Fake Check Scam Targeting Childcare Providers

Overview

Scammers pose as parents urgently needing childcare, send providers a check for more than owed, then ask for the "overpayment" to be wired or sent back — leaving the provider on the hook when the check bounces.

How It Works

Scammers posing as parents contact childcare providers by email, text, social media, or online caregiving platforms, claiming they are moving to the area, often from overseas, and need immediate childcare. They send a check to pay for services in advance, but the check is written for more than the agreed amount. The "parent" then explains they "accidentally overpaid" and asks the provider to send the extra money back, usually by wire transfer or payment app. The provider deposits the check, sees the funds appear, and sends back the difference — but the check later bounces, leaving the provider responsible for repaying their bank the full amount, while the money they sent to the scammer is gone for good.

Red Flags

• An unfamiliar "parent" reaches out urgently needing childcare, often claiming to be moving from overseas
• You receive a check for more money than you were owed for your services
• The sender asks you to send back the "overpaid" amount via wire transfer, payment app, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
• Contact comes out of the blue via email, text, social media, or a caregiving platform before you've even met

Real Examples

• Childcare providers have reported scammers posing as parents moving to the area from overseas who send a check for more than the arranged cost of care and ask for the difference to be wired back or sent via payment app.

Where It Spreads

How to Protect Yourself

• Take your time before engaging with someone who contacts you urgently, especially if you haven't worked with or met them before
• Don't accept a check for more than you charge for childcare — that's a sure sign of a scam
• Never send money back to anyone who says they overpaid you by check; only a scammer asks you to repay an overpayment via wire, payment app, gift cards, or crypto
• Remember that a check can look legitimate and funds can appear in your account, but the check can still bounce days later, leaving you liable for the full amount

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