Guide
How to spot a suspicious help request
Most people asking for help are genuine. A few patterns, however, are strongly associated with scams. Knowing them protects you and the community.
- Written by
- Rafael Aguirre
- Last reviewed:
- min read
- 6 min read
Red flags
- Extreme urgency or countdowns.
- Requests for gift cards, crypto or “investment” returns.
- Pressure to talk or pay outside PayPlea.
- A provider name that does not match the request.
- Claims to represent PayPlea staff.
- Asking you to refund an unexpected transfer.
- Asking for your identity or account details.
What to do
- Do not send money.
- Report the request or profile in the app.
- Block the person if they contact you.
- If you already sent money, contact your provider immediately.
Safety box
Only send money you are comfortable giving. Check the recipient name shown by the provider, never pay with gift cards or crypto at someone’s request, and remember that many personal transfers cannot be reversed. PayPlea cannot recover money sent with an external provider.
People helping people, directly. Built in Seville by Rafael Aguirre.