What To Do If You Fell For a Payment Request Scam

🚨 Immediate Actions

• 01Stop all communication with the requester
• 02Do not make any additional payments
• 03Save all payment confirmations, messages, and invoices
• 04Verify the legitimacy of any pending charges with the real company directly

🔐 If You Shared Personal Information

• 01Change passwords on accounts related to the service being impersonated
• 02Monitor your bank statements for unauthorized charges
• 03Set up alerts on your financial accounts for unusual activity

💸 If You Sent Money

• 01Contact your bank or payment app immediately to dispute the charge
• 02If you used a credit card, request a chargeback
• 03File a fraud report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• 04If you sent a wire transfer, contact the receiving bank as well
• 05Report to your local police with all evidence

🔍 How This Scam Works

Payment request scams involve fake invoices, urgent payment demands, or impersonation of service providers. Scammers create a sense of urgency — threatening account suspension, legal action, or service cutoff — to pressure immediate payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

🛡️ How To Avoid This Scam In The Future

• 01Always verify payment requests through official channels — never use contact info from the message itself
• 02Be suspicious of urgent payment demands with tight deadlines
• 03Never pay via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer for bills or services
• 04Check sender email addresses carefully for slight misspellings

Official Reporting Resources

• FTC Report Fraud →
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center →
• IdentityTheft.gov →