Pick how they asked you to pay. We show the stop questions our editors use on the highest-loss scam rails.
Quick answer
Pick the payment rail they demand — Zelle, Venmo/Cash App, gift cards, wire, or crypto — and read the stop questions editors use before irreversible transfers. Pair this page with the matching pillar guide when a red flag appears.
Why payment rails matter
Impersonation and romance/investment scams steer victims onto rails that settle fast and reverse slowly. Gift cards and crypto are near cash. Zelle and wires move quickly between accounts. If someone insists you must pay that way right now to "save" service, unlock an account, or "refund" a transfer, pause and verify.
- Zelle / bank — see Zelle refund trick
- Gift cards — see gift card scam what to do
- Crypto — check the address with Wallet Scam Checker and read pig butchering signs
- Already paid — Recovery Wizard and Get Help
How to use Payment Scam Checker
- Select the method they requested.
- Read every stop question aloud if you are helping a parent or friend.
- Open the linked guide for the full playbook.
- If a message started this, also paste it into Scam Checker or Scamil.
Independent education only — not legal or financial advice. Browse all free screeners on the tools hub. Report payment scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IC3.gov.
Frequently asked questions
Is this legal or financial advice?
No. Educational stop questions only — consult your bank for account-specific guidance.
Why focus on Zelle and gift cards?
They are common irreversible payment rails in impersonation and refund-trick scams.
What if I already paid?
Stop further payments and open our Get Help hub the same day.
Can I check a specific message?
Yes — use Scam Checker or Scamil for full text analysis.