High riskJob

Personal Driver Job Scam

In this scam, you are hired as a personal driver or chauffeur for a wealthy 'employer', sent a cheque to buy a vehicle, insurance, or supplies, and asked to forward most of it before the cheque bounces.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Fake cheque / overpayment (job)
Main red flag
A driver job that sends a cheque for a car or expenses and asks you to forward funds.
What to do first
Do not forward any funds; a cheque can be reversed after it appears to clear.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, you are hired as a personal driver or chauffeur for a wealthy 'employer', sent a cheque to buy a vehicle, insurance, or supplies, and asked to forward most of it before the cheque 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 driver job that sends a cheque for a car or expenses and asks you to forward funds. Do not forward any funds; a cheque can be reversed after it appears to clear.

Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the Car Wrap Scam or the Nanny 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: 'You're hired as my driver. I've sent a cheque for the car and insurance, keep your pay and send the rest to my dealer.'

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 driver job that sends a cheque for a car or expenses and asks you to forward funds.

Red flags to watch for

  • Being hired with no real interview
  • A cheque to buy a car, insurance, or supplies
  • A request to forward funds to a 'dealer' or 'agent'
  • Payment of the balance by transfer or gift card
  • An employer who is always travelling or abroad

What to do

  • Do not forward money until a cheque has fully cleared
  • Verify the employer independently
  • Confirm with your bank that funds are truly settled
  • Report the scheme to your bank and authorities

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you forwarded money, contact your bank immediately
  • Expect the cheque to be reversed, leaving you liable
  • Keep the cheque and messages as evidence
  • Report the 'employer'

What not to do

  • Do not forward funds from an uncleared cheque
  • Do not pay a 'dealer' or 'agent' for an employer
  • Do not trust a job with no real interview

Similar scams

High risk Job

Car Wrap Scam

This scam offers to pay you for wrapping your car in advertising, then sends a check for more than agreed and asks you to forward part of it to a 'wrap installer'. The check later bounces, leaving you responsible for the money you sent on.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
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 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 would a driver employer send me a cheque?
Legitimate employers do not send cheques for you to buy a car and forward the balance. It is a fake-cheque overpayment scam.
How do I know the cheque cleared?
Ask your bank whether the funds have fully settled, not just shown as available, and wait until you are certain before moving money.
I forwarded the money. What now?
Contact your bank immediately, keep your evidence, and report it; the cheque will likely be reversed.
How do I find a genuine driving job?
Apply through reputable employers or agencies, expect a real interview, and never forward funds from a cheque.

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.