05/27/2026
As a business owner, I spend alot of time chasing leads that does not receive gains. Then there are a special kind of people who think they can take advantage of a busy business entrepreneur. If a business is asking you questions to verify your identity for paperwork, it also helps w**d out the scammers.
So this "client" found me through one of my facebook ads and I almost fell for the scam. They messed up on two things that threw two huge red flags.
1. The address: I verify addresses (this one did not line up - the house is a new home and is for sale; the scammer sent me 2 photos and said it was an older home).
2. He wanted me to verify an ECheque.
So this is what we need to watch out for.
How the Scams Work
Scammers take advantage of the fact that it takes days for a cheque to clear.
The Overpayment Scam: A "buyer" (e.g., on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist) or a fake "employer" sends an eCheck for more than you are owed. They instruct you to deposit the check and wire/e-transfer the extra funds to a third party (often themselves).
The Refund/Overpayment Trap: Scammers make a large payment or donation to a business, quickly cancel, and demand a refund before the initial check bounces.
Fake Job/Mystery Shopper: You are sent a large check to "buy supplies" or "evaluate a store" and are told to send a portion of the funds elsewhere.
Eventually, the bank discovers the eCheck is fraudulent and bounces it. Even if your bank initially makes the funds available to you, you are legally responsible for the entire amount once the check bounces, putting you in debt to your bank and risking the permanent closure of your accounts.
How to Protect Yourself
Never accept money from strangers: Do not accept an eCheck from anyone you do not know or trust.
Never wire or e-transfer money back: If someone sends you a cheque and asks you to send a portion of it back via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or e-transfer, it is 100% a scam.
Wait for true clearance: Do not spend, withdraw, or transfer unverified funds. Ask your bank if the check has fully cleared, which can take up to two weeks.
If you suspect you have encountered an eCheck scam in your area, you should block the sender, avoid transferring any funds, and report the incident to your local police, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or the Better Business Bureau.
I have added a picture of the beginning of the conversation and the scam.
