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| If a buyer asks you to pay an "upgrade fee" to receive a payment, it is a scam. |
If you are selling items online and have received a notification or a screenshot claiming a fake payid payment scam has occurred, it is important to act immediately. Scammers frequently target people selling goods on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree by sending convincing but fraudulent proof of payment. Recognising these tactics quickly is your best defence against financial loss.
Quick Answer
A fake PayID payment message is a common tactic used to trick sellers into handing over goods before money actually enters their account. Scammers often send a fake payment receipt via email or SMS, or a manipulated payid payment screenshot, claiming the funds are "pending" or require an "upgrade" to a business account. If you see a notification about an "upgrade fee" or "business account activation" cost, this is a scam. Never pay money to receive money. Check your official bank app balance directly—if the funds are not there, the payment has not been made.
What to Do Immediately
- Stop all communication with the buyer immediately.
- Do not send the item or provide any further personal information.
- Check your actual bank balance via your official banking app—do not rely on screenshots or emails.
- Contact your bank using the official number on the back of your card to report the suspected scam.
- Report the profile or advertisement to the platform where the interaction occurred.
Table of Contents
What May Have Happened
In a payid marketplace scam, the fraudster pretends to be a buyer. Once they agree to purchase your item, they claim to have sent the money via PayID. You then receive a sophisticated-looking email or SMS that looks like it came from your bank or the PayID system. These messages often state that the payment is held up because your account is a "personal account" and needs to be "upgraded" to a "business account" by paying a fee. The scammer promises that once you pay this fee, you will receive the full amount plus a refund. In reality, there is no payment, and the fee you send goes straight to the scammer.
What to Do Step by Step
If you have already sent money or shared details, take these steps:
- Secure your banking: Log into your official app and check for any unusual activity. If you provided bank login details, contact your bank's fraud department immediately to lock your accounts.
- Cease contact: Do not reply to the scammer. They may try to pressure, threaten, or guilt-trip you into paying more.
- Document everything: Save all messages, emails, and screenshots of the fraudulent payment notifications.
What Information and Evidence to Save
While you should never share sensitive details with the public, keep these records private for your bank or the authorities:
- The scammer's profile: A screenshot of their Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree profile.
- Message history: Save the conversation thread before they have a chance to delete it.
- The fake receipt: Keep the fake payid payment message or email header if available.
- Transaction details: Any BSB, account number, or PayID details the scammer provided you for the "fee."
Can the Payment Be Reversed or the Money Recovered?
If you have sent money to a scammer, recovery is challenging. Banks can attempt to trace the funds, but there is no guarantee that money can be recovered. Contact your bank immediately; the sooner they are notified, the better the chance they can intercept the transfer or alert the receiving institution. Be wary of anyone claiming they can "guarantee" a recovery for a fee—this is almost always a secondary "recovery scam."
Who to Report It To
- Your Bank: Always the first point of contact for financial loss.
- Scamwatch: Report the scam at scamwatch.gov.au to help authorities track new trends.
- ReportCyber: For cyber-enabled fraud, use the Australian Cyber Security Centre's portal at cyber.gov.au.
- Platform Reporting: Use the internal reporting tools on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree to flag the user account.
How to Reduce the Risk
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| Always check your balance in your official banking app; never rely on screenshots or messages sent by the buyer. |
Remember: Genuine PayID payments are instant. There is no such thing as an "account upgrade fee" for PayID. If a buyer insists you pay a fee to receive money, it is 100% a scam. Always wait until the funds are clearly visible and available in your official banking app before handing over goods. Never trust a payid payment screenshot; these are easily manipulated using online tools.
FAQ
Q: Is there a "Business PayID"?
A: Yes, but you never have to pay a fee to an individual buyer to "upgrade" your personal account to receive payments.
Q: Can I verify a PayID payment by calling a number in the SMS?
A: No. Scammers often include fake support numbers in their SMS notifications. Only use official numbers found on your bank's website or the back of your card.
Q: How do I verify if a payment is real?
A: Only rely on your bank's official app or internet banking portal. If the balance hasn't increased, the money is not there.
Q: Can I get my item back?
A: If you have already handed over the goods, contact local police, but be aware that recovering items sold to scammers is often difficult.
Conclusion
Fake PayID messages are a common tool for online fraudsters. By understanding that legitimate banks will never ask you to pay a fee to receive a payment, you can identify these scams immediately. Always trust your official bank app balance over any screenshot or email provided by a buyer. If you have been targeted, secure your accounts and contact your bank immediately.
