15 Cash App Scams You Need to know and Some tips to Avoid
The Cash App scams have been rampant since the Square payment service launched in late 2013. The promotion campaign that has made it so popular includes cash giveaways and encourages social media engagement, encouraging an army of fraudulent users. But it’s not just Square payment scams that are to blame. There are several other forms of Cash App scams, which are much more subtle.
Scammers will use the app to lure victims into sharing personal information and soon find that their accounts have been empty. Scammers also prey on social media users and use Cash App to sell tickets, pets, and other products. In this scenario, Cash App users are asked to give their credit card numbers directly to the scammer. As per recent statistics by the Federals Trade Commission (FTC), the complaints of the Cash App frauds have increased 472 percent since 2020. There are many Cash App scams; identifying them is crucial to avoid them. First, you should be wary of scammers who pose as customer support representatives or Cash App employees.
Some scammers impersonate those organizations, using official assets and photos of real people. In many cases, the scammer aims to trick you into downloading an app they promise to pay back later. If you don’t want to get fooled and become a victim of a Cash App scam, continue reading for the 20 most common scams on Cash App; also, learn some tips on avoiding these scams.
Here are 15 common Cash App scams and how they work
Table of Contents
- Fake Cash App Customer Support Number
- Cash App Email and Phishing Scams
- Cash App Money Flip Scam
- Cash App Scams on Facebook
- Cash App Sugar Daddy Scams
- Cash App Instagram Scams
- Cash App Clearance fee Scam
- Cash App Gift card Scam
- Selling Items (Things that seem too-good to buy)
- Pet or Puppy Deposit Scam
- Romance Scam
- Cash App Bitcoin Investing Scam
- Coronavirus Scam on Cash App
- Twitter and Instagram Campaigns
- Cash App Rental Scams
Cash App is a mobile payment system that allows users to make payments with credit or debit cards. However, several scammers are operating on the platform. The only way to avoid the Cash App scams and getting ripped off is to be better informed about these scams. Undoubtedly, Cash App is a great money transfer platform, but you should always watch its dangers. Here are the in-depth details about these Cash App scams and how to spot them before you get scammed.
1. Fake Cash App Customer Support Number
A popular scam in Cash App is a fraudster pretending to be a customer service representative and requesting personal information from users. These scammers often pose as genuine Cash App representatives and even make their campaigns fool Cash App users. You should never call any number from the search engine and social media to resolve any issues related to your account because these are fraudsters pretending to be customer service representatives. Never trust and share any information related to your account, even when scammers try hard to reach out to you through either text, phone call, or even a direct message.
2. Cash App Email and Phishing Scams
As per the most recent report by the FBI, phishing was the most common online threat in 2020, with over 241,432 victims in a single year. Cash App email scams come in many forms, but all have one common goal: to steal money by pretending to be Cash App customer support. These scammers use fake websites to lure users into sharing their personal information. The information they obtain is then used to commit identity theft or steal money from their accounts. There is no way to trace these scammers because it’s too late once they have stolen your money.
3. Cash App Money Flip Scam
Scammers will often contact you via social media and ask for a small amount of money. Usually, they will pretend to be your friend and try to establish trust. However, the testimonials are fake. They may even ask you to send them a small amount of money to prove their legitimacy. In this scheme of Cash App scams, the scammers will ask you to send money in return for a larger sum.
For instance, it could say, “I will turn your $50 into $150. Sounds too good to be true, right? Truly it is; you may get lured and send the flip amount. But don’t do this because this is a total shame. You will never get the money back because it cannot be refunded once it has been sent. Fortunately, you can report suspicious accounts.
4. Cash App Scams on Facebook
Some scammers may approach you through social media platforms such as Facebook, asking you to download a screen-sharing application that lets them monitor your online accounts. Usually, this is done to steal personal information. In one Cash App scam, the scammer asks for your bank account number, PIN, and other security information. These questions are a red flag because they can compromise your bank account and personal information. Once you’ve given them this information, the scammer is free to move on to the next victim.
5. Cash App Sugar Daddy Scams
Beware of Cash App sugar daddy scams. While a sugar daddy or a sugar mommy you’ve met on the app will most likely be genuine, you can’t be sure that they won’t try to con you by requesting payment in exchange for gifts and other goodies. They promise to pay a large sum, and most users fall for the scheme.
Once you give them your money, they’ll disappear, taking your sensitive details and money with them. After taking your money, the scammer will use it to buy expensive goods or pay off debts. They’ll make attractive profiles to trick you into sending them money. They may steal photos from social media sites or use real people’s identities. This is a prime example of how a Cash App sugar daddy scam works.
6. Cash App Instagram Scams
Another common Cash App scam involves an Instagram spammer with a fake Instagram account. These fake accounts create engagement by liking, retweeting, or replying to posts. And using this fake account, the scammer tries to convince you to pay for expenses in exchange for his money. Once you have given them your final payment details, they will show you a fabricated image showing that $1000 is pending. This is a clear sign of a scam, and it is very easy to fall victim to it.
7. Cash App Clearance fee Scam
The Cash App clearance fee is involved for a few services. This fee is deducted from your payment when you use your Cash App to make a transaction. It is charged by the bank or service provider that accepts your transaction. The service provider or payment issuer will then deduct a small fee for processing the transaction. However, you should never pay the Cash App clearance fee to any other individual or entity.
8. Cash App Gift card Scam
Cash App gift card scams are a common way to steal cash from unsuspecting consumers. They pose as customer service representatives and request that consumers purchase prepaid gift cards from local retailers or other convenience stores. Then they ask the consumers to share the card information so they can use it to steal the card without ever paying out the Cash App giveaway money.
9. Selling Items (Things that seem too-good to buy)
Scammers lurk on social media platforms, too. Don’t use a Cash App to purchase strangers’ tickets, pets, or other items. Avoid direct messaging them as Cash App is not a marketplace for selling. If someone promises you good in exchange for payment on the Cash App, they may be trying to get you to buy something you don’t need. Never use a Cash App to buy items from strangers. It’s best to stick to the app and its official website. If you encounter a scammer, you shouldn’t send money directly to them.
10. Pet or Puppy Deposit Scam
This Pet or Puppy scam can happen on any platform and is very common among new users of the Cash App. In most cases, the scammer will advertise a pet as well-bred, making the need for a deposit even more pressing. They will also charge a higher price for the animal, making the need for a deposit much more urgent. The seller may also request a deposit before meeting you in person.
Another trick involves a puppy seller asking for a large upfront deposit. Such deposits may cover the cost of the puppy’s shipping crate, vaccinations, and even transport and life insurance. The seller might also lure a pet buyer into sending cash to their phone number or email. They may also send a bogus email claiming to cover the cost of shipping the puppy. Beware of these scams, and do your research before spending your money.
11. Romance Scam
A Cash App romance scam involves a scammer asking you to send money as a favor. Typically, this scammer will claim to need money to settle an inheritance or make a business deal. Other scammers will try to set you up as a “money mule” – an individual who helps launder stolen funds. Sometimes, the scammer will even trick you into sending your own money. There have been many reports of people paying bogus fees to receive money that never shows up. The scammers lure victims by sending fake birthday cards that contain money.
Often victims will try to convert a real birthday card into an iTunes card to send the money to the scammer. They may also be convinced that the person they’re corresponding with is undergoing a medical emergency and needs the money urgently. Unfortunately, the scammers will often use your bank account information to make a wire transfer or engage in other schemes. Beware of these scams and report any suspicious activity to the dating website you use.
12. Cash App Bitcoin Investing Scam
Another popular method of tricking people is the Cash App Bitcoin Investing Scam. The scammers try to trick users by presenting themselves as investment groups. They promise massive returns on investments and show testimonial videos of people they claim to know.
The scammer asks the victim to purchase Bitcoin on CashApp and transfer it to a third party. Some scams are long-term and elaborate, sucking victims into multiple transfers. However, you should never invest money in such an app. It is highly unlikely that you’ll see any results. You should never send money to an unknown person; instead, treat it as real cash.
13. Fake Social Security payment for (COVID-19)/ Coronavirus Scam on Cash App
The coronavirus pandemic has given a new lease on life to a new breed of cybercriminals: fake grant programs that ask for money before granting you benefits. The fake Cash App pandemic giveaway scams often claim you will receive a prize for completing a vaccination. Reyna, a teenager from Florida, fell for the trick by following a direct message from a beauty influencer. When she received the scam’s tweet, she was tempted to submit her details to the company.
In the recent spike in demand for COVID-19 tests, federal authorities warned against scammers, who were hawking fake cures and asking for upfront fees. The scammers even posed as health care workers to approach people standing in line at legitimate test sites. While these scams may be hard to detect, they can be extremely dangerous, stealing your personal information and causing financial harm to your wallet.
14. Twitter and Instagram Campaigns #CashAppFriday or #SuperCashAppFriday
Two main types of scams are associated with the Cash App Friday Giveaway. The first type of scam involves using a social media post to lure the victim into sharing private information. Those involved in these scams use a phony account to pretend to be genuine and then send private messages to the user telling them they have won a cash prize in another contest. The scammers block the victim’s account once they have received their money.
In addition to being a scam, Cash App also does not honor its own trademark rules. The Twitter accounts associated with the Cash App Giveaway Scams have violated trademark rules. The company has not responded to multiple requests for comment, and the scammers’ actions indicate this. To ensure the safety of its users, Cash App should make more explicit information about the #CashAppFriday promotion. Otherwise, the scammers will likely exploit people’s inexperience and lack of knowledge.
15. Cash App Rental Scams
The Cash App rentals scam is another through which scammers try to steal. Cash App warns its users to be aware of scams involving apartment and home rental deposits. Although the fraudster claims to have a low-priced rental, he says that you must transfer money to deposit to be able to see it. Scammers create fake listings for previously advertised apartments.
The scammers list an unbelievable price for potential renters and then collect rent deposits and application fees. It’s gone once you have transferred the money via your Cash App account. You can’t cancel the transaction or get your money back.
How to avoid scams on Cash App?
The most important thing you can do is be careful with your online security. The best way to protect yourself is to be cautious when dealing with the Cash App. You should always check the safety features offered by each app.
Money-transfer apps have become more popular recently, with more people ditching cash after the Coronavirus. However, these scams tend to have common traits, making them easier to recognize. By following a few simple tips, you can protect yourself from Cash App scams. Learn how to protect yourself from scammers on Cash App.
- Never send money or disclose sensitive information to anyone you meet online. Instead, use the Cash App’s chat feature to communicate with your date. If you do send money, it may be a scam.
- You should also avoid giving out your credit card information to anyone you don’t know. If you receive a gift card, make sure it is not a fake.
- Beware of romance scams on the Cash App! While these scammers may promise romance, they never meet in person. Even when they try video calls, they never meet in person. Instead, they ask for money or other sensitive information.
- One of the most common scams involves fake Cash App customer service or false Cash Support phone numbers. Cash App does not offer live customer support but encourages users to report problems through the app. However, scammers have taken advantage of this lack of customer support by impersonating Cash App employees.
- To avoid Cash App scams, you must know that Cash App is not a marketplace where you can sell or buy goods.
- These scams often use the hashtag #CashAppFridays to trick you into sending them money or giving your login credentials.
- Scammers set up phony websites and cash support phone numbers and trick victims into believing them when they appear on Google searches. According to the Better Business Bureau, there have been reports of thousands of dollars lost to Cash App scams.
- If you are unsure of any of these features, try searching the company’s name on Google. There are many phishing scams online, so make sure you stay alert.
- Scammers may ask for money as a “clearance fee” before showing you the goods. Please don’t give them your credit card information. Cash App never asks for money to claim payments. Instead, you can report fraud to the FTC and protect yourself.
- Lastly, change your password to protect your other accounts. Use a different password for each app. You should also invest in a secure smartphone.
What is Cash App fraud protection?
You may have heard about Cash App fraud protection, but have you tried using it? If not, here are some tips to stay safe. First of all, activate multiple security features on your device. Also, know that when you have sent money to the scammer, you can raise a dispute for that payment.
If you suspect that you have been the victim of a Cash App scam, you can raise the dispute. For this, first open the Cash App and find the transaction then hit “Need help and Cash App Support,” then click on “Dispute this Transaction.” You report the Cash App scam to the FTC. This will help build a case against the scammers.
If you suspect that your accounts, or any financial information such as your bank account number, has been compromised, please contact your financial institution. You should replace your debit or credit cards and keep an eye on unusual activity in your accounts.