Medium riskJob Scams

Voiceover Gig Scam

In this scam, a fake client offers a paid voiceover or acting gig, then requires you to buy specific equipment or software, or sends an overpayment cheque and asks for the difference back before it bounces.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Advance-fee / overpayment (creative gigs)
Main red flag
A voiceover or acting gig that requires buying equipment or sends an overpayment cheque.
What to do first
Verify the client; never buy required equipment from them or move cheque funds.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a fake client offers a paid voiceover or acting gig, then requires you to buy specific equipment or software, or sends an overpayment cheque and asks for the difference back before it bounces.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'You got the voiceover role! Buy our required studio software, or deposit this cheque for equipment and send the balance to our supplier.'

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

  • A requirement to buy specific equipment or software
  • An overpayment cheque with money to send back
  • An offer with no proper audition or contract
  • Contact through chat apps
  • Pressure to act quickly

What to do

  • Verify the client and project independently
  • Never buy required equipment from the 'client'
  • Do not move funds from a cheque until it fully clears
  • Use reputable platforms with clear payment terms

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid for equipment, dispute it with your payment provider
  • If you sent cheque funds, contact your bank immediately
  • Keep all messages and receipts as evidence
  • Report the client and platform

What not to do

  • Do not buy required equipment from a client
  • Do not move money from an uncleared cheque
  • Do not work without clear, verified payment terms

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Frequently asked questions

Do real voiceover clients make me buy equipment?
Legitimate clients do not require you to buy specific equipment or software from them to take a role. Such requirements are a scam sign.
They sent a cheque for equipment. Safe?
An overpayment cheque with a request to send the balance is a fake-cheque scam. Do not move the funds; the cheque will be reversed.
I paid for the software. Can I recover it?
Dispute the charge with your payment provider, keep your evidence, and report the client and platform.
How do I find genuine gigs?
Use reputable platforms with clear payment terms, verify clients independently, and avoid offers requiring upfront purchases.

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.