A C&D that pressures you to pay a 'settlement' fast — especially by gift card or wire — is often intimidation or a scam, not a real legal claim. Paste it for a read.
A cease-and-desist asks you to stop doing something; it isn't a court order and can't itself force a payment. A demand to pay immediately to make it 'go away' is a pressure tactic.
Verify the sender / law firm independently. Don't pay an unverified demand. If a real party names a specific, credible claim, talk to an attorney before responding.
A C&D by itself can't force you to pay. Demands for immediate payment, especially to an unverifiable sender, are often a bluff or scam. Verify first.