Checklist
Before You Pay
Use this before sending money, gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or payment app transfers.
Safer steps
- Ask why the payment must happen right now.
- Check whether the payment method can be reversed.
- Verify the person or company through a known official channel.
- Talk with someone you trust before sending money under pressure.
- Save basic details if you think you may need to report it.
Do not do this
- Do not pay with gift cards or crypto because someone pressured you.
- Do not send more money to unlock, withdraw, or recover money.
- Do not keep a payment request secret from trusted people.
Simple rule
When a message creates pressure, move the conversation to a known official channel before acting.