Tax or unlock fee
A fee framed as 'tax', 'clearance', 'unlock', or 'release' that you must pay before getting money owed.
Why it matters
It's advance-fee fraud in disguise: there's no real money to release, only fees to extract.
Example only - do not act on it
Example only: Pay the clearance/tax fee to release your funds.
Why scammers use this
Official-sounding labels make the fee feel legitimate.
What to do
- Stop and verify who you're really paying through an official channel.
- Never pay a fee to receive money, a refund, a prize, or to 'release' funds.
- If money moved, contact your bank or payment provider immediately.
What not to do
- Don't pay to receive money or 'unlock' funds.
- Don't trust payment screenshots as proof.
- Don't pay via gift cards, wire, or crypto to someone unverified.
How to verify safely
Confirm any payment inside your official banking or payment app; receiving money never requires you to pay, scan, or enter a PIN.
Scams where this appears
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Related scam-type hubs
Emergency guides
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Check a messageFrequently asked questions
Is a 'release tax' real?
No. You don't pay a fee to receive money you're owed. 'Tax/unlock/release' fees are advance-fee scams.