Fraud Scam Alert: Requests to Pay or Send Money Upfront

Be cautious if someone asks you to send money or pay a fee before you can receive something in return. Scammers may claim you’ll receive a large sum of money, a loan, a prize, or another benefit—but require payment first. Once the money is sent, the scammers take it and never deliver what they promised.

Common Signs of This Scam:
• You’re asked to pay a fee upfront to receive a loan, prize, job, large payout, or investment, before receiving anything in return.
• Payment is requested to be sent through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps
• You’re pressured to act quickly or urgently
• The person or company cannot be verified or seems suspicious

Examples You May Encounter:
• Pay a fee to receive a loan or “guaranteed approval”
• Send money to claim a prize, sweepstakes, or inheritance
• Pay upfront for a job opportunity, training, or processing fee
• Pay to unlock an investment, inheritance, or larger payout
Note: Scammers often change their story, but the common theme is being asked to pay first.

What You Should Do:
• Do not send money or provide payment
• Stop communication with the individual or company
• Contact us immediately if you have already sent funds
• Report suspicious activity so we can help protect your account