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Using Venmo makes sending and receiving money fast and easy. But did you know scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people on this popular app? You might get messages about fake rewards, strange payment requests, or even calls from someone pretending to be Venmo support. It’s easy to fall for these tricks if you’re not careful.

That’s why this guide is here to help you. We’ll walk you through the 15 most common Venmo scams and show you how to spot the warning signs before it’s too late. You’ll learn simple steps to protect your money and what to do if you ever get scammed. Whether you’re just starting with Venmo or have been using it for a while, this guide will help you stay safe and confident. Ready to become a Venmo scam expert? Let’s get started!

Understanding Venmo Scams: What You Need to Know

Venmo is a convenient way to send money to friends, pay for services, or shop online. But just like any popular platform, it attracts scammers who want to trick you out of your money or personal information. These tricks are called Venmo scams—and knowing how they work helps you stay safe.

What Are Venmo Scams?

Venmo scams are dishonest schemes that use the Venmo app to cheat users. Scammers may send fake payment requests, impersonate trusted contacts, or use phishing messages to steal your login details. Some scams involve fake invoices or promises of free money that never materialize. These tricks are designed to confuse or rush you into sending money or revealing sensitive information.

Is Venmo Safe to Use?

Venmo itself is safe and uses strong security measures, like encryption and two-factor authentication. But no system is perfect. Scammers exploit human mistakes and gaps in awareness. Venmo warns users to only send money to people they know and trust. It also reminds everyone to check the details of every transaction carefully. When you use Venmo wisely and stay alert, the app is a secure way to manage payments.

Why Do Scammers Target Venmo Users?

Venmo is popular, with millions of active users daily. This large audience is a goldmine for scammers. Many transactions happen quickly, and it’s easy to send money instantly—sometimes without thinking twice. Scammers count on this speed and trust to trick people before they realize something is wrong.

They also use social engineering—pretending to be friends, family, or official support—to gain your trust. Since Venmo payments are mostly irreversible, once the money leaves your account, it’s hard to get it back. This makes Venmo users an attractive target for fraud.

15 Common Venmo Scams You Should Watch Out For

Venmo scams come in many forms, but they all try to trick you into giving away money or private info. Understanding each scam will help you spot red flags and protect your account. Let’s dive into the most common scams and how to avoid them.

1. Fake Prize or Cash Reward Scams

Scammers send messages claiming you won money or a prize from Venmo. They include a link asking you to log in or provide account details. The goal is to steal your password or access your account.

How to spot it

• Unexpected messages promising free cash or rewards.
• Links that don’t lead to official Venmo sites.
• Emails from addresses not ending in “@venmo.com.”
• Social media accounts that are not verified but claim to be Venmo.

How to stay safe

• Only log in through the official app or venmo.com.
• Never enter your details on links from texts, emails, or social media messages.
• Follow Venmo’s official accounts (@Venmo and @VenmoSupport) for updates.
• Ignore “too good to be true” prize offers and report suspicious messages.

2. Phishing Attacks (Emails, Texts, and Calls)

Phishing scams try to trick you into giving login info or security codes by pretending to be Venmo. Scammers may send fake multi-factor authentication messages or emails with malicious links.

How to spot it

• Messages asking you to click links to verify or log in.
• Requests for your password, PIN, or authentication codes.
• Poor grammar or unusual sender email addresses.
• Calls claiming to be Venmo support asking for sensitive info.

How to stay safe

• Venmo’s real multi-factor authentication messages never have links.
• Never share your password or verification codes with anyone.
• Don’t click links from unexpected messages or emails.
• Contact Venmo support directly if you doubt a message’s authenticity.

3. Fake Invoice Scams

Scammers send fake payment requests or invoices, claiming you owe money for services or goods you didn’t order. They pressure you to pay immediately through Venmo.

How to spot it

• Requests from unknown or suspicious users.
• Urgent payment demands without clear details.
• Invoices with unusual or incorrect information.
• Pressure to pay quickly to avoid penalties.

How to stay safe

• Confirm all payment requests with the sender before paying.
• Use Venmo only to pay trusted individuals or verified businesses.
• Avoid sending money for invoices you didn’t authorize.
• Report suspicious payment requests to Venmo immediately.

4. Job Scams Asking for Money via Venmo

Job scams on Venmo often start with fake offers promising easy work and good pay. The scammer asks you to pay upfront fees for training, equipment, or background checks — all through Venmo. Once you send money, the “job” disappears, and so does your cash.

How to spot this scam

• Job offers that require you to pay before you start working.
• Unsolicited messages or emails offering quick money.
• Requests to send fees via Venmo or other instant payment methods.
• Lack of clear company info or official job application process.

How to stay safe

Legitimate employers never ask you to pay money upfront. Always research the company independently. If a job requires payment before work, it’s a red flag. Use trusted job boards and avoid sending money through peer-to-peer apps like Venmo for job fees. When in doubt, ask for references or contact the company directly.

5. Venmo Impersonation Calls and Tech Support Scams

Scammers call pretending to be Venmo support or tech help for well-known companies. They might claim you owe money or have account problems. Their goal? To pressure you into sending payment through Venmo or giving sensitive information.

How to spot this scam

• Unexpected calls asking for payment before assistance.
• Callers asking if you have a Venmo account and guiding you to send money.
• Claims that tech support services require upfront fees.
• Poor grammar, robotic voices, or generic greetings like “Andrew here, ready to help!”

How to stay safe

Never trust unsolicited calls asking for money. Real tech support rarely charges you upfront — most companies offer free help. Don’t search for support numbers via search engines; instead, visit official websites directly and use verified contact details. If someone pressures you to pay via Venmo, hang up and report the call.

6. Romance Scams Using Venmo for “Gifts”

Romance scams start when someone creates a fake profile and builds trust with you online. They play on emotions, asking for money for travel expenses, rent, or emergencies. Sometimes, they promise goods, services, or investment returns in exchange for Venmo payments.

How to spot this scam

• New online relationships quickly asking for money.
• Emotional stories involving urgent needs or travel plans.
• Requests for money to cover tickets, hotels, or bills.
• Promises of repayment or gifts that never come.

How to stay safe

Never send money or loan funds to people you haven’t met in person. Use Venmo only to buy or sell goods and services as per the User Agreement. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is. Report suspicious profiles to the platform and block users who pressure you for money

7. Marketplace Scams: Buying or Selling with Strangers

When you buy or sell items with strangers on Venmo, scams often lurk in the shadows. Scammers may persuade you to pay upfront for rare or popular goods like gaming consoles, concert tickets, or sneakers—and then disappear without sending anything. They sometimes provide fake shipping info or screenshots to make you believe they shipped the item, but you get nothing.

If you’re selling, scammers might claim they’ve paid you with screenshots of fake confirmations. They may ask you to ship the item first, promising the payment will arrive once you provide tracking details. This is a common trick. Plus, some use stolen credit cards, so payments could later be reversed, leaving you unpaid.

How to Spot Marketplace Scams: Buying or Selling with Strangers

• The seller asks for full or partial payment upfront without offering proof of shipment.
• You receive fake or vague shipping details like non-trackable courier names or suspicious tracking numbers.
• The seller pressures you to pay outside of Venmo’s purchase protection system or asks you not to mark the payment as a purchase.
• For sellers, buyers send fake payment confirmation screenshots instead of actual payments.
• Buyers ask you to ship items before the payment clears or claim the payment will arrive after you provide shipping info—this is not a Venmo feature.
• Payment comes from unfamiliar accounts or uses stolen credit card info, which can later be reversed.
• Offers that seem too good to be true, like rare items at unusually low prices.
• Poor communication or unwillingness to provide verifiable details about the item or service.

How to avoid this scam

Only buy from Venmo-approved business accounts or mark payments as purchases. Payments tagged as purchases come with Purchase Protection, giving you recourse if things go wrong. Avoid sending items before payment clears. Don’t sell to strangers outside Venmo’s User Agreement. Always verify payment and be wary of pressure to rush.

8. Overpayment Scams with Fake Refund Requests

Here’s a sneaky trick: a scammer “accidentally” sends you more money than agreed. Then, they ask you to refund the extra amount through Venmo. The problem? Their original payment may be fake, stolen, or reversed later. If you send a refund, you lose that money.

How to spot it

• Unexpectedly receiving more money than expected.
• Urgent requests to send back the difference quickly.
• Pressure to keep the original payment confidential.

How to stay safe

Verify that the initial payment has fully cleared before refunding. If something feels off, hold off and contact Venmo support. Never refund outside the official platform or to unknown accounts. Trust your gut and avoid rushing.

9. “Mistake” Money Transfer Scams

This scam is similar to overpayment but with a twist. Scammers send money claiming it was a mistake and ask you to send it back. It plays on your honesty and willingness to help. But the original payment may be unauthorized or fake, leaving you out of pocket.

How to spot it:

• Random payments from strangers with apologies.
• Requests to immediately return the money.
• Claims that the payment wasn’t intended for you.

How to stay safe

If you receive money from someone you don’t know, don’t send it back immediately. Wait for Venmo to confirm the funds cleared. Contact Venmo support to report suspicious payments. Blocking users who send unsolicited payments also helps reduce risk.

10. Money Circle or Investment Scams

Scammers create fake “investment groups” or “money circles” promising high returns if you send money via Venmo. They use social proof and urgency to lure you in. Once you pay, they vanish, and the promised profits never come.

How to spot it

• Invitations to join investment groups with guaranteed returns.
• Pressure to send money quickly to secure your spot.
• Lack of clear details or verifiable credentials.

How to stay safe

Be skeptical of any investment opportunity requiring Venmo payments. Legitimate investments don’t guarantee fast, high returns. Research thoroughly and avoid sending money to unknown groups or individuals. Use trusted financial platforms for investments.

11. Payments from Strangers / Random Requests

Occasionally, you might receive money from someone you don’t recognize. At first, it might seem like a gift or accidental payment. But soon after, the sender contacts you claiming it was a mistake and asks you to send the money back—often immediately and through Venmo or another payment app. This is a classic scam where the initial payment might be unauthorized, stolen, or even reversed after you refund.

How to spot it

• You get money from a stranger with no explanation.
• The sender asks you to return the money quickly or through another account.
• They pressure you to act fast to “fix the mistake.”
• The payment may come from suspicious or newly created accounts.

How to stay safe

Never rush to send money back. Wait for Venmo or your bank to confirm the payment has fully cleared. If the payment is reversed after you’ve sent money, you lose the refund amount. Report such incidents to Venmo immediately and block users who send unsolicited payments. Avoid accepting money from unknown sources to reduce risk.

12. Paper Check Scams Linked to Venmo Refunds

This scam starts with you receiving a paper check, often claiming it’s a refund, prize, or payment. You deposit the check, but before it clears, the scammer asks you to send a refund or payment via Venmo. The check later bounces or is found to be fake, leaving you responsible for the money you sent.

How to spot it

• Unexpected paper checks from unknown people or companies.
• Urgent requests to refund money through Venmo or similar apps.
• Stories about overpayments or refunds tied to the check.
• Pressure to act before your bank fully processes the check.

How to stay safe

Wait until your bank confirms the check has fully cleared before sending any money. Never trust a refund request linked to a check you haven’t fully verified. If you receive such a check, contact your bank to verify its authenticity and consult Venmo support before acting. Remember, legitimate refunds rarely involve instant money transfers via peer-to-peer apps.

13. Spam Texts and Giveaway Scams

Scammers often send mass text messages promising free money, prizes, or exclusive Venmo giveaways. These texts usually contain links leading to fake websites designed to steal your login info or personal data. They capitalize on excitement and curiosity to lure you into clicking and entering sensitive information.

How to spot it

• Unsolicited texts claiming you’ve won a prize or free money.
• Messages containing shortened or suspicious-looking links.
• Poor grammar, spelling errors, or generic greetings.
• Urgent calls to action, like “Claim your prize now!”

How to stay safe

Ignore and delete any unexpected messages. Don’t click on any links unless you’re sure they are from Venmo. Always access Venmo through the official app or website. Report suspicious messages to Venmo to help protect yourself and others. Remember, real giveaways don’t require you to submit login info through text links.

14. Fake Venmo Websites and Contact Information

Fraudsters create fake websites or social media pages that look like Venmo’s official platforms. These sites steal your login credentials or trick you into sending money. They may even mimic Venmo’s branding and layout, making it easy to fall for their tricks.

How to spot it

• Website URLs that do not end with “venmo.com” or official domain extensions.
• Misspellings, poor design, or inconsistent logos on the site.
• Requests for login details outside the app or official site.
• Contact info that doesn’t match Venmo’s verified social media or help pages.

How to stay safe

Always type venmo.com directly into your browser or use the official Venmo app. Check that social media accounts are verified before interacting. Avoid clicking links from emails or texts that look suspicious. If you suspect a fake site, close it immediately and report it to Venmo. Protect your login info and never enter passwords on untrusted pages.

15. Someone Pretending to Be Your Friend to Request Money

This scam uses social engineering to trick you into sending money to a scammer posing as someone you know. They might hack your friend’s account or create a similar profile, then send urgent or emotional requests for money via Venmo.

How to spot it

• Money requests from friends asking for urgent help or loans.
• Messages that seem slightly off in tone or spelling compared to your friend’s usual style.
• Requests for money with vague explanations or excuses.
• Contacts reaching out unexpectedly asking for cash transfers.

How to stay safe

Always confirm money requests with your friend through a different communication channel—like a phone call or in-person chat. Don’t send money based solely on a message, even if it appears to be from someone you trust. If you suspect an account is hacked or impersonated, warn your friend and report the suspicious activity to Venmo.

How to Protect Yourself from Venmo Scams

Venmo makes money transfers simple, but scammers also see it as an easy target. Protecting yourself means knowing which tools and habits keep your account secure. The good news? Venmo offers powerful privacy and security features, and with a few smart practices, you can avoid most scams. Let’s walk through the best ways to stay safe and keep your money where it belongs.

1. Use Venmo’s Privacy and Security Features

Venmo gives you control over who sees your transactions and how secure your account is. Taking advantage of these features strengthens your defense against scammers.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra step when you log in. After entering your password, Venmo sends a code to your phone that you must enter. This makes it much harder for scammers to access your account, even if they get your password. Enable 2FA in your settings—it’s simple and effective.

Set Transactions to Private

By default, Venmo shows your transactions to your friends or the public, which can expose information scammers use. Change your privacy settings so payments are visible only to you or specific people you trust. Keeping your transaction history private reduces your risk of being targeted.

2. Verify Requests and Contacts Carefully

Not every payment request is what it seems. Scammers often impersonate friends or businesses to trick you.

Before sending money, always double-check:

• Confirm the request came from the real person or company. Reach out directly if needed.
• Review the payment reason and amount to make sure it matches what you agreed on.
• Be cautious if the sender is new or the request is unusual.

Taking a moment to verify prevents rushed mistakes and protects your funds.

3. Avoid Sending Money to Strangers

Venmo works best when you send money to people you know and trust. Scammers try to exploit people by posing as strangers offering deals or help.

Stick to trusted contacts and verified sellers whenever possible. If you must pay a stranger, ensure the payment is marked as a purchase to get Venmo’s Purchase Protection. Avoid sending money based solely on promises or pressure—if it feels off, pause and reconsider.

4. Beware of Urgent or High-Pressure Requests

Urgency is a classic scam tactic. Scammers try to rush you into paying immediately by creating fake emergencies or deadlines.

Don’t fall for the pressure. Take your time to think, verify, and ask questions. Real requests won’t disappear if you need a moment to confirm. Staying calm and cautious helps you avoid impulsive decisions that scammers rely on.

5. Recognize Phishing and Fake Communications

Phishing attacks are common in Venmo scams. Scammers send fake emails, texts, or calls pretending to be Venmo or other trusted sources.

Learn to recognize the signs:

• Check sender email addresses carefully—they should end with “@venmo.com.”
• Be skeptical of messages with spelling errors or unusual requests.
• Never click on suspicious links or provide login info outside the official Venmo app or website.
• If you get an unexpected message, verify its authenticity by contacting Venmo support directly.

6. Stay Updated and Report Suspicious Activity

Venmo regularly updates its security features and policies to fight fraud. Keep your app updated and review their security tips from time to time.

If you suspect any scam or unauthorized activity, report it immediately to Venmo. Quick action can prevent further losses and help protect other users.

What To Do If You Fall Victim to a Venmo Scam

Falling victim to a Venmo scam can be stressful and confusing. But the right steps taken quickly can minimize damage and help you regain control. Whether it’s a fake payment request, phishing attack, or unauthorized transaction, knowing exactly what to do is crucial. Here’s your complete guide to handling the aftermath of Venmo scams, protecting your account, and understanding your options.

How to Report the Scam to Venmo and Authorities

The first and most important step is to report the scam to Venmo. Use the in-app “Contact Support” feature or visit their official help page to report fraudulent activity. Provide all details like transaction IDs, usernames, messages, and screenshots. Venmo takes scam reports seriously and may freeze suspicious accounts to prevent further losses.

You should also report scams to local law enforcement and, if applicable, to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via reportfraud.ftc.gov. Reporting to authorities helps track scammers and protect others from falling victim. The sooner you report, the higher the chance of stopping the fraud.

Steps to Secure Your Account and Prevent Further Loss

After reporting, immediately secure your Venmo account:

• Change your password to a strong, unique one.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if you haven’t already.
• Review your recent transactions and revoke access to any unfamiliar devices or apps connected to your account.
• Check linked bank accounts and cards for unauthorized activity.

Also, monitor your email and phone for phishing attempts or suspicious messages. Keeping your account info up to date and secure lowers the risk of repeat attacks.

Can You Get Your Money Back? Understanding Venmo’s Policies

Venmo’s User Agreement clearly states that most transactions are final. Venmo generally doesn’t reimburse fraudulent payments sent to friends or family because those are treated like cash transfers. However, if you made a purchase from a verified business account with Purchase Protection, you might have recourse.

For scams involving unauthorized account access, Venmo may investigate and potentially reverse charges if you report promptly. The key is quick action and detailed reporting. Understanding these policies helps set expectations and guides your next steps.

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft Post-Scam

Scammers often aim to steal personal information, leading to identity theft. After a scam, watch for signs like unfamiliar credit inquiries, new accounts you didn’t open, or unexpected bills.

Take these protective steps:

• Place fraud alerts on your credit reports with major bureaus like Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
• Regularly check your credit report for suspicious activity.
• Use strong, unique passwords and consider a reputable password manager.
• Be cautious with sharing personal info online or over the phone.

If you suspect identity theft, report it to the FTC and consider freezing your credit. Being proactive limits long-term damage and helps you regain control.

Stay Informed and Vigilant

Venmo scams continue to evolve, but staying informed gives you an edge. Regularly check official Venmo updates on security and fraud prevention. Educate yourself on common scams like phishing, overpayment fraud, and marketplace scams. Remember, vigilance and prompt action are your best defense.

Conclusion

Venmo scams come in many forms, but understanding the risks and knowing how to protect yourself makes all the difference. By using Venmo’s security features, verifying payment requests, and staying alert to common scam tactics, you can keep your money and information safe. Remember, if something feels off, pause and double-check before acting. Report any suspicious activity promptly to help protect yourself and others. With awareness and caution, you can enjoy the convenience of Venmo without falling prey to fraud.

Stay safe, stay informed, and keep your Venmo experience secure!