Frauds, taken apart on the bench

Specific frauds dissected step by step, from overpayment tricks to triangulation, so the pattern is obvious the next time it appears.

Journal cover with a red warning triangle above a dark virtual card and its dashed copy

Scam anatomy 6 min read

The overpayment refund trick, explained step by step

Someone pays you too much, apologizes, and asks you to send back the difference. By the time their payment disappears, yours is gone for good. Here is how the trick works and how to handle any overpayment safely.

Journal cover with a virtual card and its dashed outline under a red triangle warning sign

Scam anatomy 5 min read

Screenshot fraud: why a picture of a transfer proves nothing

A screenshot of a transfer looks like proof, but it is only a picture. Anyone can edit one in minutes. Here is why images cannot confirm payments, what can, and how both buyers and sellers should handle "proof of payment."