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
High 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
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
Romance Scams
Very High RiskScammers build fake romantic relationships online, then request money for emergencies, travel, or other fabricated needs.
These scams can last weeks or months. Scammers invest time building trust before asking for money.
- Never wants to meet in person
- Professes love unusually quickly
- Always has emergencies needing money
Goods & Services Fraud
Medium RiskSellers advertise products they don't have or never intend to deliver. Common with concert tickets, electronics, and rental properties.
Venmo is designed for friends and family only. There's no buyer protection for goods and services.
- Prices too good to be true
- Pressure to pay immediately
- Won't accept other payment methods
Account Takeover
Critical RiskHackers gain access to your Venmo account through phishing, data breaches, or malware, then drain your balance and linked accounts.
Use unique passwords, enable 2FA, and never share login credentials. Monitor account activity regularly.
- Unexpected login notifications
- Transactions you didn't make
- Changed account settings
Prize & Giveaway Scams
Medium RiskFake contests claiming you've won money, but requiring a "processing fee" or personal information to claim your prize.
Legitimate giveaways never require payment to claim prizes. Venmo doesn't run cash giveaways.
- Contest you didn't enter
- Fees to claim "winnings"
- Asks for bank details
How to Protect Yourself
Essential steps to secure your Venmo account and avoid scams
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Add an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone to log in. This prevents unauthorized access even if someone has your password.
Set Transaction Privacy
Make your transactions private by default. Public transactions give scammers information about your spending habits and contacts.
Verify Before Sending
Always double-check recipient information before sending money. Look for the blue checkmark on business profiles and confirm phone numbers or usernames.
Use Strong Authentication
Create a unique, strong password for Venmo. Enable PIN or biometric authentication for the mobile app to prevent unauthorized access.
Monitor Account Activity
Regularly review your transaction history and linked accounts. Set up notifications for all transactions to catch unauthorized activity immediately.
Venmo Security Features
Built-in tools to help protect your account
PIN Protection
Set a unique PIN code required to open the Venmo app, adding security even if someone has your phone.
Biometric Login
Use fingerprint or face recognition for quick, secure access to your account on supported devices.
Transaction Alerts
Get instant notifications for all account activity, including payments, requests, and login attempts.
Block Users
Prevent specific users from finding your profile, sending requests, or viewing your transactions.
Freeze Account
Temporarily freeze your account if you suspect unauthorized access, preventing any transactions.
Verified Businesses
Look for blue checkmarks on business profiles to ensure you're paying legitimate merchants.
I've Been Scammed - What Now?
Act quickly to minimize damage and report the fraud
Contact Venmo Immediately
Report the scam through the app or call Venmo support. Time is critical - act within 60 days.
Call: 1-855-812-4430Contact Your Bank
If your bank account or card is linked, notify them immediately. They may be able to stop pending transactions.
Find Bank ContactFile a Police Report
Create an official record of the fraud. You'll need this for disputes and potential insurance claims.
Local PoliceReport to IC3
File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center for federal investigation.
IC3.govChange Passwords
Update your Venmo password and any other accounts using the same credentials immediately.
Security SettingsMonitor Credit
Check your credit reports for suspicious activity. Consider a credit freeze if personal info was compromised.
Free Credit ReportResources & Support
Additional help and information for Venmo users
Venmo Support
Official help center with guides, FAQs, and direct support options for account issues and fraud reports.
Legal Resources
Information about your rights, dispute processes, and legal recourse for fraud victims.
Community Support
Connect with other users, share experiences, and learn from community-reported scams.