Company requests depositing $2,450 check, sending $1,800 to another party; unusual payment request after voice acting.

Question

I provided voice acting services to a company for $650.00, outlined in a contract. However, they sent me a check for $2,450.00, asking me to deposit it and then send $1,800.00 to a video production team. The company promised to provide the team's contact information only after I deposit the check. I've never worked with this company before, and I'm concerned about being trusted with such a transaction. Is this a common practice among companies, and should I be wary?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

You're absolutely right to feel uneasy about this situation—it has several red flags that suggest it may be a scam. Legitimate companies typically pay you only the amount you’re owed, directly to you, and don’t ask you to forward money to another party, especially without verifying who they are. The fact that they’re withholding contact information until after you deposit the check is suspicious and could be a setup for a fake check scam. 
 
If you deposit the check and send money out before it clears, your bank could hold you responsible when the check bounces. You’d be out the $1,800 and possibly face fees or consequences with your bank. Scams like this often use legitimate-sounding projects to gain trust, then take advantage of people trying to do honest work. 
 
You should not deposit the check or send any money. Let the company know you will only accept payment directly for your work and that you won’t be involved in paying third parties on their behalf. You’ve done the right thing by trusting your instincts—it’s always better to protect yourself than to clean up a mess after the fact.

Q: Company requests depositing $2,450 check, sending $1,800 to another party; unusual payment request after voice acting.