Internship Supplies Check Scam

A fraudulent internship scheme where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations or students, sending altered checks and demanding money back. Victims are tricked into revealing banking information and lose funds once the fake checks bounce.

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Primary example

How this scam works

  1. 1

    Scammer impersonates a trusted contact or legitimate company offering a remote internship.

  2. 2

    Victims are asked to provide personal and banking information through online forms.

  3. 3

    A fake or altered check is sent to the victim as an advance for 'supplies' or 'stipends.'

  4. 4

    Victim is pressured to deposit the check and send back a portion of the funds.

  5. 5

    The check bounces, leaving the victim responsible for the withdrawn money.

✓ Do this

  • Verify internships through official websites or LinkedIn before applying.
  • Insist on an interview or legitimate onboarding process.
  • Contact your bank immediately if you suspect you’ve deposited a fraudulent check.

✗ Avoid this

  • Do not deposit checks sent before any work is completed.
  • Do not share personal or banking information through unofficial forms.
  • Do not return funds or make purchases with money from a check you did not expect.

Quick tip: Verify independently

Don’t call numbers or click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to the company’s official site or app and contact support from there.

See common red flags