If you live in the U.S., you can use this peer-to-peer payment method. Venmo sends and receives cash quickly. The total Venmo payment volume has been reported to be over 63 billion USD. The company is owned by Paypal.
Venmo offers different services like the ability to split a lunch bill, and transfer cash to your bank, and buy things from authorized merchants. But you need to be careful when sending money.
Like other digital transfer services, there’s the chance you can be scammed. Venmo accounts use high-level encryption to protect your bank information. But crooks still try to trick you into surrendering personal and financial information. And there are other types of bank account scams, as well as payment, email, and shipping issues.
Scammers pretend to be friends and relatives and even business associates. Remember once they receive the funds it’s difficult to get the cash back. Some of them are even similar to pyramid or money circle schemes.
What are Venmo Scams?
These scams, like most others, are designed to trick users into sending personal info or money transfers. A phishing text message or email can arrive through the Venmo app. One of the vulnerabilities is this payment app is very anonymous. That’s not a bonus for money transfer services.
Requesting cash through fraudulent accounts is more straightforward in this manner. If you’re reading about venmo scams, check for any editorial notes that mention affiliate payments related to the information, as well as tips for keeping your money secure.
Two Ways Scammers Fund Their Account: Stolen Credit Cards and Fraudulent Bank Accounts
Fraudulent transactions involving Venmo take several forms. Requesting money is only one.
The scammer can steal credit cards and open fake accounts. When the peer-to-peer payment app detects the fraud, it reverses the charges. Although Venmo recovers its funds, the seller ends up losing their money, as the received cash is already gone.
Georgia Man Gets His Venmo Account Scammed
Here’s a real-life example of what can happen to a Venmo account. Recently, a Georgia man had over $3,000 stolen through his email account. The thief grabbed his phone and stole the money. Unfortunately, the company insisted the funds be withdrawn. According to the victim, they wouldn’t allow him to speak with the fraud department and didn’t want the police report number.
Other cases report losses as high as $8,000.
Common Venmo Scams and How to Avoid Them
There are many different scams to be aware of that involve your credit cards and other ways into financial and personal information. Like the following:
The “friend” scam
The payment request comes from someone impersonating one of your friends. Scammers can actually steal a profile picture to impersonate them. Reach out to them to verify the contact when they request money.
The “I sent you money, but it didn’t go through” scam
Make sure the phone number and email address are verified. Here are some instructions for canceling the payment.
The “I need to borrow money for an emergency” scam
These imposters often pretend to be friends or family. If you receive such a call, it’s best to hang up and reach out to your friend or family member directly through a call or message.
The “I’m stranded in a foreign country and need help” scam
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has recorded 150,000 of these complaints. It’s important not to fall victim to these requests, as they frequently originate from hacked email accounts.
The “I’m stuck at the airport and need money for a taxi” scam
Strangers request funds here, posing as a friend. One of the red flags is they are usually time-sensitive. Double-check that the request is actually from someone you know.
The “chargeback” scam
Crooks create a Venmo account using stolen credentials. Friendly fraud happens when they initiate fake chargebacks on these accounts.
The “friendship break-up” scam
Scammers use fake photos and profiles for a variety of unauthorized transactions. They try to gain your trust even though most scammers are interested in unauthorized transactions. And trick you into sending funds by gaining your trust.
Here, they might ask for cash for hotel or bus tickets to prevent a breakup.
The “I need to pay my rent/bills, so can you lend me some money?” scam
Unsolicited requests like this are common on some payment apps. Getting information about fraud prevention and security means going to Venmo support. Email them at support@venmo.com.
The “Can you buy this gift for me?” scam
Some scammers who are trying this trick will ask you not to mark your payment as a purchase. Taking it that way means it is covered by purchase protection.
The “I accidentally sent you money” scam
If a stranger wants to send money your way, they might be using a stolen credit card. Don’t assume that it’s an honest mistake. These come from hacking your email address. Scammers ask for the funds back and switch credit card accounts so they get the cash.
Other Types of Venmo Scams
Crooks are always adapting their techniques. Apps used for business transactions and personal ones are susceptible like the following:
The Venmo Text Scan
Scammers pose as people from the company in this Venmo texting scam. They tell users a charge is about to be levied. They log in and lose their private information, their credentials, and their funds. The stolen funds can only be part of the problem if the fraudsters get a bank account number.
Check the URL for typos. It’s a sure giveaway for a Venmo scam.
Venmo Business Account Scams
This is a cash app that actually focuses on friends and family. It’s not always a good idea to conduct business on Venmo. They will freeze a suspicious account but they don’t always offer buyer protection to get the funds back. However, you can get a business profile here.
Venmo Email Scams
These scams aim to obtain your personal and financial information. Be cautious of a stranger sending you generic messages such as “Dear User.”
Venmo Credit Card Scams
If you feel that you are a victim, find out about fraud protection from Venmo tech support. Thieves can use a stolen credit card to try to get a victim to transfer funds. One of the bigger ones is when fraudsters transfer money to random people “accidentally.” And ask for it back.
Venmo Business Scams
You can exchange payments on this app with more than 83 million people. Check out the seller protection and eligible items covered for buyers.
Debit card purchases are covered, as are those made by authorized merchants. If you’ve been scammed, you may even receive a refund for shipping costs. These are all effective ways to safeguard your business. Additionally, device security plays a crucial role. If your phone is lost, take steps to prevent access to your account.
Fake Prize
Scammers exploit Venmo by sending links that claim they have won money or prizes like concert tickets. They prompt you to log into your account, at which point they steal your information.
If you need to make a fraud claim outside of Venmo, here’s an FTC link.
What to Do if You Are a Victim of Venmo Scammers
You can report a phishing or any other scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC.) Keep an eye on your bank account information and credit card statements.
Venmo Is one of the money transfer apps that doesn’t usually get involved in disputes. So you may not get any lost money back. Read The User Agreement.
Can you get Venmo scam protection?
Unlike credit cards or debit cards, there is little protection. You can still contact Venmo’s customer service in some situations. If you’re traveling abroad, you can use a virtual private network to connect.
Will Venmo refund money if scammed?
Transfers to authorized businesses might be covered. Otherwise, contact your bank.
What precautions can you take if you are buying from a stranger?
Getting a Venmo-approved business account will allow you to send money and have protection. Always try to verify details like a recipient’s phone number.
Are there times when sellers should never use Venmo?
If you plan to sell items online using Venmo, it’s essential to ensure that transactions are authorized. Avoid dealing with individuals you don’t know personally, as this is against the user agreement and can result in issues such as identity theft.
Ultimately, you can form your opinion about Venmo by checking their Better Business Bureau reviews. Did you find this article helpful? We welcome your feedback.
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