‘My bank did not give me my money back’: Florida woman deposits 2 checks from jewelry company. Then they ask her to Zelle them something back
Fake check scams remain one of the most common fraud tactics used against Americans, among many just like it.
In fact, in 2024 alone, the Federal Trade Commission reported $12.5 billion in losses tied to fraud. According to Bankrate, 34% of U.S. adults experienced some form of financial scam or fraud that same year.
One Florida TikToker says she learned that lesson the hard way after what she thought was an influencer opportunity turned out to be fraud.
In a TikTok video that has racked up more than 7,700 views, creator Melissa Nichole walks viewers through how a supposed jewelry brand contacted her was able to steal
What’s This ‘Influencer Scam That Involves Zelle?
“I feel like such a loser,” Melisa begins. “I was completely taken advantage [of].”
She explains that she had only started posting on TikTok about a month earlier, hoping to eventually make some extra income for her family. That’s when a jewelry brand reached out.
“They gave me all the compliments,” she says. “They told me they wanted me to promote their jewelry.”
She agrees, thinking it’s her first real opportunity. Shortly after, the company emails her two checks.
“I scanned them into my bank app, and it looked like it went through,” she explains.
Then came the scammer red flag. Her contact told her she needs to send money to a vendor so the jewelry can be shipped out.
“And guess what?” she says. “I sent it over Zelle like an [expletive] idiot.”
The checks never clear. “My bank did not give me my money back and said that I authorized this,” she claims.
She pauses before sharing the total. “I don’t even wanna say the number,” she admits. “I’m out $1,400.”
‘I Wanted to Believe’
The loss hits harder because of who she says scammers target.
She explains she was at work while filming the video and felt disoriented and distracted by what had just happened. Still, she chose to share the experience publicly as a warning.
“There was a part of me that knew it wasn’t right,” she admits. “But I wanted to believe.”
She says she won’t be responding to messages about the situation and plans to move forward more cautiously, trusting her instincts and verifying opportunities before agreeing to anything else.
“I won’t be responding to anybody,” she says. “I’m just going to make sure things are legit and trust my intuition.”
“I am so disgusted with myself,” she added in the caption. “The shame I feel right now is visceral.”
Can She Get Her Money Back from Zelle?
Once money is sent through Zelle, banks rarely reverse the transaction. That’s why consumer protection agencies stress reporting scams quickly, even if the money can’t be recovered.
The Federal Trade Commission urges victims of financial scams to file a report directly with them. These reports help track patterns and, in some cases, lead to broader enforcement actions.
If a fake check arrives by mail, victims can also contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. On the state level, attorneys general often handle consumer fraud complaints. In Florida, the office reports it has secured more than $565 million in total relief for residents, including over $426 million returned directly to consumers.
How to Protect Yourself from Fake Check Scams
Scams like this follow a familiar pattern, and spotting the warning signs early can prevent losses.
If someone sends you a check and asks you to send money back, whether through Zelle, wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, it’s a scam. Once that money leaves your account, it’s usually gone for good.
Legitimate companies don’t ask people to pay up front to receive prizes or opportunities. If you’re told to cover shipping, vendor fees, or processing costs with your own money, walk away.
And if a check is for more than expected, that’s another red flag. Scammers count on urgency and confusion to push people into acting before verifying details.
Commenters Reassure Her
Many viewers focused less on judging Melissa and more on reminding her that scams like this can happen to anyone. One person wrote that she shouldn’t beat herself up, adding, “Galdam girl. youre not an idiot. just learn that hard lesson. people are [expletive]. trust noone.”
“Forget it you learned the lesson I sent somebody $2000 in bitcoin once,” one commenter admitted. “This $2000 today will probably be worth about $20,000.”
@melissa.nichole I am so disgusted with myself. The shame I feel right now is visceral. #scam #scammers #shame #rawfeelings ♬ original sound – MelissaNichole ?
“My mom fell for a group crypto scam and lost her entire retirement and a personal loan, and also owes the IRS like 40k,” shared a third. “Did I mention her only income is 1800 SS check and now she has to work a 15$ an hr under the table job…. Basically traveling the world half the year to being old working 15$ an hour and having debt payments of 1000$ a month…. So your not doing too bad.”
Several commenters echoed that sentiment, stressing that intelligence doesn’t make someone immune. “I don’t care who you are everyone has been scammed,” another person wrote. “I’m very intelligent and I’ve been scammed horribly for more than that. Don’t beat yourself up. All you can do is move forward now and learn.”
The Mary Sue has reached out to Melissa via TikTok direct messages and Instagram for further comment, and Zelle via email.
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