to send money back through an irreversible method.