An overpayment scam is when a fraudster sends, or appears to send, more money than expected, then asks you to return the difference. The original payment is often later reversed because it was made using stolen payment details or other fraudulent means — if you've already refunded the "extra" amount, you lose your own money, even though the original payment never actually cleared.
How it happens
You're buying or selling something, or receiving what looks like a genuine payment, and the amount that arrives is more than agreed. The sender asks you to return the difference straight away, often with a reasonable-sounding explanation — a mistake, an overpayment by a third party, or an urgent reason they need it back quickly. You return the money before the original payment has genuinely cleared. Once it's reversed, you've lost the amount you refunded.
Warning signs
Be cautious if: you receive more money than expected, you're asked to return the difference quickly, you're pressured to act before checking your balance has actually settled, or the story for the overpayment feels rushed or overly convenient.
How to protect yourself
- Never return unexpected money without verifying the payment first.
- Confirm the funds have genuinely cleared, not just appeared as a pending balance.
- Contact your bank or payment provider if you're unsure whether a payment has actually settled.
If you think you've already returned money
- Contact your bank or payment provider immediately.
- Save messages, payment details, and any information about the sender.
- Contact us, if an Xe transfer was involved.
When you contact us, use our Help Centre.