Payment fraud is one of the fastest-growing scam types on peer-to-peer platforms. Scammers use sophisticated fake screenshots, spoofed SMS alerts, and forged payment receipts to trick sellers into releasing items before any real money arrives.

Common Fake Payment Tricks

• Fake bank SMS: Scammer sends a doctored text that mimics your bank’s payment alert.
• Screenshot fraud: A fabricated payment confirmation image — always verify in your actual bank app.
• Overpayment scam: “I sent too much by mistake, please refund the difference” — the original payment never clears.
• Pending payment trick: Claims the payment is “pending release” pending some action on your part.
• Third-party payer: A stranger pays on behalf of the buyer — often linked to money laundering.

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Golden Rule: Only release goods or services after you physically confirm the money in your actual bank account or official Exchstore wallet — never based on a screenshot or SMS alone.

How to Verify a Payment

1

Log in to your bank app directly

Never rely on an SMS or screenshot. Open your bank’s official app and check your balance.

2

Wait for full clearance

Pending or processing payments are not confirmed. Wait until the funds are fully cleared.

3

Match the exact amount

Verify the amount matches your agreed price to the cent. Discrepancies are a warning sign.

4

Use Exchstore’s payment system

Payments made through our platform are traceable and protected under our buyer/seller policies.