Payment safety
Why crypto, wire, and gift card payments need extra caution
Understand the payment methods scammers prefer and the safe pause to take before sending money.
The short answer
Irreversible payment methods are not automatically scams, but they remove most recovery options. A new contact insisting on crypto, wire, or gift cards is a serious warning sign.
Warning signs to pause on
- A request for gift-card codes, crypto wallet transfers, or cash deposits.
- Instructions to lie to your bank or keep the payment secret.
- A new payee paired with a deadline or threat.
- A supposed refund that requires you to send money first.
What to do next
- Stop before sending any irreversible payment.
- Paste the request and destination link into SignalCheck.
- Ask for a protected payment option with a written invoice.
- If money has already gone out, contact the payment provider immediately.
Ready to check the evidence?
Paste the link or message, or upload a screenshot for a clear, reasoned result.
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