A client tried to pay me with a 'promotional check' from their own business

This happened about a month ago. I finished a logo design project, and the guy sent a check for $500 drawn on his company's account that said 'Promotional Use Only' across the top. I called the bank listed on the check, and they confirmed it was a sample check from a starter kit, not valid for cash. I told him I needed a real payment method or I'd keep the copyright. He got mad and said I was being difficult. Has anyone else gotten a fake check like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

thompson.julia16d ago

Hayes.michael is right, that "Monopoly money" check was a total scam attempt.

hayes.michael17d ago

Promotional Use Only" means it's not legal tender, it's basically Monopoly money. He knew exactly what he was doing by sending a sample check. Getting mad when called out is the oldest trick in the book.

the_max16d ago

Actually, promotional checks can still be real checks, they just have that print for bank rules. The scam is in the fake overpayment, not the check itself.