In today’s fast-paced digital world, money moves faster than ever. We shop online, hire freelancers across borders, rent homes on the other side of the country, and sell goods to people we’ve never met. Technology has made opportunities limitless—but it has also magnified one timeless question: Can I trust the person on the other side of the deal?

The Rising Cost of Distrust

Fraud, scams, and broken promises have become all too common in online transactions. A seller fears they’ll never see payment. A buyer worries the product won’t arrive. A freelancer completes work but waits endlessly for compensation. And a property owner fears handing over their keys only to be ghosted.

At the heart of every transaction is trust—and in the digital age, trust is as valuable as money itself. Without it, even the most convenient technology feels unsafe.

Escrow: Turning Risk Into Assurance

This is where escrow comes in. Escrow is a financial arrangement where a neutral third party (like Paysho) safely holds funds until both sides meet the agreed terms. It transforms an uncertain handshake into a guaranteed exchange.

Think of it as a digital lockbox:

• The buyer knows their money is safe and will only be released if the goods or services arrive as promised.
• The seller knows the funds are already secured and waiting. No more chasing payments.
• Both sides can relax, knowing no one can walk away unfairly.

Escrow doesn’t just move money—it moves confidence.

Why Trust Is the New Currency

In the past, people built trust through personal relationships, face-to-face interactions, and reputation within close communities. But in today’s borderless digital economy, trust must be engineered into the transaction itself.

Escrow is the new handshake. It’s the modern seal of good faith that says: You can believe me, because the system protects us both.

How Paysho Builds Trust in Every Transaction

Paysho was created to give South Africans and Africans at large a safe way to trade online and in person. Whether you’re:

• Buying or selling items on classifieds and Facebook Marketplace
• Renting a holiday home or Airbnb
• Paying a freelancer or contractor
• Closing a business-to-business deal

Paysho acts as the safety net that ensures no one loses out.

The Future Belongs to the Trustworthy

As digital transactions grow, the platforms that guarantee fairness will shape the future. People will choose safety over risk, reliability over uncertainty. And escrow will be at the center of it all.

Because in the digital age, money isn’t the only thing being exchanged. Trust is the new currency. And with Paysho, you can spend it wisely.

Whether you’re a traveler booking a beach getaway or a host opening your property to guests, holiday rentals can be a rewarding experience—but only when trust is established. With the rise of platforms like Airbnb, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp groups, more South Africans are finding or listing short-term stays online. Unfortunately, this surge in activity has also led to a rise in deposit scams, fake listings, and no-show guests.

This is where Paysho escrow steps in.

The Holiday Rental Problem
Let’s face it: when it comes to deposits, both hosts and guests take a risk.

Guests worry: What if I pay and there’s no house when I arrive?

Hosts worry: What if I block my calendar and the guest never shows up or cancels last-minute?

These fears are not unfounded. Every year, thousands of rands are lost in fraudulent holiday rental scams or misunderstandings around cancellations and refunds.

Escrow: A Safer Way to Handle Deposits
Paysho offers an escrow solution that protects both holidaymakers and hosts by acting as a secure middle ground.

How it Works:
The guest pays the deposit to Paysho.

Paysho holds the funds securely while both parties prepare for the stay.

Once the guest checks in and confirms everything is in order, Paysho releases the funds to the host.

No more sending EFTs to strangers. No more sleepless nights wondering if the booking is legit.

Real-Life Use Case:
Lebo, a guest from Johannesburg, booked a seaside cottage in Port Alfred for her family. She was hesitant to pay the R3,000 deposit to a host she found via Facebook. Using Paysho gave her confidence. Once she checked in and confirmed everything matched the photos, the funds were released.

Sizwe, a host in Durban, had previously been stood up by guests who never paid a cent. With Paysho, he now only blocks his calendar once the deposit is held in escrow—no more lost weekends.

Why Airbnb Hosts Love Paysho:
✅ No more chargebacks or fake proof of payment
✅ Easier to manage booking confirmations
✅ Builds trust with cautious guests
✅ Peace of mind for both parties

For Travelers: Don’t Be a Victim
If you’re booking a holiday rental online—especially via classifieds or Facebook groups—insist on Paysho. You don’t want to arrive at the coast and find out your “booking” was a scam.

For Hosts: Filter Out Time-Wasters
Using escrow filters out unserious inquiries. When guests know their deposit is safe (and not lost forever if something goes wrong), they’re more willing to book and pay early.

Final Word
Whether you’re the one handing over your keys or your hard-earned cash, you deserve a safe and secure transaction. Holiday rentals should be memorable for the right reasons—not because of scams or stress.

With Paysho, holiday deposits are safe, simple, and secure.

Try Paysho today.
Because trust shouldn’t be a gamble.

South Africans are increasingly buying, selling, renting, and trading online—but unfortunately, so are scammers. Every day, thousands of honest people fall victim to digital fraud, losing hard-earned money to sophisticated traps on Facebook, WhatsApp, online classifieds, and more.

At Paysho, we’re not just here to protect your transactions—we’re here to empower you with knowledge. Below, we break down the 5 most common scams happening right now—with tips on how to spot them, and how Paysho helps you stay safe.

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1. “I’m Selling This Item—But Pay First, Fast”

?Where it happens: Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, WhatsApp
?Red flags:

• The seller insists on full payment upfront
• Price seems too good to be true
• They refuse to meet in person
• They say: “Hurry, someone else is interested!”

? Example:
Ad for a “brand new iPhone 14 Pro” listed at R5,000—half the market value—with limited contact info and poor grammar.

? Paysho’s Protection:
With Paysho Escrow, the buyer pays Paysho, not the seller. Paysho holds the money until the item is delivered and verified—then releases the funds.
Result: No product = no payment.

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2. Fake Rental Listings (aka “The Deposit Vanishes” Scam)

?Where it happens: Facebook groups, classifieds, fake property websites
?Red flags:

• The landlord can’t show you the place but demands deposit
• “Urgent” requests for EFTs
• No paperwork or vague lease terms

? Example:
WhatsApp message: “Hi, if you don’t pay today, I’ll give the room to someone else. Send R6,500 and I’ll keep it for you.”

? Paysho’s Protection:
Whether you’re a tenant or landlord, Paysho holds the deposit safely until key handover or confirmation of the lease.
No need to trust a stranger—trust the platform.

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3. Job Offer or Business Opportunity Scam

?Where it happens: Email, Telegram, Facebook inbox
?Red flags:

• “Admin” or “typing” jobs that require upfront payment
• They promise huge returns or high pay for little work
• No website, no contract, no verified profiles

? Example:
“Earn R25,000/month working from home. Register with a once-off payment of R250.”

? Paysho’s Protection:
When used for freelancer or contractor agreements, Paysho protects both sides—ensuring money only moves when milestones are achieved.
No delivery of work? No release of funds. No need for blind trust.

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4. Stolen Identity or Impersonation Scams

?Where it happens: Facebook buy/sell groups, WhatsApp, even OLX clones
?Red flags:

• A seller uses someone else’s ID or business name
• The scammer claims to be “someone reputable”
• Pressures you to “send money first” for security

? Example:
A user says, “My cousin used this guy for furniture and he’s legit.” The profile looks real—but it’s a clone.

? Paysho’s Protection:
Escrow removes the need to verify identities on your own. You don’t have to rely on screenshots, referrals, or fake names—Paysho creates a secure, trackable process with both sides accountable.

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5. “I’ll Pay Later” Buyer Scam (For Sellers)

?Where it happens: Facebook groups, WhatsApp sales, Instagram DMs
?Red flags:

• Buyer offers proof of payment but delays collection
• EFT “takes days to reflect” excuse
• Screenshot of a fake payment

? Example:
Fake Standard Bank notification saying R3,000 was “successfully sent” but with no real transfer made.

? Paysho’s Protection:
As a seller, you only ship or release goods after Paysho confirms the buyer has paid into escrow.
No risk. No fake slips. No unpaid collections.

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? Final Thoughts: Trust is the New Currency

Whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or offering services, online scams are evolving—but so are the solutions.

With Paysho, you don’t need to wonder who to trust.
The platform becomes your neutral, secure middleman—so your money is protected, your goods are delivered, and your peace of mind stays intact.

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✅ Let’s Stop Scams, Together

Every time someone chooses Paysho, we make it harder for scammers to succeed.
? Be part of the solution.
? Sign up today at www.paysho.co.za

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#NoMoreScams #PayshoProtects #EscrowForEveryone #SafeOnlineDeals #VerifiedTransactions #DigitalSafetyZA

When it comes to high-value purchases—whether you’re buying a car, rare collectibles, luxury electronics, or property—trust is everything. But in a world where online scams are on the rise and handshake deals no longer guarantee safety, how do you protect your money and your peace of mind?

The answer: escrow.

What Is Escrow, and Why Does It Matter?

Escrow is a financial arrangement where a trusted third party (like Paysho) holds funds securely on behalf of the buyer and seller during a transaction. The money is only released when both parties meet the agreed terms—typically when the buyer receives the item or service in satisfactory condition.

In short, escrow removes risk from both sides of the deal.

Why High-Value Transactions Need Extra Protection

High-value purchases carry higher stakes. If things go wrong, the losses can be significant—not just financially, but emotionally and reputationally too.

Here’s what makes escrow a non-negotiable layer of protection:

? No Release Without Delivery: Funds are only released once the buyer confirms receipt or satisfaction. This eliminates the risk of a seller taking the money and disappearing.

?️ Protection from Counterfeit Goods: When you’re spending thousands, the authenticity of what you’re buying matters. Escrow allows time for verification before payment is finalized.

? Fraud Prevention: Escrow makes it much harder for scammers to pull a fast one. Since Paysho verifies both parties and holds the funds, fraudulent buyers or sellers are filtered out.

? Clear Terms, Less Dispute: With escrow, the expectations are clear from the start. This reduces misunderstandings and potential disputes, especially when large sums are involved.

Real Examples Where Escrow Makes a Difference
✅ Buying a Used Car Online: Instead of transferring R100,000 directly to the seller, the buyer deposits it with Paysho. The seller delivers the car, paperwork checks out, and then the money is released.

✅ Paying for a Photography Package: A couple books a wedding photographer for R15,000. Paysho holds the deposit until the service is rendered, protecting both sides from cancellation or poor delivery.

✅ Securing a Property Rental: A landlord and tenant agree on a R20,000 deposit. Paysho holds the money until the keys are handed over and the lease starts—ensuring fairness for both.

Don’t Risk It. Escrow It.
Every day, people are scammed out of large sums because they act in good faith without protection. With Paysho, you don’t have to gamble on trust—you secure it.

Whether you’re the buyer or seller, if you’re dealing with an amount that would make your heart sink if lost, Paysho is your shield.

Ready to make safer deals?
✅ Create your free Paysho account today
✅ Invite your buyer or seller to transact securely
✅ Join thousands of South Africans trading with peace of mind

Paysho: Safe, Simple, Secure.

The Convenience Comes at a Cost

Facebook Marketplace, Instagram pages, and WhatsApp groups have made it easier than ever to buy and sell everything from couches to phones, clothing to cars. But with the rise in convenience comes a rise in scams—costing South Africans millions of rands each year.

At Paysho, we’re seeing a surge in people turning to escrow to avoid heartbreak. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe—and how to protect your money.

The Most Common Marketplace Scams

You’ve probably seen (or even experienced) one of these:

1. Fake Sellers
   They post attractive items at below-market prices. Once payment is made, they disappear—no delivery, no refund.
2. Overpayment Scams
   A “buyer” sends a fake payment proof and asks you to refund the extra. You send the money—then find out the original payment never happened.
3. Switch & Bait
   You’re shown one item (e.g. a working phone), but the seller delivers a broken or different one.
4. Fake Proof of Delivery
   Sellers claim they’ve sent a courier, provide fake tracking, and disappear after receiving payment.

Red Flags to Watch Out For
Seller or buyer insists on urgency
They refuse to meet in person or use verified platforms
Profiles have no history or use stock images
Payment requests via eWallet, voucher codes, or untraceable methods
They decline to use Paysho or other escrow services

How Escrow Solves the Problem

Escrow acts as a trusted middleman in your transaction. Here’s how it works:

Buyer deposits funds to Paysho

Seller delivers the item

Buyer inspects & confirms

Paysho releases funds to seller

Neither party can cheat the other. The transaction is fair, transparent, and protected.

Why You Should Never Trade Without Escrow

Without escrow, your money is immediately vulnerable the moment you send it. Even if you know the person virtually, social media makes it easy for fraudsters to clone profiles, use fake names, or create fake businesses.

✅ Paysho protects you from fraud
✅ Builds trust between buyer and seller
✅ Gives peace of mind to both parties
✅ Easy to use with any social media deal

Real Stories, Real Protection
“I lost R3,200 on a fake phone seller on Facebook. I wish I had known about Paysho earlier.”
– Kevin, Midrand

“As a seller, I’ve dealt with so many time-wasters and scammers. Paysho ensures I get paid before I hand anything over.”
– Reneilwe, Port Elizabeth

Tips to Stay Safe on Social Media Marketplaces
✅ Always meet in public if possible
✅ Check for reviews or history on seller profiles
✅ Ask for real-time pictures or video of the item
✅ Refuse to pay until you’ve inspected the goods
✅ Use Paysho for every transaction—especially those over R500

A Safer Marketplace Starts With You

Scammers thrive in low-trust environments. By choosing tools like Paysho, you raise the standard and make it harder for fraud to survive.

Tell your friends.
Use escrow.
Only trade with protection.

Ready to Buy or Sell Safely?
Don’t take chances. Use Paysho escrow today for all your social media transactions.
www.paysho.co.za

MarketplaceSafety #SocialMediaScams #PayshoProtects #SafeOnlineDeals #EscrowForTheWin #BuySmartSellSafe

When it comes to event planning—whether it’s weddings, corporate functions, birthday parties, or festivals—money matters can easily become messy. Deposits disappear, final payments are delayed, and sometimes service providers don’t deliver as promised. That’s where Paysho’s escrow service steps in to provide peace of mind for both event organisers and suppliers.

The Common Payment Problems in Event Planning

Here’s what typically goes wrong in event payments:

A client pays a deposit, but the vendor never shows up on the day.

A service provider delivers, but the client disappears or delays final payment.

Miscommunication about what’s included leads to disputes after the fact.

Trust issues arise—especially when booking unknown vendors online.

Whether you’re a wedding planner, DJ, decor company, venue owner, or private client, the lack of financial security can turn even the best-laid plans into a disaster.

Escrow to the Rescue

Using escrow through Paysho eliminates these risks. It’s a simple, secure solution that ensures both parties meet their obligations—and that payments are protected until then.

Here’s how it works:
The client deposits funds into Paysho’s secure escrow account before the event.

The vendor delivers the agreed services—whether it’s catering, sound, décor, or the full event.

Once services are confirmed, Paysho releases the funds to the vendor.

Both parties are protected. No surprises. No ghosting. No chasing payments.

Why Escrow Is Perfect for Event Planning

✅ Trust for both sides – Clients won’t lose deposits. Vendors are guaranteed payment.
✅ Builds professionalism – Using escrow boosts your credibility and makes your services more attractive.
✅ Reduces disputes – Terms are clear upfront and payments are only released when conditions are met.
✅ Great for large and small budgets – From intimate gatherings to big corporate launches, escrow works for all.
✅ Local and flexible – Paysho understands the South African events space and supports in-person deals.

Real South African Experiences

“We once lost R15,000 to a decorator who didn’t show up for a wedding. Since then, we only work with vendors who agree to escrow. Paysho made our events stress-free.”
— Nomsa D., Wedding Planner, Durban

“As a DJ, I’d get last-minute cancellations or struggle to get paid after a gig. With Paysho, clients pay upfront into escrow, and I know the money’s safe.”
— Thabo L., DJ & Events Provider, Pretoria

“It’s a win-win. My clients feel secure knowing I won’t run off with their deposit, and I feel secure knowing I’ll get paid once the job is done.”
— Mariska V., Florist & Decor Specialist, Cape Town

When to Use Escrow in the Event Lifecycle

You can structure payments in stages:

Deposit stage: Client deposits the amount into escrow instead of paying directly.

Milestones: Use releases for each phase (e.g., booking venue, sourcing décor, final prep).

Final payment: Released only after successful delivery of the event.

Paysho Makes It Easy

Paysho’s intuitive platform is built to handle this type of transaction. All you need is:

The client and vendor to create a transaction on Paysho

Agreement on terms and amount

Confirmation of service completion

Automatic release of payment

Plan Big. Pay Smart. Get Paid.

Whether you’re planning the event of the year or supplying the flowers, don’t let payment anxiety overshadow the celebration. With Paysho’s escrow service, both clients and vendors can focus on what they do best—creating unforgettable moments.

Start your next event with confidence. Use Paysho to secure your deposits and payments.
Try Paysho Now »

In today’s digital economy, freelancing has become a vital source of income for many professionals across South Africa. From designers and developers to writers, marketers, and virtual assistants, freelancers are reshaping the future of work. However, as opportunities grow, so do the risks—especially when it comes to securing timely payments.

Many freelancers have experienced the frustration of delayed payments, unresponsive clients, or even outright fraud. On the flip side, clients also face risks when paying upfront for services that may not be delivered. That’s where escrow services like Paysho come in—to create trust between parties and protect everyone involved.

The Freelancing Landscape in South Africa

Freelancing is on the rise in South Africa. According to Outsized’s 2025 Talent on Demand Report, there has been a 53% increase in freelancer registrations, with professionals earning between R300 to R1,900 per hour, depending on their skills and experience .

Despite this growth, many freelancers face significant challenges:

Payment Issues: A survey by Xero found that 91% of SMEs are owed money outside their payment terms, with payments averaging 18 days late. For small companies with fewer than 10 employees, the average amount outstanding was R93,000 .

Cash Flow Constraints: About 47% of small business owners list cash flow and late payments as the main threat to their growth aspirations .

These statistics highlight the pressing need for secure payment solutions in the freelance sector.

What Is an Escrow Service for Freelancers?
An escrow service acts as a neutral third party that holds funds during a transaction until agreed-upon terms are met. For freelancers, it means you don’t start work without knowing the client has the money. For clients, it means you don’t release funds until you’re satisfied with the work.

Think of it as a digital handshake with security built in.

How Paysho Works for Freelancers
Agreement: The freelancer and client agree on the scope of work, timeline, and payment amount.

Payment to Escrow: The client deposits the funds into Paysho’s secure escrow account.

Work Begins: The freelancer starts the project, confident that the funds are safely held.

Delivery & Review: The freelancer delivers the work. The client reviews it.

Release of Funds: If the work meets the agreed terms, Paysho releases the funds to the freelancer.

It’s fair, transparent, and removes the uncertainty from freelance contracts.

Benefits for Freelancers
✅ Guaranteed Payment: No more working without proof of funds.

✅ Professionalism: Using escrow builds confidence with new clients.

✅ Dispute Resolution: If disagreements arise, Paysho helps mediate.

✅ Faster Client Onboarding: Clients who hesitate to pay upfront feel safer using escrow.

Benefits for Clients
✅ Peace of Mind: Your money is only released when the job is done right.

✅ Avoids Scams: Escrow protects against non-delivery of services.

✅ Clear Milestones: You can set project milestones and release funds in stages.

✅ Trusted Platform: Paysho is locally operated and trusted across South Africa.

Real Stories: Freelancers Benefiting from Paysho
Jane, Graphic Designer, Johannesburg
“I used to worry about getting paid on time. Since I started using Paysho, my clients are more comfortable, and I get paid promptly. It’s a win-win.”

Thabo, Web Developer, Cape Town
“Working with international clients was risky. Paysho’s escrow service gives both me and my clients peace of mind. It’s streamlined my payment process significantly.”

When Should Freelancers Use Escrow?
For first-time clients or new business relationships

For high-value projects or retainers

When working with international clients

For project-based work that has clear deliverables

Even for smaller jobs, escrow adds a layer of trust and professionalism that sets you apart from the crowd.

Final Thoughts
Freelancing should be empowering—not stressful. With Paysho, freelancers no longer need to choose between getting started and getting paid. Escrow ensures that both parties show commitment, making it easier to build long-term, trustworthy relationships.

Whether you’re a freelancer tired of chasing payments or a client wanting to avoid risks, Paysho is your peace-of-mind partner in the freelance economy.

Ready to get started?
Sign up at www.paysho.co.za and make your next freelance project fraud-free, fuss-free, and fair.

Getting scammed has very little to do with intelligence. In fact, some of the most common victims are educated, experienced, and otherwise careful people. Here are some of the reasons why people continue to fall for scams on online classifieds platforms:

1. Emotion Overrides Logic

Scammers know how to trigger emotions — urgency, excitement, fear of missing out, or even sympathy. For example:

“First come, first served!”

“I’m moving tomorrow and need to sell this now!” These tactics push people to act quickly before they think things through.

2. The Illusion of Trust

People tend to trust others who seem “normal” — especially if they communicate well, have a decent profile picture, or write in a friendly tone. Scammers often mirror behaviour or pretend to be local, which lowers suspicion.

3. Desperation or Greed

If someone’s hunting for a bargain, especially on a tight budget, they might ignore red flags to secure a “deal.” Similarly, sellers who are desperate to make money may be more willing to take risks with a buyer who “promises” quick payment.

4. Platform Limitations

Most classifieds platforms (like Facebook Marketplace etc…) don’t offer built-in buyer/seller protections or verified payment systems. That means users are left to trust each other and handle transactions manually — which scammers exploit.

5. Social Engineering

Scammers are very good at manipulating people. They research how people behave and tailor their messages to sound credible. This psychological manipulation isn’t about tricking “dumb” people — it’s about outmanoeuvring normal people in a vulnerable moment.

6. Lack of Awareness

A lot of people just don’t know what to watch for. Scams evolve fast, and even someone who’s cautious may not be up-to-date with the latest tactics (like fake payment confirmations or impersonating delivery services).

7. Overconfidence

Ironically, thinking you’re too smart to get scammed makes you more vulnerable. People let their guard down when they assume they’re immune — and that’s when mistakes happen.

When we think of scams, it’s easy to imagine someone who was just careless or naive. But the truth is, even the smartest people get scammed. In fact, scammers often rely on intelligence, confidence, and urgency to make their schemes work. That’s why tools like Paysho — a secure escrow platform — are critical in protecting both buyers and sellers from common fraud traps.

Here’s why being smart doesn’t make you immune — and how escrow protection from Paysho can keep you safe.

1. Emotion Overrides Logic

Scammers are master manipulators of emotion. Whether it’s urgency (“First come, first served!”) or desperation (“I’m moving tomorrow and need to sell this now!”), emotional triggers cause people to act fast — before thinking things through.

Escrow with Paysho gives you space to breathe. Your money is held safely until the terms of the deal are met, so you don’t need to rush into anything.

2. The Illusion of Trust

A friendly tone. A nice profile photo. Local slang. Scammers are great at pretending to be someone trustworthy. They mimic your behavior to lower your guard — and smart people, who rely on instincts and social cues, can fall for it.

Using Paysho’s escrow system means you don’t have to rely solely on vibes. You rely on verified, secure payments that can’t be faked.

3. Desperation or Greed

Let’s face it — we all want a great deal. But when you’re tight on cash or desperate to sell something, it’s easy to ignore red flags. That’s exactly when scammers pounce.

Paysho eliminates the risk by acting as a neutral third party. Buyers fund an escrow account, and sellers only ship or deliver when payment is confirmed. No pressure. No guesswork.

4. Platform Limitation

Popular platforms like Facebook Marketplace and, and Gumtree offer zero escrow protection. Users are left to fend for themselves, relying on trust and screenshots — which are easy to fake.

Paysho fills the gap by offering built-in escrow security for any transaction — whether it’s online or face-to-face.

5. Social Engineering

Smart people know how the world works — and scammers know how they work. They craft messages that sound just convincing enough. This isn’t about being dumb; it’s about being human.

Escrow through Paysho protects you by removing the scammer’s leverage. Your money is untouchable until you’re satisfied with the outcome.

6. Lack of Awareness

Scams evolve fast — from fake courier services to fake bank confirmations. Even people who think they know better can fall for something new.

By using Paysho, you don’t have to stay one step ahead of every scammer. The escrow system is designed to keep your funds safe, no matter what new trick someone tries.

7. Overconfidence

Ironically, people who believe they’re “too smart to get scammed” are often the most vulnerable. They let their guard down. They skip the basics.Paysho offers a built-in layer of caution — and confidence. It’s smart to use escrow when your money or goods are on the line.

Smart People Use Escrow

It’s not about being “too smart to be scammed.” It’s about being smart enough to use Paysho. Whether you’re buying a couch or selling a laptop, escrow protects your money and your peace of mind.

Don’t trust screenshots. Don’t trust promises.
Trust Paysho.