If you’re a freelancer—photographer, graphic designer, videographer—you’ve probably had that moment where a new client seems almost too eager to pay. They send a check for way more than you asked, then ask you to wire the difference to their “vendor.”
Stop right there. That’s a classic overpayment scam, and the Better Business Bureau is sounding the alarm again.
The BBB serving Abilene and the Big Country just issued a warning specifically targeting creative professionals. And honestly? It’s about time someone called this out loud and clear.
What’s the Scam, Exactly?
Here’s how it plays out: A potential client—often someone who found you online—contacts you for a project. You quote your rate, they agree, and then they send a check for an amount that’s way higher than your invoice. They’ll claim it was a mistake, or that it includes payment for a third-party vendor.
Then comes the ask: “Just deposit the check and wire me back the difference.”
Sounds harmless, right? Wrong. The check is fake. It can take weeks for your bank to figure that out. By then, you’ve already sent real money to the scammer. You’re left holding the bag—and your bank will hold you responsible.
“Scammers are targeting creative professionals because they often work independently and may be eager to land a new client,” the BBB warned.
I’ve seen this happen to a friend in Ohio. She was a wedding photographer. A “bride” sent her a check for $5,000 over the quoted price. My friend almost fell for it. Luckily, her bank flagged the check. But not everyone is that lucky.
Why Freelancers Are Prime Targets
Let’s be real: freelancers are busy. You’re juggling clients, deadlines, and your own books. You want to trust people. And when a check shows up, you want to believe it’s real.
Scammers know this. They prey on that trust and that hustle.
Plus, many freelancers don’t have a formal invoicing system. They’re using handwritten invoices or generic templates. That makes it harder to spot irregularities—like a check amount that doesn’t match your invoice.
How to Protect Yourself (Without Getting Paranoid)
You don’t need to become a cynic. But you do need a system. Here’s my advice:
- Never accept overpayment. If a client sends more than the invoice amount, don’t deposit it. Return the check or ask them to issue a new one.
- Wait for checks to clear. Your bank might make funds available quickly, but that doesn’t mean the check is good. Wait at least two weeks before spending any money.
- Use a professional invoicing tool. This is where I get a little opinionated. If you’re still sending invoices by hand, you’re making yourself vulnerable. A tool like Invoice Gini lets you generate professional invoices with natural language—just say what you need, and it creates a PDF. You can track payments, see exactly what’s been paid, and spot discrepancies instantly.
I’m not saying a tool will stop every scam. But when you have a clear record of what you invoiced and what was paid, a fake check sticks out like a sore thumb.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
If you already deposited a suspicious check, call your bank immediately. Tell them you suspect fraud. Then file a report with the BBB’s Scam Tracker and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
And please, don’t feel embarrassed. Scammers are professionals at this. They’ve refined their scripts. It’s not your fault.
The Bottom Line
Trust your gut. If a payment feels off, it probably is. Slow down. Verify. And use the tools that help you stay organized.
Your freelance business is your livelihood. Don’t let some slick talker take it from you.
Source: BBB warns creative professionals of overpayment scam targeting freelancers