Before You Send Money: Stop and Check
Sending money can take only a few seconds. Getting it back may be much harder.
Scammers know this. They often create urgency, fear or excitement to convince you to send money before you have time to question the request. They may claim there is fraud on your account, a loved one needs help or you must pay immediately to avoid a serious consequence.
Before you send money, slow down and make sure the request is legitimate.
Pay Attention to How You Are Asked to Pay
Be cautious when someone insists that you pay with:
- A wire transfer
- A payment app
- Gift cards
- Cryptocurrency
- Cash
These payment methods are not automatically fraudulent, but scammers favor them because money can move quickly and may be difficult to recover.
No legitimate bank or government agency will tell you to buy gift cards, send cryptocurrency or move your money to a “safe” account.
Know Who Is Receiving the Money
Payment apps are convenient, but they should be treated much like cash. Before sending money, confirm the recipient’s name and contact information carefully. Use payment apps only with people and businesses you know and trust.
Be especially cautious if someone asks you to send money to yourself using a different account or app. Moving your own money does not make it safer when the instructions came from a scammer.
Verify Unexpected Requests Another Way
A message may appear to come from someone you know, your bank or a familiar company. Caller ID, email addresses and even voices can be faked.
Do not rely on the contact information in an unexpected message. Instead:
- Call the person using a number you already have
- Visit the company’s official website yourself
- Contact River Bank & Trust using a trusted number
- Talk with someone you trust before acting
Scammers may tell you not to speak with your family or bank. A request for secrecy is a reason to stop, not a reason to move faster.
Watch for Pressure and Promises
Take a step back when someone:
Says you must act immediately
- Threatens arrest, account closure or financial loss
- Promises guaranteed returns or easy money
- Asks you to pay an upfront fee to receive money
- Tells you to stay on the phone while making a payment
- Warns you not to tell anyone what is happening
A legitimate request will still be legitimate after you take time to verify it.
Before You Press Send
Ask yourself:
Do I know this person?
Was I expecting this request?
Have I confirmed it another way?
Am I being rushed or told to keep it secret?
When something does not add up, stop. A brief conversation with your banker, a family member or someone you trust could help prevent a costly mistake.
Already Sent the Money?
Contact River Bank & Trust and the payment company immediately. Depending on how the money was sent, there may be steps you can take—but acting quickly matters.