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The single habit that stops almost every payment scam: never ship, hand over, or refund anything until the money is

The latest reported payment and transfer scam statistics from the FTC, FBI IC3, UK Finance and Australia’s National Anti-Scam Centre — with sources — and what they mean for anyone who buys, sells or gets paid online.

Scammers send fake PayPal “payment received” screenshots and emails to take goods without paying. Learn how the PayPal screenshot scam works, the red flags, and how to confirm a real payment before you ship.

Fake wire transfer confirmations — including bogus MT103 documents — are used to steal goods, property and deposits. Here is how to verify a real wire before you act.

ACH transfers take days to clear, so scammers exploit the delay with fake “payment sent” proof. Learn how the ACH transfer scam works and how to confirm real, cleared funds.

Fake PayNow “payment successful” screenshots are common in Carousell and marketplace deals. Learn how to confirm a real PayNow transfer before handing over goods.

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.

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.

Fraudsters forward fake “proof of payment” — screenshots, PDFs, or remittance emails — to take goods, cars, or deposits without paying. Here is how to verify.

Faster Payments are usually instant — so a “payment sent” screenshot with no money in your account is a red flag. Here is how to verify a real Faster Payment.

A “bank transfer confirmation” screenshot proves nothing. Learn how the fake bank transfer screenshot scam works and how to confirm a real transfer before you act.

Fake Zelle “payment sent” screenshots and emails are a top marketplace scam. Learn how to verify a real Zelle transfer before you hand anything over.

A fake Cash App “payment” screenshot or email can look real. Here is how the Cash App screenshot scam works and how to confirm a real payment.

Scammers send fake Venmo “payment” screenshots to take items without paying. Learn the red flags and how to verify a real Venmo payment before you ship.