If something feels wrong
Start with the pattern library, then follow the response checklist before making or discussing any further payment. You do not need to investigate the sender yourself.
The response checklist
Pause the request. If money moved or an account may be affected, contact the provider through its official channel promptly.
Take time before making another payment.
Use a number or website you located yourself.
Do not share security codes, gift-card numbers or redemption details.
Keep payment receipts, messages and relevant transaction details.
Contact your payment provider promptly through its official channels.
Report concerns to the appropriate authorities in your location.
By stage
Each stage has its own warning indicators and safe next steps. The examples support recognition; they do not establish that fraud occurred.
Someone appears to speak for a person or organisation already trusted. Warning: unexpected changes or requests. Verify using contact details you already know or find independently; do not rely on the message's contact route.
Explore borrowed or impersonated trustA requested payment method, recipient relationship or account role may be a reason to pause. The method or location alone does not prove fraud. Warning signs include urgency, secrecy, gift-card codes, cash delivery or unexplained use of a personal account.
Explore Transfer guidanceEither party may disconnect. The perpetrator often cuts contact after payment while the victim may keep trying to reach them. Preserve messages, call details, receipts and transaction references, and contact the provider through an official channel.
Explore the disconnect patternHigh-risk requests
Defensive guidance only. Do not use these examples as instructions for moving funds; verify a request independently before acting.
Urgency and pressure are warning signals. The threat may be imaginary or exaggerated. Verify the claim separately and contact your payment provider promptly if money moved.
Funds may be routed through an account holder with no legitimate relationship to the final recipient. Flag unexplained pass-through activity, do not forward funds and contact the account provider.
A high-risk request may involve an intermediary or cash mule. Do not send cash. If already sent, preserve packaging, instructions and delivery evidence and seek provider guidance.
This is a high-risk request: codes can be transferred quickly and are difficult to recover. Never share codes or photos of them. Keep receipts and seek retailer or provider guidance.
Provider and reporting actions
Promptly contact the relevant provider through an official channel, secure affected accounts and seek guidance from the appropriate local reporting service.
Focus on preventing further loss and preserving useful information. Warnings include sudden silence, shifting accounts or renewed demands.
Use official account-recovery guidance, change affected passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, review active sessions and alert contacts through a separate trusted route.
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