Jumped Deposit Scam

Jumped Deposit Scam

A jumped deposit scam refers to a fraudulent scheme in which a Nothing vs Nothingscammer misleads a buyer or seller (usually in property, rental, or high-value item transactions) by manipulating or falsifying deposit transactions—often “jumping” the deposit across multiple parties or accounts to create the illusion of a legitimate payment.

🔍 How a Jumped Deposit Scam Works

1. The Setup

A scammer poses as a genuine buyer or tenant, offering to pay a deposit to secure an item, service, or property.

2. Fake Proof of Payment

They send fake payment receipts, doctored screenshots, or delayed bank transfers to convince the seller/landlord they’ve paid the deposit.

3. "Jumping" the Payment

The scammer may use a real payment meant for someone else, redirecting or referencing it for another deal. For example:

They pay a small deposit to Party A, get confirmation,

Then show that confirmation to Party B as if the deposit was for their deal.

4. Double Booking or Selling

The scammer may collect deposits from multiple people (in rental scams), or trick sellers into releasing goods/services before the deposit actually clears.

5. The Vanish

Once trust is built and the goods/property keys are handed over, or multiple deposits collected, the scammer disappears. Victims find out only after the deposit bounces or the real account owner disputes the transaction.

🚨 Common Settings Where This Happens

Rental Scams

– Scammer "rents" out a flat to several people using one flat’s pictures, collects deposits from each, then disappears.

Real Estate or Vehicle Sales

– Fake buyer “shows” deposit to push seller to release a car or documents early.

Marketplace Fraud (e.g., OLX, Craigslist)

– Scammer uses one person's legitimate transaction as “proof” to trick another party.

✅ How to Protect Yourself

Always wait for cleared funds, not just screenshots or transfer messages.

Verify bank account names and match with intended recipients.

Never send back or forward deposits you didn’t receive yourself.

Be cautious with urgency—scammers push for fast action.

Use escrow services for high-value transactions.

Google reverse images or property listings to check if reused.

🧠 Real-Life Example

A woman tries to rent a flat. She wires ₹20,000 to what she believes is the owner. The scammer had shown her a receipt of a deposit someone else made earlier, claiming it was hers. She arrives on move-in day to find two other people there—both scammed with the same flat.