Why this matters
Once you authorise a transfer, the money can move almost instantly — and if it goes to a fraudster, it's often impossible to get back. Unlike a stolen card, a payment you approved is treated as legitimate. That's why the most important moment in any transfer is the few seconds before you hit send.
This article shows how to check who you're really paying, so a scam or a simple mistake doesn't cost you.
The core habit: verify before you pay
Before sending money, confirm three things:
Who you're paying — the real person or company, not just a name on a screen.
Where the money is going — the correct account details.
Why — that the reason is genuine and you weren't pressured into it.
If you can't confirm all three, pause.
How to verify a beneficiary
Confirm details independently. For a new or large payment, verify the recipient's account details through a channel you trust — not from the same email, message, or call that requested the payment.
Call a known number. If a business or person sends you new payment details, confirm by calling them on a number you already have, not one provided in the message.
Beware of last-minute changes. A sudden "we've changed our bank account" message is a classic fraud sign. → See: Invoice & Payment Redirection Fraud
Check the name matches. Be cautious if the account name doesn't match who you think you're paying.
Start small if unsure. For a first payment to a new recipient, a small test amount can help confirm the details are right before sending more.
Warning signs around a payment request
You're pressured to pay urgently or in secret.
You're asked to pay to a "safe account" — this is always a scam. → See: "Safe Account" & Bank Impersonation Scams
Payment details changed at the last minute.
You're asked to pay by unusual methods: crypto, gift cards, or vouchers.
You're paying upfront for a prize, loan, job, or refund you didn't verify.
The request came from an unexpected message claiming to be a company, official, or someone you know.
What a scam payment looks like
"Your account is at risk. Move your balance to this secure account to protect it." → the "safe account" trick.
"Here's our updated invoice — please note our new bank details." → payment redirection.
"You've won, just pay the €20 release fee to this account." → advance-fee scam.
In each case, verifying independently before paying would stop the loss.
Before you tap "send", ask yourself
Did I start this payment, or did someone contact me to request it?
Have I confirmed the recipient's details through a trusted, separate channel?
Am I being rushed or pressured?
Would I be comfortable if this money couldn't be recovered?
If anything feels off, stop and check with us in the app support chat first.
What to do if you sent money to a fraudster
Contact us immediately through the 24/7 support chat in the Blackcat or Blackcatcard app — speed matters most in the first minutes.
Don't send anything more, and ignore any "recovery agent" who offers to get your money back for a fee (that's a follow-up scam).
Keep all details of the payment and the request.
Report it so we can act and warn others.
→ See: I Think I've Been Scammed: Immediate Steps