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Spotting Fake Payment Screenshots: A Quick Guide
One common scam on classifieds is a buyer sending a fake payment screenshot, then asking you to ship before the money actually arrives. Here's how to protect yourself. First: never trust a screenshot alone. A screenshot can be edited on any computer in seconds. Even if it looks real, it's not proof that money is in your wallet. Second: check your actual wallet or exchange account. That's the only place that matters. Log in directly (never click a link someone sends you) and look at your transaction history. You'll see the real payment, the network it came on, the wallet address it came from, and the exact time it arrived. Third: wait for confirmations. If you're getting USDT or USDC, the payment needs time to confirm on the blockchain. Bitcoin too. A few minutes is normal. If the buyer is pushing you to ship before confirmations finish, that's a red flag. Fourth: if you're not sure, ask. Tell the buyer: "I'll ship once I see the payment confirmed in my wallet." Any honest buyer will understand. Scammers count on you being in a hurry or not knowing how blockchain payments work. Take your time, check your own wallet, and you'll stay safe. Have you ever received a screenshot that didn't match what you saw in your actual wallet?