Fake caregiver / nanny / babysitter / personal assistant overpayment cheque scam — responds to job listing + sends cheque/money order for more than agreed amount + asks worker to cash it and wire/Zelle/CashApp back the difference + cheque bounces days later + FTC: #2 fraud type targeting job seekers

Job-ad overpayment fraud targeting domestic workers — one of the most reported fake-cheque scam variants in the FTC Consumer Sentinel database. The fraud follows a precise pattern: (1) Victim posts a job listing for nanny, babysitter, caregiver, personal assistant, housekeeper, au pair, dog walker, or similar domestic services; (2) Scammer responds enthusiastically and "hires" the victim remotely, often claiming to be overseas or traveling; (3) Scammer sends a cheque, cashier's cheque, or money order for significantly more than the agreed amount — typically claiming it covers "supplies," "equipment," "expenses," or is just a convenient rounding; (4) Victim is asked to cash or deposit the payment and wire/Zelle/CashApp/Western Union back the difference; (5) The victim sends the real money back; (6) Days later the cheque bounces or is flagged as fraudulent — the victim's bank holds them liable for the full amount. The FTC reports fake cheque scams cause $28M+ annually, with job-ad overpayment being the #2 variant after prize/lottery scams. Key facts: (1) No legitimate employer sends more money than agreed and asks for any portion back — if this happens, it is always fraud; (2) Banks are required to make cheque funds "available" within 1-2 days (Reg CC) but actual cheque clearing takes 5-10 business days — funds showing in your account does NOT mean the cheque has cleared; (3) The FTC's "Fake Check Scam" landing page specifically describes this job-ad variant. Warning signs: employer you've never met, overseas hiring, overpayment with refund request, payment via wire/gift card/Zelle.