4. They Demand Unusual Payment Methods
Scam sign: The person asks you to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, payment apps, prepaid cards, or cash pickup.
This is one of the biggest red flags. Scammers like these methods because payments are hard to reverse. They may say it is for taxes, a delivery fee, tech support, a family emergency, or account protection.
Real businesses and government agencies do not normally demand emergency payment through gift cards or crypto.
What to do:
Stop the conversation. Do not send money. Contact the company, bank, or family member through a trusted number.