Stay Safe from Venmo Scams
Complete guide to recognizing, avoiding, and reporting fraudulent activities on Venmo. Learn how scammers operate and protect your money.
What You'll Learn
Common Venmo Scams
Learn to recognize these fraudulent schemes before they cost you money
Accidental Payment Scam
Critical RiskA stranger sends you money "by accident" and asks you to send it back. The original payment will later be reversed, leaving you out the money you sent.
Scammers use stolen credit cards or bank accounts to send the initial payment. When the real owner reports fraud, Venmo reverses the transaction.
- Random payment from unknown person
- Urgent messages asking for money back
- Claims it was meant for someone else
Fake Payment Notifications
Very High RiskFraudulent emails that appear to be from Venmo, claiming you've received a payment. Links lead to phishing sites designed to steal your login credentials.
Check sender email carefully - legitimate Venmo emails come from @venmo.com. Hover over links to see actual destinations.
- Generic greetings like "Dear Customer"
- Spelling or grammar errors
- Urgent action required
Customer Support Impersonation
High RiskScammers pretend to be Cash App support, asking for your login details, PIN, or to send them money to "verify" your account.
Cash App support will never ask for your sign-in code, PIN, or to send them money. Always verify contact through the official app.
- Requests for sensitive information
- Unsolicited calls/messages
- Threats of account closure
Phishing Links
Medium RiskFake emails or texts with links to malicious websites designed to steal your Cash App login credentials or personal information.
Always hover over links before clicking to see the true destination. Look for misspellings or unusual domains.
- Suspicious sender address
- Generic greetings
- Urgent action required
Fake Rental/Purchase Scam
High RiskScammers advertise fake rentals or high-value items online, then demand Cash App payments as a deposit or full payment before disappearing.
Always verify the legitimacy of the seller and the item/property before sending money. Never pay for something you haven't seen in person.
- Unusually low prices
- Refusal to show property/item
- Pressure to pay quickly
Job Offer Scam
High RiskFraudulent employers send fake checks for equipment, then ask you to send money via Cash App to "vendors" or for "training fees."
The check will bounce, and any money you sent via Cash App is lost. Legitimate employers never ask for money for equipment or training.
- Immediate hire without interview
- Check for equipment/training
- Requests to send money via Cash App
How to Protect Yourself
Essential security practices for Cash App users
Only Send to Trusted Individuals
Cash App is designed for sending money to friends, family, and trusted small businesses. Avoid sending money to strangers.
Verify Recipient Details
Always double-check the recipient's $Cashtag, phone number, or email before sending money. A typo can send money to the wrong person.
Enable Security Locks
Set up a PIN or Touch ID/Face ID for all transactions. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
Be Wary of "Free Money" Offers
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate giveaways and money offers don't require upfront payments.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you suspect a scam or unauthorized transaction, report it immediately within the Cash App or to official support channels.
Cash App Security Features
Built-in protections for your account and transactions
Security Lock
Enable a PIN, Touch ID, or Face ID to protect your account and transactions.
Instant Notifications
Receive real-time alerts for all transactions and account activity.
Fraud Protection
Cash App employs fraud detection technology to identify and prevent suspicious activity.
Account Verification
Verify your identity to unlock higher sending limits and enhance security.
Transaction History
Detailed records of all your transactions are available in-app.
Cash Card Controls
Manage your Cash Card, including pausing spending and setting ATM limits, directly from the app.
I've Been Scammed - What Now?
Act quickly - Cash App payments are instant and often irreversible
Contact Cash App Support
Immediately contact Cash App support through the app or their official website to report the fraudulent transaction.
Cash App HelpChange Your PIN & Password
If you suspect your account was compromised, change your PIN and password immediately to prevent further unauthorized access.
Contact Your Bank
If your Cash App was linked to your bank account or debit card, inform your bank of the fraudulent activity.
Document Everything
Keep records of all communications, transaction details, and any evidence related to the scam.
File a Police Report
For significant losses, file a report with your local police department. This can help with recovery efforts.
Report to FTC
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission to contribute to fraud tracking and prevention efforts.
ReportFraud.ftc.govQuestions About Investment Apps
Learn from what people are asking about Investment apps and stay ahead of the curve.
This covers identifying fake payment requests, phishing messages, and fraudulent communications claiming to be from CashApp or other users.
This addresses the immediate steps to take after realizing you’ve been scammed, including contacting CashApp support, disputing transactions, and reporting the incident.
This covers common scam tactics like money flipping promises, fake investment opportunities, and too-good-to-be-true offers that target CashApp users.
This includes security best practices like enabling security features, protecting login credentials, avoiding public WiFi for transactions, and recognizing social engineering attempts.