Criminals use convincing stories, fake websites and pressure to trick people into sending money or sharing security codes. This guide helps you spot the warning signs. It also explains your responsibilities and ours. It forms part of, and should be read with, Section 14 of our Terms of Service.
1. Golden rules
- ask for your password, PIN, one-time passcode (OTP), 2FA code or full card details;
- ask you to move money to a "safe" or "secure" account;
- ask you to install remote-access or screen-sharing apps;
- ask you to pay a fee or tax in advance to release, unlock or "verify" your funds; or
- contact you from a personal social-media, WhatsApp or Telegram account to offer support or investments.
- Stop. Take a moment before you pay. Scammers create urgency so you do not think.
- Check. Verify the person or business independently, using contact details you found yourself, not ones they gave you.
- Protect. If something feels wrong, do not pay. Contact us and your local police.
2. Payments are irreversible
Transfers to other Payowire users are typically credited instantly. Bank transfers and crypto transactions generally cannot be cancelled. If you are tricked into sending money, the payment is still treated as authorised by you, and Payowire is not obliged to refund it.
3. Common scams to watch for
Investment & crypto scams
Promises of guaranteed or very high returns, "trading mentors", fake platforms showing growing profits, and fees to withdraw "earnings".
Romance scams
Someone you met online builds trust, then asks for money for emergencies, travel, customs fees or an investment opportunity.
Impersonation scams
Calls, texts or emails pretending to be Payowire, a bank, police, tax office, courier or relative, asking you to pay or share codes.
Marketplace scams
Sellers asking for payment outside the platform, for goods that never arrive, or buyers sending fake "payment received" messages.
Job & task scams
"Easy" online jobs that require you to deposit money first, or to receive and forward money – which makes you a money mule.
Invoice & email scams
Messages saying a supplier's bank details have changed, or urgent payment requests that appear to come from a manager.
Phishing
Links to fake login pages that look like Payowire. Always check the address is payowire.com before signing in.
Prize & loan-fee scams
Being told you have won a prize, inheritance or loan, but must pay a fee first to receive it.
4. Warning signs
- You are asked to act urgently or keep the payment secret.
- You are told what to say to Payowire if we ask about the payment.
- The deal is too good to be true, or returns are "guaranteed".
- You are asked to pay in crypto, gift cards or to a personal account for a business purchase.
- Payment details have changed at the last minute.
- Someone asks for remote access to your phone or computer, or for your codes.
- You have never met the person in real life.
5. Never act as a money mule
5.1 If anyone asks you to receive money into your Payowire account and pass it on, or to let them use your account or card, refuse. This is how criminals launder money. It is illegal in most countries, even if you did not know the money was stolen, and it will result in your account being closed and reported to the authorities. See our Acceptable Use Policy.
6. Protect your account
- Turn on two-factor authentication and use a unique, strong password.
- Keep your phone, email account and Payowire app up to date and locked.
- Download Payowire apps only from our official apps page or official app stores.
- Check your transaction history and notifications regularly.
- Freeze your card in the app if you suspect it has been compromised.
7. Your responsibility and our role
7.1 Payowire provides payment technology. We are not a party to, and do not guarantee, any deal, purchase, investment or relationship between you and anyone you pay. You are responsible for verifying who you are paying and why.
7.2 To the maximum extent permitted by law, Payowire is not liable for losses resulting from payments you authorised, including payments made because you were deceived by a scammer. We are not obliged to reverse or reimburse such payments.
7.3 We work hard to detect fraud and may hold, block or question payments that look suspicious. If you are contacted by us about a payment, please answer honestly – we are trying to protect you. Where we suspect fraud, we may freeze funds in the recipient's account if it is held with us and cooperate with banks and law enforcement, but we cannot guarantee that any money will be recovered.
8. What to do if you have been scammed
- Stop all further payments and contact with the scammer.
- Change your Payowire password and freeze your cards in the app.
- Contact us at support@payowire.com or through in-app support with the transaction reference, the recipient details, and any messages or screenshots.
- Report the crime to your local police and national fraud-reporting service, and keep the reference number.
- If you shared other bank or card details, contact those providers too.
8.1 We will review your report and, where appropriate, may attempt to contact the receiving institution. Any recovery attempt is made without guarantee or admission of liability, as explained in our Terms of Service.
9. Contact
Fraud and security reports: support@payowire.com
General support: Contact page
Questions about this document? Email support@payowire.com or use our contact page.
Last updated: October 21, 2026
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