Scam Payment Red Flags: Gift Cards, Crypto, Wires and Fake Cheques
The payment red flags
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says scammers tell you how to pay. Never pay someone who insists that you can only pay with:
- cryptocurrency
- a wire transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram
- a payment app
- a gift card, by reading out the numbers on the back
It also says never deposit a cheque and send money back to someone. Some scammers send a cheque that later turns out to be fake, tell you to deposit it, then ask you to send them money.
Pause and check
The FTC advises you to stop and talk to someone you trust before doing anything else. It says talking about it could help you realise it is a scam, and to tell a friend, family member or neighbour.
How this applies to online selling and buying
- Do not release goods or send money because a message says payment is pending, until funds clear in your own account.
- Do not follow payment instructions sent by a stranger to a different method than agreed.
- Verify a business using contact details from its official website, not from the message.
If you have already paid
We do not list recovery steps, because the FTC reporting channels in the source are US ones.
Fact-checked on 30 October 2026 against the sources listed below. Prices and plans change, so confirm with the provider before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Which payment methods do scammers insist on?
Cryptocurrency, wire transfer services, payment apps and gift cards, according to the FTC.
Why is depositing a cheque and sending money back risky?
The FTC says the cheque can later turn out to be fake.
What should I do before paying?
Stop and talk to someone you trust, the FTC advises.