Better Business Bureau® and Zelle® have partnered to spotlight some of the red flags that can help you spot digital payment scams.

Digital payment scams - Authority figures

Scammers can pose as authority figures, like government agencies or your financial institution, in hopes that you’ll trust them and follow their directions. Always do your research and make sure someone is legitimate before sending money.

Digital payment scams - Urgency

An urgent request that pressures you to send money to someone quickly is a red flag of a scam. Take a moment to evaluate the request, do your research, or discuss the situation with a friend or family member.

Digital payment scams - Upfront payments

Have you ever been told to pay for something before you’ve seen or received the product or service? Having to make up-front payments is a red flag. Always do more research before handing over your money to someone else.

Digital payment scams - Too good to be true

Surprisingly good online offers like low prices and high-wage jobs with few required skills are often red flags for digital payment scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it might be a scam.

According to BBB research, knowing about scams and scammer tactics can help you keep your money and/or personal information safe if you’re targeted. Below are four red flags that can help you spot a con.

red icon of a hand holding a bag with a doillar sign

Too-good-to-be-true offers.

Scammers make offers that are hard to refuse, such as low prices and high-wage jobs with few required skills. But if an offer seems too good to be true, it might be a scam.

You’re pressured to act quickly.

Scammers pressure you to respond quickly so you don’t have second thoughts or take time to discuss the situation with your friends or family. If you’re feeling pressured to act quickly, it might be a scam.

An authority figure reaches out unsolicited.

Impersonation is one of the most common tactics scammers use to perpetrate scams. These bad actors will pretend to be well-known authority figures or organizations (such as a representative from your bank or someone from your utility company) to get you to send a payment or reveal sensitive information. If somebody reaches out unsolicited claiming to be an authority figure, do your research and make sure they’re legitimate. It might be a scam.

Up-front payments

Scammers may ask you to make up-front payments for things you shouldn’t need to pay for or before you’ve seen or received the product or service. This can include fees for government grants or training/equipment for a new job. If you are asked to make an up-front payment, stop and do more research about the demand. It might be a scam.

Learn how to protect yourself from scams

English Red Flags

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