What to do if you deposited a fake check

Do these steps in order

1. 1

   Do this now Stop. Don't send or spend any more of the check's money

   Seeing the money in your account does not mean the check is good. If it is fake, the bank can take the money back out of your account. You may have to repay money you already sent or spent. Don't send more, even if they say it's urgent.

2. 2

   Do this now Call your bank now and tell them the check may be fake

   Use the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement, or open your bank's official app. Never call a number printed on the check, or one they gave you. Ask them to stop or recall any money you sent. Gave them your bank login or a code? Say so.

   What to say: “I deposited a check that I think is fake, and I sent some of the money to someone. Please check the deposit, and try to stop or recall the money I sent.”

3. 3

   Do this now Sent the money another way? Contact that company now too

   This means Western Union or MoneyGram, gift cards, a payment app, a money order, or crypto. Use the number on your receipt or card, or the company's official app. Don't search online for a number. Scammers post fake ones. Find the guide for how you paid lower on this page.

   • FTC: How to get your money back if you paid a scammer
   • FTC: If you paid with a money order
4. 4

   Stop all contact, and don't deposit any more checks

   Don't answer their calls, texts, or emails. Say no if they send another check or ask you to move money for them. No real job, buyer, or prize sends you a check and asks you to send money back or to someone else.

5. 5

   Gave them your Social Security number or a password? Use those guides too

   Fake jobs often ask for personal information. Open the guide lower on this page for your Social Security number, or for a shared code or password.

6. 6

   Keep the check, the envelope, and every message

   Don't throw anything away. If you still have the check, take photos of both sides. Keep the envelope it came in. Save their texts and emails, and receipts for any money you sent. You will need them for your reports.

7. 7

   Did the check come by mail? Report it to the Postal Inspection Service

   The U.S. Postal Inspection Service asks people who got a fake check to report it. On its page below, choose Mail Fraud.

   • Postal Inspection Service: Report mail fraud
8. 8

   If your bank says you owe money, ask them to explain

   Call the number on your card or statement, not one from a call or text. Ask what you owe and why. Your account agreement has the bank's rules for fake checks. Ask for a copy if you don't have one. Keep notes of each call: the date, who you spoke to, and what they said.

   • HelpWithMyBank.gov: Do I owe the bank for a fake check?