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What to do if…
a cheque you received is flagged as counterfeit and the bank reverses the deposit

Short answer

Call your bank immediately (using the number on your card/app) to confirm what happened and stop fees/restrictions — and do not send anyone “refund” money.

Do not do these things

  • Do not send money back to the person who gave you the cheque (bank transfer, cash, crypto, gift cards, or a “new” cheque), even if they pressure you or show screenshots.
  • Do not assume “available funds” means the cheque cleared — reversals can happen after money appears in your balance.
  • Do not ignore letters/app messages about the returned cheque, charges, or account restrictions.
  • Do not close the account in panic (it can complicate fees, complaints, and access to records).
  • Do not share online banking details, one-time passcodes, or give anyone remote access to your device.

What to do now

  1. Contact your bank’s fraud/cheque team right away (use the number on your card/app).
    Ask for: (a) the reason the cheque was reversed (e.g., counterfeit/altered/returned unpaid), (b) whether your account is restricted, (c) a list of any fees/interest triggered, and (d) what they need from you to log this as a cheque you received (not a cheque you wrote).

  2. Get confirmation in writing and collect the bank’s details.
    Request a secure message/letter confirming the reversal and any “returned cheque” reference details. Ask if they can provide an image of the cheque (many are imaged) and the date it was returned.

  3. Stop the immediate financial bleed.
    If the reversal made your account go overdrawn, prioritise preventing extra charges: pause non-essential transfers, move upcoming bills to a different account if you safely can, and ask the bank whether they can waive, refund, or temporarily hold fees while it’s reviewed.

  4. If you gave goods/services in exchange, pause anything you haven’t delivered yet.
    If it’s still possible (undelivered goods, a booking not yet used, work not yet started), stop now. Do not agree to “partial refunds,” “shipping reimbursements,” or “sending the difference” — that’s how fake-cheque scams turn into real losses.

  5. Preserve evidence while it’s fresh.
    Keep the original cheque, envelope, deposit receipt/screenshot, and all messages/emails. Write down: dates, amounts, how you met/contacted the person, and any names/phone numbers/accounts they used.

  6. If the scam contact came via email/text, report the messages.
    Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (free). Forward suspicious emails to the UK phishing reporting address used for scam emails. (This helps disrupt look-alike links and impersonation.)

  7. Report it through the correct UK route for your location.

    • England, Wales, Northern Ireland: report cyber crime and fraud to Report Fraud (the national reporting service) online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
    • Scotland: report fraud to Police Scotland via 101 (non-emergency).
      Keep any reference number you’re given — your bank may ask for it.

  8. If you shared personal details, add a layer of identity protection.
    If you sent ID copies or enough information for someone to apply for credit in your name, consider Cifas Protective Registration (a paid service; currently £30 for 2 years) so Cifas members carry out extra checks when applications are made in your details.

  9. If the bank treats you unfairly, start a formal complaint (today).
    Ask the bank to log it as a complaint and give you the complaint reference. Keep communication in writing where possible (secure message/email) so you have a clear timeline. If you’re not satisfied with the response (or you don’t get one in time), you may be able to take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

What can wait

  • Deciding whether to pursue the other party civilly (often there isn’t a real person to pursue).
  • Long explanations to the scammer, “negotiating”, or trying to prove anything to them.
  • Switching banks or changing everything at once — stabilise your account and gather paperwork first.
  • Escalating externally before you have the bank’s written position and complaint reference.

Important reassurance

This happens to careful people. Scammers rely on the gap between money showing as available and the cheque being confirmed as genuine. Acting quickly now is about limiting fees, preventing further loss, and keeping your options open.

Scope note

These are first steps for the first hours/days after a deposit reversal. Next steps (fees disputes, identity protection, recovering goods) depend on what exactly the bank says happened and what information you shared.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Processes and terminology can vary by bank. If the amount is large, your account is restricted, or you’re facing escalating charges, get independent help before taking irreversible steps.

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