An advance fee scam happens when someone asks you to pay upfront to receive something of greater value later — a loan, grant, inheritance, investment return, refund, visa, prize, job, account release, or recovery service. The promised money never arrives.

How it happens

You're told you qualify for a loan or a large payment, but need to pay a fee first. Once you pay, another fee appears — called tax, insurance, processing, security, release, or verification. Western Union describes this as an advance-fee or prepayment scam: you pay in anticipation of receiving something greater, and receive little or nothing back.

Warning signs

Be cautious if: you're asked for an upfront fee, approval is guaranteed with little or no verification, you're pressured to pay quickly, extra fees keep appearing, or you're asked to pay into a personal account rather than an organisation's official one.

How to protect yourself

1. Be cautious of anyone asking you to pay money to unlock money.
2. Check the organisation independently, using details you find yourself.
3. Don't pay an upfront fee to receive a loan, grant, or recovery payment unless you can verify the request through an official source.

If you think you've already sent money

1. Stop paying any further fees.
2. Save evidence: messages, payment details, and any documents you were sent.
3. Contact your bank or payment provider, and the relevant authority.
4. Contact us, if an Xe transfer was involved.