A fake Interac e-Transfer “sent” screenshot or email can look genuine. Learn how the scam works and how to confirm a real e-Transfer before you hand anything over.
Key takeaways
- A Interac e-Transfer screenshot is not proof of payment — it can be faked in minutes.
- Only the deposit actually landing in your account in your online or mobile banking confirms a real payment.
- Never release goods or send a “refund” based on a forwarded image.
- When unsure, run it through ScamCheck’s free detector.
How the fake Interac e-Transfer scam works
A buyer or contact sends you a Interac e-Transfer screenshot showing a completed payment — but no money reaches your account. Interac “you’ve received money” emails and confirmation screens are commonly spoofed. A real e-Transfer is auto-deposited or must be accepted — and it appears in your own bank account, not in an image the sender forwards. The pressure to act fast (“I’ve paid, please ship now”) is the tell.
Red flags
- The “proof” is a shared image, not a payment you can see in your online or mobile banking.
- Urgency and reluctance to wait while you confirm the credit.
- The amount, reference, or date doesn’t match your records.
- Any request to “refund the difference” or pay a “release fee”.
A common variant is a fake “e-Transfer is pending — pay a fee or answer to release it” email. Interac never holds a transfer behind a fee.
How to verify a real Interac e-Transfer
- Open your online or mobile banking and confirm the deposit actually landing in your account.
- If the money isn’t there, it hasn’t been paid — do not hand anything over.
- For higher-value deals, wait until the funds are fully cleared.
Not sure if a Interac e-Transfer screenshot is real?
Upload it to ScamCheck’s free AI screenshot detector — it flags the signs of an edited or fake payment image in seconds.
Buying from an unfamiliar website or business? Verifying the payment is only half the check — verify the seller too. See whether a business is independently verified with TrustSeal.
If you’ve already been affected
- Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501).
- Contact your bank immediately.
- Keep all messages, the screenshot, and account details as evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Interac e-Transfer screenshot be fake?
Yes. A Interac e-Transfer confirmation can be fabricated with editing tools. It is not evidence that money reached you — only your online or mobile banking is.
How do I check if it’s real?
Confirm the deposit actually landing in your account in your online or mobile banking. If anything is missing or doesn’t match, treat it as fake and stop.
Can ScamCheck detect a fake payment screenshot?
Yes. ScamCheck’s free screenshot detector checks a payment image for signs of editing and known fake patterns.
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- ScamCheck: free payment-screenshot detector