Scams come in a thousand different stories: a grandchild in jail, a hacked bank account, a prize, a new romance, an overdue tax bill. But at the end, almost every story asks for money in one of a few unusual ways. Learn those, and you can stop nearly any scam, whatever the story.

Red flag 1: Gift cards

“Go to the store, buy $500 in gift cards, scratch off the back and read me the numbers.”

Once you read out the numbers on the back of a gift card, the money is gone. The scammer can spend it in minutes, and it’s almost impossible to trace or get back.

No real business, government agency or bank takes payment in gift cards. Gift cards are for gifts.

Red flag 2: Bitcoin and cryptocurrency ATMs

“Take out cash, go to this machine at the gas station, and scan this code. It keeps your money safe.”

Cryptocurrency ATMs, also called crypto kiosks, turn cash into digital currency and send it wherever the code points. The FBI says it received more than 13,400 complaints about these machines in 2025, with losses over $388 million, and people aged 50 and over lost about $302 million of that.

The FBI’s advice is plain: legitimate government and law enforcement agencies will never demand payment in cryptocurrency.

Plain talk: cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, is digital money that isn’t controlled by a bank. Payments are fast and usually can’t be reversed, which is why scammers like it.

Red flag 3: Cash, gold or valuables handed to a courier

“For your protection, withdraw your savings in cash. An agent will come to your home to collect it.” Or: “Convert your money into gold bars, and a courier will pick them up.”

The FBI has warned about scammers sending couriers to collect cash and precious metals from older adults, often after a fake tech support or government call. No bank, police force or government agency sends someone to your home to collect money.

Other payments to be wary of

  • Wire transfers and bank transfers to someone you’ve never met
  • Payment apps such as Zelle, Venmo or Cash App to a stranger
  • Overpayment “refunds”, where you’re told you were sent too much and must send the difference back

These have real uses, but if a caller is pushing you towards them, be suspicious.

Safety tip

If anyone tells you exactly what to say to the bank teller or store assistant, such as “say it’s for a family member”, that’s a scammer coaching you. Stop right there.

What to do if you’re asked to pay this way

  1. Stop. Don’t buy the cards, don’t go to the machine, don’t open the door.
  2. Hang up or end the chat.
  3. Call someone you trust, such as a family member, a friend or your bank on the number on your card.
  4. Report it. See where to report a scam.

Say this

“I never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency or cash handed to anyone. Goodbye.”

If you’ve already paid

  • Gift cards: contact the company that issued the card straight away (the phone number is on the back of the card or its website), tell them it was used in a scam, and keep the card and receipt.
  • Crypto ATM: keep the receipt, and report it to the police and your fraud agency quickly with the transaction details.
  • Cash or gold given to a courier: call the police.
  • Bank transfer or card payment: call your bank now.

Then read our calm checklist for after a scam. And remember: being scammed isn’t a sign of foolishness. These are professional criminals.

Our free Scam-Stopper Kit includes a wallet card with the four “before I send money” questions. Keep one by the phone.