In today’s fast-moving digital economy, peer-to-peer (P2P) payment platforms like Venmo offer unmatched convenience for everything from splitting dinner tabs to paying for a concert ticket. But just as quickly as mobile payments have risen in popularity, so too have the number of scammers targeting unsuspecting users. Cybercriminals see platforms like Venmo as low-hanging fruit—a quick way to exploit trust, technology, and social behavior for financial gain.
This guide outlines the most common Venmo scams, how they work, and the steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim. Whether you’re a casual user or rely on Venmo for business, cybersecurity awareness is your best defense.
1. Fake Prize or Cash Reward Scams
How it works:
Scammers send text messages or emails claiming you’ve won money from Venmo. These messages often include a link that leads to a fake login page. Once you enter your login credentials, they can take over your account.
How to protect yourself:
- Only log in via Venmo.com or the official app.
- Never click on suspicious links from texts or emails.
- Verify emails—real Venmo emails come from addresses ending in
@venmo . com. - Official social media accounts: @Venmo and @VenmoSupport on Twitter; @Venmo on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Imposter Calls from “Venmo Support”
How it works:
A scammer attempts to log in to your Venmo account and is blocked by multi-factor authentication. They then call you pretending to be Venmo support, asking you to provide the authentication code that was just sent to your phone.
What they might say:
“Hi, this is John from Venmo Support. We detected unauthorized transactions and sent a verification code to your phone. Can you read it to me to verify your identity?”
How to protect yourself:
- Never share multi-factor authentication codes.
- Venmo will never ask for remote access to your device.
- Venmo will never create an account on your behalf or ask for third-party app installations.
- Never send money to verify your account or process refunds.
3. Fake Text Messages from “Venmo”
How it works:
A scammer sends a fake two-factor authentication message with a phishing link to a lookalike site designed to capture your Venmo credentials.
How to protect yourself:
- Venmo’s real multi-factor messages never include a link.
- Avoid clicking on links from unknown senders.
- When in doubt, contact Venmo Support directly.
4. Scams When Buying from Strangers
How it works:
Scammers offer in-demand items like electronics, shoes, or event tickets and convince buyers to pay upfront. Then they vanish—or send fake shipping info or screenshots.
How to protect yourself:
- Only use Venmo to buy from verified business accounts or mark the payment as a purchase when using a personal profile. Doing so ensures Purchase Protection eligibility.
5. Scams When Selling to Strangers
How it works:
Scammers may pretend to pay you by sending a screenshot of a fake payment confirmation or claim the funds will only appear after you upload shipping info.
Another trick: they pay using stolen credit cards. When the real cardholder reports the fraud, Venmo removes the funds from your account.
How to protect yourself:
- Don’t sell goods or services using Venmo unless in accordance with their User Agreement.
- Confirm all payments within the Venmo app—ignore emails or screenshots.
6. Tech Support Impersonation Scams
How it works:
You search online for tech support and reach a fake number operated by a scammer. They convince you to send a Venmo payment for assistance.
What they might say:
“Thanks for calling [major tech company]. Before we begin, please Venmo $99 for today’s support session.”
How to protect yourself:
- Visit official websites directly for customer service info.
- Be wary of any tech support asking for payment via P2P platforms. Most legitimate companies offer free support.
7. Friend Impersonation Scams
How it works:
A scammer changes their username and profile picture to mimic someone in your friend network. They send you a request or payment that seems urgent.
How to protect yourself:
- Verify identity before sending or returning money.
- Check the transaction history and connections of the profile.
- Reach out to your friend outside the app to confirm the situation.
- Update your privacy settings to limit your visible transactions and friends list.
8. Unsolicited Payments from Strangers
How it works:
A scammer sends you money, then quickly messages to say it was a mistake and asks for a refund—usually as a new payment. They often use stolen cards, and the original funds may later be reversed, leaving you out of pocket.
How to protect yourself:
- Don’t send money back unless instructed by Venmo Support.
- Contact Venmo immediately if you receive a suspicious payment.
- Block the sender to prevent further contact.
9. Paper Check Scam
How it works:
A scammer mails you a legitimate-looking check and asks you to Venmo them a portion. The check initially clears, but later bounces, and you’re stuck covering the loss.
How to protect yourself:
- Never send Venmo payments in exchange for a check.
- Always wait for checks to fully clear—and verify with your bank if unsure.
10. Romance Scams
How it works:
A scammer creates a fake online identity and builds a relationship with you over time. Eventually, they claim to be in trouble—stranded, broke, or needing travel funds—and ask for money via Venmo.
Sometimes, the requests are framed as investments or pre-payment for services.
How to protect yourself:
- Don’t send money to people you haven’t met in real life.
- Be skeptical of emotional appeals for financial help.
- Trust your instincts and report suspicious activity.
11. Job Scams Involving Money Transfers
How it works:
A scammer offers a “job” that requires you to pay fees upfront or process payments using your Venmo or bank account.
Red flags:
- Vague job descriptions
- Requests for “onboarding fees”
- Being asked to move money for someone else
How to protect yourself:
- Don’t accept jobs involving money movement or upfront costs.
- Research employers thoroughly before sharing financial information.
12. Rental Deposit Scams
How it works:
A “landlord” asks for a Venmo deposit on a property they don’t own. They vanish once payment is made.
How to protect yourself:
- Never pay rent or deposits via Venmo without meeting the landlord in person.
- Ask for contracts, ID, and property access first.
13. Manufactured Crisis Scams
How it works:
Someone contacts you in a panic—a family member is in jail, your friend’s been in an accident, etc.—and urgently requests funds through Venmo.
How to protect yourself:
- Slow down and verify the story through other channels.
- If you’re pressured to act immediately, it’s probably a scam.
How to Stay Safe on Venmo Final Thoughts
While Venmo is an excellent tool for making fast, secure payments among people you know, it is not a substitute for a payment processor in high-stakes or high-risk transactions. To protect yourself:
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Never share login credentials or verification codes.
- Be skeptical of urgency, flattery, or emotional manipulation.
- Avoid unsolicited payments or payment requests.
- Keep your privacy settings locked down.
- Report all suspicious activity directly to Venmo Support.
Cybercrime is an evolving threat, and even savvy users can fall for a scam if caught off guard. Education and vigilance are your best defenses. If you ever feel unsure about a transaction, slow down, ask questions, and verify.
