High riskJob

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.

Quick verdict

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

What to know first

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.

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 core pattern to watch for is clear: A new pet-sitting 'employer' sends a check for too much and asks you to return part of it. Do not send any money back; a check can bounce days after appearing to clear.

Related tricks worth knowing: the Nanny Job Scam and the Overpayment Scam. For the wider picture, browse the Job Scams guides or run the message through our scam checker.

Scam statistics

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

Tell-tale red flags

  • 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 'courier' or 'supplier'
  • Payment of the difference by gift card, wire, or e-transfer
  • Pressure to act before the check 'expires'

Staying safe

  • Do not move any money until a check has fully cleared, which can take days
  • Confirm with your bank whether funds are truly settled, not just available
  • Verify the employer independently before acting
  • Report the scheme to your bank and local fraud authority

How it usually reads

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Thanks for taking the job! I've sent a $1,800 check for supplies and the first week. Keep $300 and send $1,500 to my pet courier by e-transfer.'

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.

What to notice: A new pet-sitting 'employer' sends a check for too much and asks you to return part of it.

Steps if you already acted

  • 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

Common mistakes

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

Scams like this one

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
High risk Job

Fake Job Offer Scam

This scam offers a job with little or no interview, then asks for upfront fees, personal documents, or bank details to 'set you up.'

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Your questions answered

Why is the overpayment check effective?
Banks may show funds as available before a check clears. When it bounces days later, you are left owing any money you already 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.
The owner seems caring. Could it still be a scam?
Yes. Scammers build rapport to lower your guard. An overpayment and a request to send money back are warning signs regardless of tone.
I already sent the difference. What now?
Contact your bank immediately, keep all evidence, and report it; the deposited check will likely be reversed.

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.