High riskJob

Cleaning Job Scam

In this scam, you are hired as a cleaner or housekeeper without a real interview, sent a check to buy 'supplies' or covering more than agreed, and asked to send the difference to a supplier before the check bounces.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Fake check / overpayment (job)
Main red flag
A cleaning 'employer' sends a check for too much and asks you to return part of it.
What to do first
Do not send money back; a check can bounce days after it appears to clear.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, you are hired as a cleaner or housekeeper without a real interview, sent a check to buy 'supplies' or covering more than agreed, and asked to send the difference to a supplier before the check bounces.

Job and employment scams exploit hope and momentum with an easy "hire", work-from-home promises, and tasks that supposedly pay commission. The tell is the direction money flows: real employers pay you, while scams get you to pay in for training, equipment, or to "unlock" earnings, or to hand over bank and ID details.

The single clearest warning sign to remember is this: A cleaning 'employer' sends a check for too much and asks you to return part of it. Do not send money back; a check can bounce days after it appears to clear.

Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the Nanny Job Scam or the Pet Sitting Job Scam, browse the Job Scams guides, or paste the exact message into our free scam checker.

By the numbers

Fast-growing
business and job-opportunity scams are among the fastest-growing fraud types reported to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$10.3B
total reported US fraud losses in 2023 across all categories
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Example message pattern

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Welcome! I've sent a $1,500 check for cleaning supplies. Keep $250 and send $1,250 to my supplier by e-transfer to order everything.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Why this is a red flag: A cleaning 'employer' sends a check for too much and asks you to return part of it.

Red flags to watch for

  • Being hired with no real interview, often by text or email
  • A check sent before you start, for more than expected
  • A request to forward money to a 'supplier'
  • Payment of the difference by gift card, wire, or e-transfer
  • Pressure to act before the check 'expires'

What to do

  • Do not move any money until a check has fully cleared
  • Confirm with your bank that funds are truly settled, not just available
  • Verify the employer independently
  • Report the scheme to your bank and authorities

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you sent money, contact your bank immediately to try to stop it
  • Expect the deposited check to be reversed, leaving you liable
  • Keep the check, envelope, and messages as evidence
  • Report the 'employer' to the platform and authorities

What not to do

  • Do not send money from funds only showing as 'available'
  • Do not pay a 'supplier' for an employer
  • Do not trust a job offered with no real interview

Similar scams

High risk Job

Nanny Job Scam

This scam offers a well-paid nanny or caregiver role, then sends a cheque for more than agreed and asks you to forward the extra for 'supplies'; the cheque later bounces and you lose the money you sent.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Job

Pet Sitting Job Scam

In this scam, you are hired as a pet sitter or dog walker without a real interview, sent a check for more than agreed to cover 'supplies' or the pet's transport, and asked to send the difference back before the check bounces.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Bank & Payment

Overpayment Scam

A buyer, employer, or 'client' sends you a payment or cheque for more than they owe, then asks you to send the extra back. The original payment is fake or is later reversed, leaving you out of pocket for the refund you sent.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Frequently asked questions

Why is the supply check a scam?
It is a fake-check overpayment. Banks may show funds as available before a check clears; when it bounces, you owe back any money you sent on.
How do I know a check truly cleared?
Ask your bank specifically whether the funds have fully settled, and wait until you are certain before moving any money.
I already sent the supplier money. What now?
Contact your bank immediately, keep all evidence, and report it; the deposited check will likely be reversed.
How do I find genuine cleaning work?
Apply through reputable agencies or employers, expect a real interview, and never buy supplies with funds from an uncleared check.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.