Do not forward money, buy gift cards or send cryptocurrency because a check appears in your account. The FTC warns that available deposited funds do not establish that a check is genuine. An online relationship does not change that distinction. If you deposited it already, contact your bank through its official channels before taking further action.
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Notice the transaction, not just the affectionate explanation
An illustrative dating scenario is a new contact sending a check for a trip and asking you to return the excess. This is an editorial example, not a reported DateClues case. The check-plus-onward-payment mechanism matches the FTC’s fake-check warning; the romantic explanation does not validate the instrument. [FTC: How to spot, avoid and report fake check scams]
Available money and a verified check are different
The FTC explains that a bank can make deposited money available before it discovers a check is fake. Discovery can take weeks, and the depositor can be left owing money back. A visible balance, a professional-looking check or a sender’s screenshot should not be treated as permission to send money onward. This guide applies the US FTC warning; banking procedures differ by country. [FTC: How to spot, avoid and report fake check scams]
Use a refusal that closes the payment route
DateClues suggests saying: “I will not deposit a check or transfer money for someone I know online. I will discuss any existing deposit directly with my bank.” Keep the boundary about the transaction. You do not have to prove that the person is fake, establish their real identity or accuse someone whose public photo was reused.
| Request | Boundary | Record to keep privately |
|---|---|---|
| Return an overpayment | Do not make an onward payment | The check and refund instruction |
| Buy gift cards from the deposit | Do not send card numbers or PINs | The message specifying the purchase |
| Send funds to another person | Do not act as an intermediary | The requested recipient details for the bank |
If a deposit or payment already happened
Reach your bank using its app, card or independently known contact information and explain the check and requested transfers. If you paid by another service, contact that provider promptly and ask what options remain. Keep records for those providers; do not send another payment to unlock a supposed refund. Recovery is not guaranteed.
A public-profile match cannot clear a check
TraceSeek may help you compare public username or image clues, but it does not authenticate checks, confirm bank balances or approve financial transactions. A consistent social account should not override the payment boundary. Once a check-and-forward request is identified, stop searching for reasons to make it safe and use the bank’s actual review process.
A couple more questions
The money is available in my account. Is sending some back safe?
Do not rely on that. The FTC warns that fake checks may be discovered after money has become available.
Can a matching public profile verify the payment?
No. A username or image result does not authenticate a check or establish that an onward transfer is safe.
Sources & editorial notes
Official references checked on October 23, 2026. Checklists, comparison tables and example wording are DateClues editorial tools, not official tests or validated risk scores.
General information. No guide or tool can certify a person’s identity, intentions or safety. Read our editorial standards.