What it means
A fake-check job scam sends a new hire a check, then instructs them to buy equipment from a designated vendor or return excess funds. The bank may make deposited funds available before it determines the check is fraudulent. The transfer the victim sends out can be real and irreversible.
A real-world example
A remote recruiter emails a check for a laptop and requires payment to a supplier today. The deposit appears, but days later the bank reverses it. The applicant owes the bank while the supposed supplier has the transferred money.
What to do
Do not forward money from an unverified check. Verify the employer through a known channel and alert the bank immediately if you deposited one.
The distinction that matters
A 'cleared for withdrawal' balance is not final validation. If money was already sent to a supposed supplier, tell the bank and payment provider at once. FTC's fake-check guide explains why the bank can later reverse the credit.
FTC fake-check explanation
