Saint John police are warning about an overpayment scam after a local photographer fell victim.

Police said the photographer was contacted by the fraudster via email in early February.

The scammer, who claimed to live out of province, wanted to book the woman’s services for an upcoming birthday party in Saint John.

“The fraudster sent a cheque for considerably more than the cost of the photography services asking the victim to send the remaining funds to the fraudster’s son who was paying for other arrangements for the birthday party,” said a news release from police.

Investigators said the victim deposited the cheque into her account and e-transferred the remaining funds to the email address provided for the fraudster’s son.

But the cheque was later returned by the bank and the victim’s account was debited the full amount, leaving her responsible for several thousands of dollars.

“It is alleged that attempts have been made to defraud other local photographers as well,” said police.

Police said this type of scam is commonly known as an overpayment scam, where someone pays more for a service or product and asks the victim to wire the balance before the cheque bounces.