Wise Scams
Scams involving Wise transfers — what fraudsters exploit and how to stay safe.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a legitimate international money transfer service, but scammers request Wise payments precisely because international transfers are fast, relatively inexpensive, and harder to reverse than domestic bank payments. Victims are often asked to create a Wise account specifically to send money to a scammer.
This guide explains how Wise is exploited in fraud, the warning signs, and what to do if you have been asked to pay via Wise.
Common scams using Wise
Romance scam fund transfers
An online partner asks for Wise transfers to cover emergencies, plane tickets, or investment fees.
Advance-fee fraud payments
Victims are told to send fees via Wise to release a larger sum of money — each payment is followed by a demand for another.
Fake freelancer or remote-job payments
Employers send more than agreed and ask the freelancer to forward the excess via Wise — the original payment later bounces.
Marketplace overpayment scam
A buyer 'accidentally' overpays via Wise and asks for the difference to be sent back before the original transfer clears.
Common red flags
- A new online contact or employer specifically requesting payment via Wise
- Being asked to create a Wise account for a transaction you did not initiate
- Overpayments from new contacts requesting a partial refund
- Advance fees demanded before a prize, job, or large payment is released
- Urgency and secrecy around the transfer
How to protect yourself
- Only use Wise to send money to people you know and trust in real life
- Wait for payments to fully clear and be verified before forwarding any portion
- Treat any request to 'forward' or 'refund' part of a received payment with maximum suspicion
- Use Wise's in-app security features and enable login notifications
- Report any suspicious transfer request to Wise before completing it
How to report it
- Contact Wise support immediately at wise.com if you suspect fraud before sending
- Report completed fraudulent transfers to your national fraud authority
- File a police report — Wise may cooperate with law enforcement investigations
Frequently asked questions
Can Wise reverse a transfer if I was scammed?
Wise can attempt to recall a transfer if it has not yet been collected, but once received by the recipient the funds are very difficult to recover. Contact Wise support immediately — speed is critical.