It’s an awesome deal, but there’s just one catch: You need to pay a fee in advance. Before you go ahead and do so, though, take a step back and look at the transaction from every possible angle. An advance payment scam may have captivated you in its allure. 

Let’s take a look at these scams, how they work and precautions you can take to keep yourself from falling for one of these ruses. 

How the scams play out

In an advance payment scam, a fraudster requests upfront payment from the victim with the promise of something valuable in return. Once the payment is made, the promised goods, services or benefits never materialize. Instead, the scammer disappears with the money and is never heard from again. These scams prey on people’s hopes, desperation or greed, and often appear highly convincing and legitimate.

Variations of advance payment scams

Advance payment scams can play out in multiple forms: 

1. Job offer scams-Scammers post fake job listings and offer high-paying positions. They’ll ask for an upfront fee to cover the cost of background checks, training materials or other expenses. Once the fee is paid, the job offer vanishes.
2. Lottery and prize scams-Victims receive notifications claiming they’ve won a large sum of money or a valuable prize. To claim the prize, they must pay taxes, fees or shipping costs in advance. After paying, they receive nothing and never hear from the “lottery company” again.
3. Loan scams-Individuals seeking loans are asked to pay processing fees, insurance or collateral fees upfront. The loan is never provided, and the advance payment is lost.
4. Investment scams-Scammers lure victims with promises of high returns on investments. They require an initial investment or fee, promising that it will yield significant profits. After the payment is made, the scammer disappears.
5. Online marketplace scams-Fraudsters advertise high-demand items at attractive prices on online marketplaces. Buyers are asked to pay upfront for the items, which are never delivered.
6. Romance scams-Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and social media, building trust in relationships with their victims. They then fabricate urgent situations requiring financial help, asking for money upfront.

Red flags

Here’s how to recognize an advance fee scam:

• Too good to be true. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical of offers that promise large rewards with little effort or investment.
• Upfront payment requests. Be cautious if you’re asked to pay fees, taxes or other charges before receiving goods or services.
• Pressure tactics. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to make a quick decision. Take your time to research and verify every offer before making a payment.
• Lack of contact information. Legitimate businesses provide clear contact information and a street address. Be wary of those who only provide email addresses or phone numbers and refuse to meet in person or provide additional details.
• Poor grammar and spelling. Many scam messages contain grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. 
• Requests for untraceable payments. Scammers prefer payments that are difficult to trace or recover, such as wire transfers, prepaid cards or cryptocurrencies. Be cautious if these are the only payment methods accepted.

Protect yourself

Here’s how to protect yourself from advance payment scams:

Before making any payments, research the company or individual offering the deal. Check for reviews and complaints, and confirm their legitimacy through official sources. Next, verify every job offer by contacting the company directly using authenticated contact information. 

Avoid providing personal information or payment without proper verification. Be wary of surprise wins; if you don’t remember entering a sweepstakes, there’s a very slim chance you’ve won the big prize. Consult with a professional when investing in a new stock or another opportunity; they can help verify the legitimacy of the offer and ensure you aren’t being taken for a ride. 

When making payments, use methods that offer protection and recourse, such as credit cards or secure online payment systems. Finally, if you encounter a potential scam, report it to the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Better Business Bureau (BBB) or local consumer protection agencies.

If you’ve been scammed

If you’ve fallen for an advance fee scam, there’s no need to panic, but keep time on your side. Take these steps as soon as possible to mitigate the damage and avoid any additional fallout from the scam:

• Contact your financial institution. Directly call your financial institution or payment provider immediately to request a reversal of the transaction.
• Report the scam. Reach out to the FTC, BBB and other law enforcement agencies to let them know about the scam. 
• Alert others. Share your experience to warn your friends and family about the scam.
• Monitor your accounts. Keep a close eye on your account and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Advance payment scams can be devastating, but by staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling victim. Use this guide to stay safe.