Send money without getting scammed
Verify the recipient and payment protections before using a transfer or payment app.
You will learnUse a short verification routine before sending a payment that may be difficult to reverse.
Quick scenario
Choose an answer to see the explanation.A friend messages from a new number asking for an urgent payment. What comes first?
Worked example
A new-number payment request
A message says, “New phone. Can you send $120 for my train ticket right now?” The name is familiar, but the number is not. Before opening a payment app, Morgan calls the saved number and confirms that the real friend did not send the request.
- 01Confirm the person another way
- 02Check the displayed recipient
- 03Pause on urgency or refunds
Key ideas
Three things to know
Verify outside the request
Call a saved number, speak in person, or use another channel you already trust. A profile name, photo, or familiar writing style can be copied. Do not let urgency choose the verification method.
Know what protection applies
Some transfers are designed to move money quickly between people and may be difficult to reverse. Check the service's terms and whether purchase protection applies before paying a seller. A note in the payment does not create protection that the service does not offer.
Pause on overpayments and refunds
A scammer may send a fake notice or use stolen funds, then ask you to return money another way. Do not send a separate refund because of a message or screenshot. Check the actual account and contact the payment company through its official support channel.
Practice
Use the recipient check
Use information you can confirm as you work through the checklist.
Interactive checklist
Run the recipient check
Use this before sending money to a new or unexpected recipient.
Knowledge check
Check your understanding
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