Requests for payment through gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or other hard-to-trace methods
Pressure to act immediately or keep the conversation secret
Claims that seem too good to be true
Refuses to provide verifiable contact information or business details
Uses fake-looking email addresses, websites, or social media profiles
Spelling, grammar, or formatting errors in messages from “official” sources
Asks for passwords, verification codes, or personal account access
Sends unsolicited messages, calls, or links
Avoids direct answers and changes the story often
Tries to move the conversation off official channels quickly
Requests upfront fees, deposits, or “taxes” before you receive anything
Creates fake urgency with threats, deadlines, or penalties
Claims to be from a trusted organization but cannot be verified independently
Asks you to click suspicious links or download unknown files
Uses emotional manipulation, flattery, fear, or sympathy to gain trust
Provides inconsistent names, numbers, addresses, or payment details
Has no traceable online presence or only recently created profiles
Refuses video calls, in-person meetings, or identity verification
Offers deals that are far below market value
Pushes you to share sensitive information too early
Makes excuses for why normal verification steps cannot be completed