Credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks, wires and person-to-person (P2P) payment apps are among the many ways consumers can pay for everyday transactions. To help protect their money from scammers, it’s important for people to understand that how they pay matters — especially when buying something from someone they don’t know or trust.
Checks
Although declining in usage, many people still regularly use checks, particularly for business transactions. Check fraud can happen in various ways, such as writing bad checks, stealing and altering someone else’s check, forging a check, or depositing the same check twice — once through a mobile app and again at a branch.
Here’s what you can do: Never make checks out to “cash.” Use permanent ink and write the amount in both numbers and words. Don’t leave a checkbook unattended, and always send a check directly from the post office or through a secured mailbox. Don’t leave them for pickup in your home mailbox. When possible, opt for electronic payment methods instead of checks.
Person-to-Person Payments
Person-to-person payments through services like Zelle® can be quick and convenient ways to send money to people you know and trust, such as friends, family or your dog walker. Don’t use Zelle to buy things online, especially through social media marketplaces or messaging apps. If you send money for something that turns out to be a scam, it’s very unlikely you’ll be able to get it back.
Here’s what you can do: If you are purchasing goods or merchandise — including concert tickets — a credit or debit card that offers purchase protection may be a better option. If at any time you feel pressured, the deal seems too good to be true, or you suspect it’s a scam, don’t proceed with the purchase.
Credit and Debit Cards
When you pay with a credit or debit card, you are not responsible for unauthorized charges if your card is lost, stolen or fraudulently used, as long as you report the charges promptly. Use your card’s security features to help keep it safe.
Here’s what you can do: Two-factor authentication can help block unauthorized use, and setting up credit monitoring can alert you to fraudulent activity. Keep your card secure. If you misplace it or think it is lost or stolen, contact your bank immediately and lock your card to prevent additional charges.
Scammers may try to get you to pay for something — such as concert tickets — that you never receive. Credit and debit cards may offer some protections that can help you recover your money for purchases you don’t receive. If you pay with a credit card, your bank will likely reimburse you if you don’t receive the goods. If you pay with a debit card, your bank will try to recover your money from the scammer’s bank. But if the scammer has disappeared, your bank may not be able to recover the funds and is not required to reimburse you.
Here’s what you can do: Watch out for sellers who require payment methods without purchase protection. Before you pay, ask yourself: “Am I sure this is not a scam?” If you’re unsure, walk away.
Wire Transfers
Wire transfers are convenient and secure, and they work like cash. Only send a wire when you know the recipient’s details, and never feel pressured to send one. Wire transfers are a target for scammers because they are often used for high-dollar transactions, such as homes or cars. Once sent, they cannot be reversed. Scammers can impersonate companies, banks and government agencies to quickly receive your money, move it to another account and disappear.
Here’s what you can do: Never provide your bank account details to unfamiliar or suspicious individuals, and avoid wiring money to people or businesses you don’t know — especially if prompted by suspicious phone calls or emails.
In a world of growing payment options, it’s important to make informed choices about how to pay for purchases, especially when buying from a person or business you aren’t familiar with. This can help keep your money safe.
Learn more about protecting your finances at chase.com/digital/resources/privacy-security.
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