← All guides
Before you go Payment 7 of 62 known sticking points

Your account gets flagged for unusual activity

A "unusual activity" flag is usually automatic and temporary. Waiting clears it for most people.

A traveller and a shop assistant looking at a payment problem on a phone

A new location trips the auto-fraud flag.

What you'll see

If you see "unusual activity detected" or "account under review", it is almost always triggered by a new location:

"Unusual activity detected" · "Account under review"
中国 App 里显示为：检测到异常活动 / 账户审核中
Error-text level: L1 - exact in-app string shown above, verified against common reports.
Exact wording (L1): Account abnormal - function restricted

Why it happens

Anti-fraud systems flag accounts that suddenly transact from a new country. The flag is precautionary and usually auto-clears.

Fastest fix, free: Do not panic and do not keep retrying. Wait 24–48 hours; in most cases the system lifts the flag on its own.

This case's complete fix is free above. The other 61 cases, the decision tree, and the offline kit are $9.99.

Last verified: 2026-09-20 · Confidence: Multiple sources (pending first-hand verification)
The full fix sequence (free)
  1. Don't panic. This is usually triggered by using the app from a new location.
  2. Wait 24-48 hours. In most cases, the system auto-resolves the flag.
  3. If it doesn't resolve, contact customer service with your account details and a photo of your passport.

When the fast fix isn't enough

In the kit

When the flag will not clear, the kit gives the escalation line and the evidence that gets a human to lift it fast.

1. The evidence checklist

Exactly what to attach so a human lifts the flag on the first ticket.

2. The trigger matrix

What behaviour trips the flag, so you can avoid re-triggering it.

3. Offline printable version

The checklist as a printable card.

Get the offline kit — $9.99 Read the free guides first
FREE — what you are reading nowwhat you will see, why, fastest fix, fullstepsIN THE KIT — the long taildecision tree, bridge method, triggermatrix, offline

What you are reading is free. The shut crate is the part you carry.

Did the FAST fix work?yes / noYESNODone — carry a backup cardfreeBridge-method branchin the kit

Two doors, one question. Walk through the one your answer opens.

123Your cardVisa / MCAlipay firstbinds reliablyAdd to WeChatas a method

Direct WeChat binding fails far more often than this two-hop route.

If nothing works

While the flag is up, to keep paying:

  1. Pay with cash or ask a companion to pay and reimburse them.
  2. Use the other app — flags are per-account, not per-person.
  3. Wait it out; most flags clear within two days.
1ATM cashlevel 12Pay cashlevel 23Ask someonelevel 34Bank desklevel 4

Four levels deep — a failed payment never strands you.

A shop assistant helping a traveller understand a receipt

Someone behind the counter can usually unblock you faster than any app.

You are looking at 1 of 62

Most travellers know about three of these before they fly. This one is often not one of them.

Pay Trains Rides Emergency Phrases
This case Related, payment All others
Find the ones that are yours
Official sources

Verified against these sources on 2026-09-20.