Overpayment and refund scams
Someone 'accidentally' pays you too much and asks you to send the difference back.
Sample content for development. This profile will be reviewed by DTI before launch.
How it works
A buyer or company sends more than agreed, or claims a refund was paid in error, then asks you to return the extra. The original payment is later reversed or was never real, and your money is gone.
Warning signs
- A payment larger than agreed, followed by a request to return the difference
- Screenshots of payments instead of money actually arriving
- Pressure to send the money back quickly
Common tactics
- Fake payment confirmation emails
- Cheques that bounce days after they appear to clear
- Remote access to 'fix' a refund
What to do
- Check your balance in your own banking app, not a link or screenshot
- Don't return overpayments. Ask your bank to reverse the original transaction
- Never give remote access to process a refund
Reporting
Report the message or account to the platform it came through, then report to your country's official fraud reporting service. If money or banking details are involved, contact your bank or payment provider first.