Fake check scam targets childcare providers

If you’re a childcare provider, you know parents might sometimes need to arrange for childcare in a pinch. But if you get an urgent message from someone who says they need childcare and will send you a check in advance, that’s likely a scammer trying to trick you into sending them money. 

Childcare providers are reporting scammers who pose as parents, reaching out by email, text, social media, or online caregiving platforms. They say they’re moving to the area (often from overseas) and need immediate care for their children. They’ll send a check to pay in advance, they say, but the check is for more than you expected. The “parents” claim they “accidentally overpaid” and ask you to send the extra money back — according to reports, usually by wire transfer or payment app.

But if you deposit the check and send money, you’ll be out the cash. Because, even if the check initially clears and you see money in your account, that fake check will bounce and you’ll have to repay the bank.

If someone sends you a check and then tells you to send back part of the money, that’s a fake check scam. To help you avoid scams like this:

• Take your time before engaging with someone who reaches out urgently, especially if you haven’t worked with them before (or met them yet).
• Don’t accept a check for more than you charge for childcare. That’s a sure sign of a scam.
• Never send money to anyone who says they overpaid you by check. Only a scammer will tell you to use money from a check to pay them by wire transfer, payment app, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

Already paid a scammer? Read What To Do if You Were Scammed to find out what to do next. And tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.