Have you paid them?
The scam phrasebook.
Each con has its own script. Every entry gives the line you’ll be told, then what to take from it. A line here isn’t proof of a scam. It tells you what to check next.
Online shops
Read the guide- “Closing down. Everything must go.”
- MeansCheck when the website opened.
- “Sale ends in 04:59.”
- MeansReload the page and see if it says that again.
- “Pay by bank transfer for an extra 10% off.”
- MeansPlease pay the way that’s hardest to dispute.
Travel and bookings
Read the guide- “Your card could not be verified.”
- MeansWe’d like your card number.
- “Confirm within 12 hours or lose your room.”
- MeansPlease don’t ring the hotel.
- “Pay me direct and save the platform fee.”
- MeansLeave the only place that can refund you.
Finance and investing
Read the guide- “Guaranteed 12% a week.”
- MeansA promise nobody can make.
- “Pay the tax to release your funds.”
- MeansThere are no funds.
- “We can recover what you lost for a small fee.”
- MeansWe’d like to scam you a second time.
Subscriptions and software
Read the guide- “Free trial. Just pop your card in.”
- MeansFind out when it starts charging.
- “You’ve been charged $399.99. Call within 24 hours.”
- MeansCheck your statement. Don’t call.
- “We refunded you too much by mistake.”
- MeansNow they want your money for real.
Tech and electronics
Read the guide- “Brand new, sealed, half price.”
- MeansAsk why, and what you’re allowed to check.
- “Friends and family, saves us both the fees.”
- MeansIt leaves you without Purchase Protection.
- “Lots of interest. A deposit holds it.”
- MeansPlease pay before you think about it.
Home and local services
Read the guide- “We’re in your area today.”
- MeansWe’d rather you didn’t get another quote.
- “We need the deposit now for materials.”
- MeansAsk for a written contract first.
- “It’s worse than we thought up here.”
- MeansThe price has gone up, and you can’t see why.
Six scripts, and they all want the same few payments.
The FTC says scammers favour these because the money is almost impossible to get back. If you’re told it’s the only way to pay, treat that as your answer and stop.
Got a web address? Check the evidence on it before you pay.
Gift cards
Codes read out over the phone
Wire transfer
Once collected, recovery is hard
Payment apps
Hard to recover if you sent it yourself
Crypto
Typically can’t be reversed
Last reviewed 2 November 2026. General guidance, not legal or financial advice.
Each guide lists its own sources, reviewed date and review-due date. Rules depend on your country, provider and payment.