Fake PayID and Osko “payment sent” screenshots are a top marketplace scam in Australia. Here is how to verify a real payment before you ship.
Key takeaways
- A PayID / Osko payment screenshot is not proof of payment — it can be faked in minutes.
- Only the credit actually arriving (PayID/Osko are usually near-instant) in your bank account 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 PayID / Osko payment scam works
A buyer or contact sends you a PayID / Osko payment screenshot showing a completed payment — but no money reaches your account. PayID and Osko payments normally arrive within seconds. A “payment sent” screenshot is not proof — only the money showing in your own account is. 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 bank account.
- 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 scam is a fake “PayID business account upgrade — pay a fee to receive the payment”. PayID has no such fee; it is a setup to make you send real money.
How to verify a real PayID / Osko payment
- Open your bank account and confirm the credit actually arriving (PayID/Osko are usually near-instant).
- 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 PayID / Osko payment 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 Scamwatch (ACCC).
- Contact your bank immediately.
- Keep all messages, the screenshot, and account details as evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Can a PayID / Osko payment screenshot be fake?
Yes. A PayID / Osko payment confirmation can be fabricated with editing tools. It is not evidence that money reached you — only your bank account is.
How do I check if it’s real?
Confirm the credit actually arriving (PayID/Osko are usually near-instant) in your bank account. 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