Which item is NOT typically used in making corrupt payments?

The correct answer is based on the understanding of what constitutes a corrupt payment. Corrupt payments typically involve illicit transactions made to gain undue influence or favor in a business context. Gifts, cash payments, and expenses related to travel and accommodation can all be used as means to influence behavior in unethical ways, often crossing into bribery.

In the case of public service contracts, while they can be associated with corruption if improperly awarded or influenced, they themselves are not a method of making direct corrupt payments. Instead, public service contracts usually represent legitimate agreements for services or goods provided to the government or public bodies. Therefore, they are not typically utilized as a direct mechanism for making corrupt payments, distinguishing them from the other options that directly involve influencing behavior through financial or material incentives.