How to Avoid Fake Money-Transfer Messages: Do’s and Don’ts

• Author: Gail West
• Posted: 2026-05-01

A message says your money is ready, but something feels off. Maybe it asks for a fee before you can receive the transfer. Maybe it sends you to a strange website. Or maybe it comes from a number you do not recognize.

Do not rush. Check the message before clicking anything or sharing information.
 

Do confirm the transfer

If a family member says they sent you money, contact them directly. Ask how much they sent, when they sent it, and how you are supposed to receive it.

Use the phone number or chat you normally use with that person. Do not rely only on the contact details included in the new message.

You can also sign in through the official MoveMoney website or app and check whether the transfer appears in your account. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends contacting the provider quickly when there is a problem with a money transfer.
 

Don’t click unfamiliar links

A fake message can look real. It may use the company name, logo, and wording that seem familiar.

Instead of clicking the link in the message, open the official website yourself. Check the web address carefully and look for the transfer in your account.

Be careful if the message:

• Uses an unusual website address.

• Contains spelling or grammar mistakes.

• Tells you to act immediately.

• Asks you to use a different phone number.

• Says your money will disappear unless you respond.

• Requests information you normally would not provide.

The CFPB advises consumers to avoid clicking links or scanning QR codes from messages they do not trust. Read the CFPB’s warning signs.
 

Do question extra fees

Be cautious if someone says you must pay money before receiving a transfer. The request may be called a release fee, tax, verification payment, or security deposit.

Do not send a separate payment to a stranger. Check the official transfer page to see whether any real fee is listed there.

The Federal Trade Commission warns that people should not move money to “protect” it or share account security codes with someone claiming to help.
 

Don’t share your security code

Never send anyone your:

• One-time verification code.

• Password.

• PIN.

• Full card number.

• Social Security number.

• Account-reset code.

A genuine support representative should not need you to forward a private code from your phone. If someone asks for one, stop the conversation and contact the provider through its official website.

CFX’s mobile terms explain its text-message service and support instructions.
 

Do check cash-pickup details

If you are supposed to collect the money in cash, check the location through the official CFX cash-location directory. Confirm the address, store hours, and service information before you go.

Bring only the information the official transfer instructions require. Do not give your barcode, reference number, or identification details to someone who contacts you unexpectedly and says they can collect the money for you.
 

Don’t send another transfer right away

If the first transfer does not appear, do not immediately send the same amount again.

Ask the sender to check the transaction status. The transfer may still be pending, or the recipient details may need to be corrected. Sending another payment could leave you with two transfers instead of one.

Keep the receipt, reference number, and messages connected to the transaction.
 

If you already shared information

Change your password through the official MoveMoney website or app. If you shared card or bank details, contact your bank using the number on your card or its official website.

If you sent money, contact the provider as soon as possible and ask whether anything can be done. The CFPB money-transfer page explains how consumers can report transfer problems.

You can also report suspected fraud through the FTC’s fraud-reporting website.

MoveMoney is supported by payment infrastructure developed by CFX Labs Inc.. For account or transfer questions, use the official MoveMoney or CFX contact information rather than replying to an unfamiliar text.

If a message makes you feel rushed, stop and verify it first. That short pause can protect your account and your money.

Next read: Sent Money to the Wrong Person? Here's What to Do Next