Fake Payment Confirmations From Foreign Buyers
A foreign buyer sends a 'bank confirmation' saying payment is pending until you pay a fee or ship first. How fake international payment confirmations trick sellers.
A buyer abroad wants your product, and pays quickly. An email from "their bank" confirms the transfer, but says it is on hold until you pay a clearance fee, a tax or a shipping deposit, or until you send the tracking number. None of it is real.
How the trick works
- An overseas buyer agrees without negotiating, often for an expensive item.
- A professional-looking email or PDF "confirms" payment.
- The payment is "pending" until you pay a fee or ship first.
- You pay or ship. No money ever arrives.
How to protect yourself
- Only ship when money shows as available in your own account.
- Never pay fees to receive money.
- Check sender domains. See checking the sender address.
- Be wary of buyers who overpay. See overpayment tricks.
Related: receiving payments from abroad as a freelancer. For more, see our guide to financial scams.
Frequently asked questions
Would a bank ask me to pay a fee to receive a payment?
No. Banks do not email sellers asking them to pay a fee before releasing an incoming payment.
The email looks like it's from a real bank. How can I check?
Check the sender's domain and contact your own bank. Only money that has arrived in your account counts.
Should I ship once I receive a payment confirmation?
Only once the money shows as available in your own account.
Sources
- How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Fake Check Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
- How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
- What To Know Before You Wire Money, US Federal Trade Commission
