High riskJob Scams

Social Media Manager Job Scam

In this scam, you are hired to manage a company's social media without a real interview, sent a check to cover 'ad spend' or tools, and asked to forward most of it to a vendor before the check bounces.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Fake check / overpayment (job)
Main red flag
A social media job sends a large check for 'ad budget' and asks you to forward most of it.
What to do first
Do not forward any funds; a check can be reversed days after it appears to clear.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, you are hired to manage a company's social media without a real interview, sent a check to cover 'ad spend' or tools, and asked to forward most of it to a vendor before the check bounces.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Welcome! I've sent a $2,500 check for the ad budget. Keep your $400 fee and send $2,100 to our ads vendor via e-transfer today.'

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.

Red flags to watch for

  • Being hired with no real interview
  • A check for ad spend or tools that overpays
  • A request to forward funds to a 'vendor'
  • Payment of the balance by e-transfer, wire, or gift card
  • Pressure to move money quickly

What to do

  • Never forward money from a check until it has fully cleared
  • Verify the employer and use proper invoicing for ad spend
  • 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 check to be reversed, leaving you liable
  • Keep the check and all messages as evidence
  • Report the 'client' to the platform and authorities

What not to do

  • Do not forward funds from an uncleared check
  • Do not pay a 'vendor' on a client's behalf this way
  • Do not accept a job with no real interview

Similar scams

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.
High risk Job

Money Mule Job Scam

This scam hires you as a 'payment processor', 'financial agent', or 'transfer assistant' to receive money into your account and forward it on, making you a money mule who launders the proceeds of fraud.
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.'

Frequently asked questions

Why would a client send me money for ad spend?
Legitimate clients pay vendors directly or through proper invoicing. Sending you a check to forward is a fake-check scam designed to leave you liable.
How do I know the check is fake?
Overpayment plus a request to forward funds is the giveaway. Do not move money until your bank confirms it has fully cleared.
I forwarded the money. What now?
Contact your bank immediately, keep your evidence, and report it; the deposited check will likely be reversed.
How should ad budgets be handled?
Through the client's own accounts or proper invoicing, never by you cashing a check and forwarding the funds.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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.