A remote job sends a check to buy your equipment

In a fake-check job scam, a supposed employer sends a check for equipment and tells you to buy from its 'supplier' or send back an overpayment. A bank may temporarily show the deposit before discovering the check is false, leaving you responsible for the money you sent.

Before you start​

Preserve the job listing, emails, interview messages and check image. Search for the employer's official careers page and a known public contact, not just a recruiter-provided link.

Do it step by step​

1. Do not deposit or spend the check until you have independently verified the job and payment arrangement with the employer through its official contact.
2. Compare the job offer with the company's real website and recruiting process. A copied logo and a chat-only interview are weak proof.
3. Refuse any instruction to pay a particular equipment vendor, buy gift cards or return an 'extra' amount from the check. A legitimate employer should resolve procurement through its own process.
4. If you already deposited the check, tell your bank's fraud department immediately and do not spend the provisional funds. Explain every transfer you made.
5. If you sent money or personal data, contact the payment service for reversal options, protect your identity and accounts, and report the job listing to the platform and fraud authority.

Check the result​

The company should confirm the role and equipment process through an independently found channel. Until then, treat the offered check as unverified even if a deposit appears in your balance.

If something goes wrong​

Banks may take time to identify a fake check. A funds-availability notice is not final authentication of the check or employer.

Know the limit​

FTC specifically describes job-equipment fake checks and warns that victims must repay money after a deposited check fails. FTC fake-check warning FTC work-from-home scam guidance