At GTS Translation Services, we take pride in protecting both our clients and our network of professional translators. Unfortunately, we’ve seen an uptick in fraudulent schemes that prey on translators and agencies alike. One of the most common is the fake check scam, which can cost unsuspecting linguists thousands of dollars.
Here is an example. This is an email which we received on 9.8.2025:
I sincerely apologize for the delay in your payment. My sponsor just got back to me—there was a death in their family, which caused the delay.
I’m happy to inform you that your payment has now been mailed and should be delivered to you soon.
We’ve also discussed the possibility of involving you in the next phase of this project. However, we first need to ensure that the initial phase is translated to the highest standard. The check includes payment for both the first phase and the upcoming document, based on your agreed rate.
Total amount on the check: $5,202.10
Once the check arrives, please deposit it via an ATM for faster processing. According to the bank, the funds should reflect within a few hours or, at most, 24 hours. Once deposited, kindly send me a clear photo or scan of the deposit slip for our records.
Please keep an eye out for the check and confirm with me as soon as you receive it. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
How the Scam Works
The scammer contacts a translator or agency with what looks like a legitimate job inquiry. The project details may be vague, but the payment offer is often generous. Instead of paying via normal business channels (credit card, ACH, wire transfer), they insist on sending a paper check in advance.
Here’s the typical playbook:
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Overpayment or prepayment. They send a check that covers more than the agreed amount, sometimes even “pre-paying” for future work.
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Deposit instructions. They ask you to deposit the check at an ATM (to avoid bank staff noticing irregularities) and to send them a photo of the deposit slip.
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Urgency. They assure you that the funds will appear in your account “within 24 hours” and pressure you to proceed.
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The trap. After you deposit, the bank shows a provisional credit—but the check hasn’t really cleared. Days or weeks later, the bank reverses it as counterfeit. Meanwhile, the scammer may have asked you to send part of the “extra funds” to a third party or to start delivering work under the assumption you’ve been paid.
In every case, the end result is the same: you’re left out of pocket, with no real client and no payment.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Requests to pay by check instead of ACH, wire, or credit card.
- Lack of negotiations and immediate approval of the quote.
- No Purchase Order (PO).
- Gmail account or similar with no title or company details.
- Payment that covers future work or an oddly specific amount not tied to your invoice.
- Vague or inconsistent client details (references to a “sponsor,” personal hardship stories).
Why This Scam Persists
The scam doesn’t rely on stealing your translation—it’s about exploiting banking rules. In the U.S. and many other countries, banks must make funds “available” quickly, but that doesn’t mean a check has cleared. Criminals know this and count on you to trust the temporary balance before it bounces.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never accept paper checks from new or unverified clients.
- Insist on ACH, wire transfer, or credit card—all of which are secure and verifiable.
- Don’t start the work or commit resources until funds are fully and irrevocably received.
- Verify the client’s details. Real companies will provide contracts, purchase orders, and pay through standard channels.
- NEVER EVER EVER wire or otherwise send or rebate money to a customer.
Our Policy at GTS
At GTS Translation Services, we normally accept payment by ACH or credit card. When we do agree to check payment, it is only from a verified Accounts Payable employee of a reputable company. We also tend to request delivery by overnight courier and not by postal mail which has proven to be dodgy. This protects both sides and ensures smooth, traceable transactions. If someone approaches you with a “check in the mail” offer—be cautious.
Final Word
Freelance translators and small agencies are frequent targets because scammers assume we’re eager for work and may overlook red flags. Staying vigilant and sticking to secure payment methods is the best defense.
If you have questions about safe payment practices or suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, feel free to reach out. Protecting translators is part of protecting our industry.
