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Venmo is an easy way to send money to someone. But because it’s so popular and convenient, it can be a platform primed with scams. Learn how to detect fake Venmo emails and avoid the latest Venmo scams. Then install a comprehensive online security app with a built-in scam-detection engine to help protect against scams, phishing attacks, and other online threats.
Common Venmo scams include overpayment schemes, fake prize offers, online marketplace fraud, and phishing emails. The same convenience that makes Venmo popular — the ability to connect with users via phone number, email, or username — also makes it easier for scammers to target victims with these kinds of ploys.
These scams often rely on social engineering tactics to trick users into clicking malware or virus-laden links or transferring money. By impersonating trusted contacts or creating a sense of urgency, scammers aim to exploit your trust and gain access to your funds or personal information.
Here are some of the most common Venmo scams out there and how to avoid them:
How the scam works: A scammer claiming to be from Venmo contacts you, saying they’ve noticed an unauthorized transaction and need to verify your account. To do that, they need to send you an authentication code, which you must then share with them. In reality, they need the code to get past 2FA protocols and break into your account.
How to avoid it: Never share verification codes with anyone, and ignore anyone who claims to be from Venmo asking to confirm your identity. No one from Venmo will contact you asking for a verification code.
How the scam works: A scammer advertises low-supply/high-demand items such as limited edition sneakers or a sold-out video game console, and asks for payment through Venmo. After you rush to make a payment, the scammer disappears.
How to avoid it: If you’re paying a personal Venmo account, tag it as a “payment” before you send it. This way, you’re covered by Venmo Purchase Protection in case something goes awry. Otherwise, only make payments for goods to authorized business profiles.
How the scam works: A scammer negotiates a purchase with you on an online marketplace like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, then says they’ve paid or that Venmo is holding the payment until you upload the shipping information. They usually send a spoofed email with a fake screenshot so it looks like they’ve made the payment.
How to avoid it: There’s no feature on Venmo to hold payments until sellers ship items. Never ship an item until the funds appear in your Venmo balance.
How the scam works: You get a Venmo payment out of nowhere. Shortly after, you get a frantic message explaining the money was sent to you by accident, asking you to return it. But the “accidental payment” is from a stolen or fraudulent account, and will be reversed soon — any money you send the scammer will be gone forever.
How to avoid it: Never respond directly to users about “accidental payments.” Contact Venmo and let them know all the details so they can investigate whether it’s a scam and reverse the transaction if they see fit.
How the scam works: Venmo refund scams, or overpayment scams, are a variation of the “accidental payment” scam. The scammer sends you too much money and asks you to refund the overpayment. The scammer disappears after being refunded, and the “overpayment” is soon reversed, since it was from a stolen account.
How to avoid it: Only refund through Venmo support, and don’t be afraid to call Venmo at 1-855-812-4430 if you’re unsure about a claim.
How the scam works: A scammer pays you for an item by check, but “accidentally” writes too much for the amount, and asks you to refund the excess through Venmo. The check clears when you deposit it, making it seem real, but it’s stolen and will bounce.
How to avoid it: Don’t make a payment on Venmo in exchange for a check.
How the scam works: Also known as a pyramid scheme or money circle, a scammer contacts you, saying you can make some quick cash — for example, they may claim that if you send them $20 on Venmo you can get $80 back when enough people buy in. Get-rich-quick schemes should be avoided.
How to avoid it: Never pay money via Venmo to get big returns fast. Sometimes scammers also impersonate a friend or family member to rope you into the scam, so double-check any messages that seem off.
How the scam works: You get a legitimate-sounding email or text from Venmo saying you’ve won a prize. To cash in, you just need to click the link and sign in to your Venmo account or provide information, which the scammer then uses to access your account.
How to avoid it: Enter your Venmo login details only on Venmo.com and the verified Venmo app. Avoid clicking links that might lead to a spoofed Venmo site aiming to steal login credentials, or suspicious links that might be infected with malware.
How the scam works: Scammers pose as a loved one — often a grandchild or young family member — in distress, claiming they have an emergency and urgently need money sent through Venmo. They may say they’ve been in a car accident, arrested, or are stuck in a dangerous situation, insisting that they don’t want other family members to know.
How to avoid it: Be skeptical of any emergency money requests in general. If you’re concerned the claim is real, contact your loved one on the phone or face-to-face if possible.
How the scam works: A romance scam often involves a catfisher who creates a fake profile on social media, and then contacts you, feigning romantic interest. After building trust, they persuade you to send them money through Venmo for some made-up reason, such as a late paycheck or plane tickets to come visit you. After you send them money, they disappear.
How to avoid it: Never send money to anyone you meet online and haven’t met in person, and thoroughly trust.
Romance scammers may ask you to send them money on Venmo.
How the scam works: A scammer stops you in public to use your phone to message someone or look up directions. When you offer your phone, they open your Venmo account, drain it, hand your phone back, and disappear.
How to avoid it: Never give your phone to a stranger. If you need to, write the text yourself or look up the map and show the person while holding the phone.
How the scam works: You get a fake Venmo email or text that looks legit, asking you to verify your financial or personal information by clicking a link or filling out a form. After you “verify,” your info is stolen and your accounts are compromised.
How to avoid it: Learn how to identify a fake text message or email, and never provide login details from a link sent to you in a message. Only sign in directly to the Venmo website or app.
How the scam works: Tech support scams convince you to call customer support for a well-known tech company, but you end up talking to a scammer. For example, a malicious website could cause your computer to freeze. You get a pop-up with an official-looking logo or message, urging you to call the scammer’s phone number. The scammer asks for payment via Venmo so they can fix the issue.
How to avoid it: Only contact companies using contact details on their official website. Preferably, type the company’s website directly into the address bar rather than into a search engine, as some hackers can trick you into visiting a fake site listed in the search results (known as pharming).
Venmo tech support scams urge you to call a fake helpline and then pay for the service on Venmo.
How the scam works: A scammer targets job seekers by creating fake remote job ads. When you apply, the company contacts you, conducts a fake interview or doesn’t even require an interview, and offers you the job. However, they request that you pay an onboarding fee through Venmo before you can start.
How to avoid it: You shouldn’t have to pay anything to start a new job. If you’re unsure, search online for the company offering you the job, along with keywords like “scam,” “review,” or “legit.” If they’re trying to scam you, they’ve probably scammed others too.
Knowing how to spot Venmo scams will help keep you safe. You should also follow Venmo’s terms of service and look through Venmo’s security protocols to learn the few instances Venmo might contact you. Also, consider following Venmo on social media to stay informed about emerging scams, security updates, and official warnings that can help you recognize and avoid potential threats.
Here are some more ways to stay safer on Venmo:
Use Venmo only with people you know and trust. If you’re making a legitimate payment for goods, make sure it’s to an authorized business profile or a personal profile. And always tag the transactions you make as a “payment.”
Don’t accept any mysterious payments you get on Venmo or other cash apps.
Scammers often send fraudulent links via messages or emails, tricking users into entering their Venmo credentials or downloading harmful software. To stay safe, only access Venmo through the official app or website and never click unexpected or unverified links from unknown or untrusted sources.
Random Venmo messages saying to click a link to sign in are scams. This goes for all platforms and login prompts, as well as other types of scams like Apple ID phishing scams.
Don’t post any personally identifiable information publicly. Venmo’s social media feed is patrolled by scammers looking for a way into your inbox and other online accounts. Publicly shared information can be used by scammers to guess weak passwords or answers to common security questions, which can lead to identity theft.
Here are some examples of what not to share on your Venmo feed:
Bank account or card details: Never send or display sensitive financial information in payment notes or messages.
Login credentials: Don’t share your Venmo password, security codes, or two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.
Personal identifiers: Avoid posting your full name, address, phone number, or Social Security number.
Sensitive payment details: Don’t disclose why or how much money you’re sending if it involves confidential transactions.
Verification codes: Sharing verification codes associated with your Venmo account with others can let scammers access your Venmo account, make unauthorized transactions, and steal your money or personal information.
To enhance your safety, keep your Venmo transactions private, use vague descriptions for personal payments, and never share sensitive details publicly.
Canceling a charge or filing a chargeback is generally easier with a credit card than with a debit card. Credit card issuers provide stronger fraud protection and more reliable dispute resolution, while debit card transactions draw funds directly from your bank account, making it harder to recover lost money.
Just bear in mind that using a credit card to send money typically incurs a 3% fee on Venmo — unless you're purchasing from an authorized merchant, in which case the fee is waived. And to transfer funds from your Venmo account, you’ll still need a linked debit card or bank account.
Under no circumstances should you make payments with gift cards through Venmo. This is a common tactic beloved by scammers, as gift card transactions are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to refund. If someone insists on payment via gift card, it’s likely a scam.
Tagging personal Venmo payments in the notes of your transaction before sending helps clarify the purpose of the payment, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or fraud. Scammers may try to exploit vague payment descriptions to dispute charges or trick users into sending money. Adding a tag ensures both sender and receiver have a shared understanding of the transaction, providing a record if issues arise.
Here is how to tag personal Venmo payments before sending:
Open the Venmo App > tap Pay or Request > enter the recipient’s username, phone number, or email > type the payment amount.
In the notes section, type a clear description of the payment (e.g., rent for March or dinner reimbursement) > tap Pay.
Make a habit of checking your bank statements to spot any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity related to your Venmo account. Regular reviews can help you catch scammers early and prevent additional fraudulent charges from going unnoticed.
If you spot unauthorized payments, report them to your bank or credit card issuer immediately to prevent further damage. Be especially vigilant for small, unfamiliar charges — scammers often use these to test whether an account is being monitored. To stay ahead of fraud, consider setting up alerts through free services like Credit Karma or using dedicated identity theft protection and credit monitoring services like Avast Secure Identity.
Your Venmo transaction activity is public by default, meaning your details are visible on the Venmo social feed. Although this unique social feature encourages interacting with friends, public sharing also means scammers can monitor your activity.
Venmo also offers “Friends only” and “Private” privacy settings. Setting your transactions to Private is the safest option, as only you and the recipient can see the payment details. Friends only lets all your Venmo contacts see your payment details.
Here’s how to change your Venmo privacy settings to private:
Open the Venmo app > tap the three-line icon in the top-left corner > Settings > Privacy.
Go to Default Privacy Settings > tap Private.
To make past transactions private also, tap Past Transactions > Change All to Private.
Venmo may request your Social Security number (SSN) to comply with federal regulations, such as identity verification laws and tax reporting requirements.
You only have to give your Social Security number to Venmo in the following cases:
You send $300 or more in one week
You create a group account
You transfer $1,000 or more to your bank account in one week
You’re a sole proprietor with a business profile and process more than 200 transactions in a calendar year
To protect your personal information, always enter your SSN directly in the Venmo app rather than sharing it via email, phone, or unverified links. Scammers often pose as Venmo support to steal sensitive data, so providing it only through the official Venmo app ensures your information is more secure.
Here’s how to provide your SSN in the Venmo App:
Open the Venmo app > tap the three-line icon in the top-left corner > Settings > Identity Verification. Follow the prompts to enter your SSN and complete the verification process.
Always verify your Venmo balance directly through the official app and only ship items after the payment has been confirmed in your Venmo account. This protects you from scammers who may falsely claim to have sent a payment, use stolen accounts, or send fake confirmation emails to trick you into shipping Facebook Marketplace goods before receiving any funds.
Since Venmo is only available in the U.S., any request to ship internationally is likely a scam. For added protection, consider selling through a business profile or a personal account approved for selling. These account types are eligible for the Venmo Purchase Protection program, which can cover transactions in cases of unauthorized payments, disputes, or undelivered items.
Only issue refunds through Venmo Support. Scammers often exploit users by requesting a direct return of funds, then reversing the original payment, leaving you out of pocket.
By going through Venmo Support, you ensure the refund process is secure and protected against fraudulent chargebacks or unauthorized transactions. If someone asks for a refund, don’t send money back yourself — contact Venmo Support to handle it properly. This helps safeguard you from common scams like overpayment fraud or fake payment confirmations.
Here’s how to refund via Venmo Support:
Open the Venmo app > tap the three-line icon in the top-left corner > Get Help > Contact Us > Chat with Us or Submit a Ticket > enter the transaction details and other refund information.
Venmo will then investigate the payment and process any refunds securely.
Venmo has a Purchase Protection Program that offers some protection when buying or selling from a business account or a personal account that qualifies. When paying for goods or services, toggle Purchase Protection on before sending money.
Enabling these security features reduces the risk of account takeovers, unauthorized payments, and scams, helping your money and personal information stay safe. Be sure to check that your account is eligible for the Purchase Protection via the Venmo T&Cs.
2FA adds an extra layer of protection to your Venmo account, making it significantly harder for scammers to gain access — even if they have your password. With 2FA, you need to verify your identity using biometric data, a one-time code, or through a third-party authenticator app such as 2Stable. This added step helps block unauthorized access, reducing the risk of account takeovers and fraudulent transactions.
Here’s how to turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) on Venmo:
Open the Venmo app > tap the three-line icon in the top-left corner > Settings > Security & Login > Two-Factor Authentication. Choose Text Message or Authenticator App and follow the setup instructions.
If you choose text messages (SMS) for 2FA, Venmo sends a one-time code to your phone each time you log in. It’s quick and easy to set up, but less secure than biometrics or authenticator apps, as it could be vulnerable to tactics like SIM swapping. Although authenticator apps require installing a separate app, they generate time-sensitive codes directly on your device, offer stronger protection, work even without an internet connection, and can be less susceptible to interception.
Set up 2FA like a biometric identifier to keep your account better protected.
A strong and unique password is one of the simplest yet most powerful defenses against phishing, credential stuffing, and brute-force attacks on your Venmo account. Reused or easily guessed passwords open the door to cybercriminals, putting your funds and personal data at risk. Creating a complex password significantly reduces that risk by safeguarding your financial information, transaction history, and connected accounts.
When updating your Venmo passwords:
Use at least 15 characters
Avoid common words, names, or easy-to-guess passwords
Use a password generator to create unique passwords
Use a password manager to store your passwords securely
There’s rarely a good reason to let a stranger use your phone. If you decide to let someone use your phone, send a text on their behalf, or look up whatever they need, and continue to hold the phone while you show them. Otherwise, a scammer may quickly access Venmo, transfer money, or manipulate security settings.
Scammers often send fake texts, emails, or notifications pretending to be Venmo to trick users into sharing login details or sending money. So, before taking any action, check the sender's email or phone number to confirm a Venmo message is legit — official Venmo communications only come from email addresses ending @venmo.com.
Here are some common signs of potential Venmo scams delivered via both email and text messages:
Suspicious sender information: The message originates from an email that doesn’t end in @venmo.com or is misspelled, or from a random phone number not linked to Venmo. But don’t forget that fraudsters can spoof an email address or phone number, so look for the following signs too.
Urgent or threatening language: The communication creates a sense of urgency or panic, using phrases like "Your account has been compromised!" or "Immediate action required to avoid suspension."
Requests for personal information: The message asks for sensitive details such as your password, Social Security number, or two-factor authentication (2FA) code. Venmo will never request this information through email or text.
Generic greetings: The text or email includes a vague salutation like "Dear user" or "Dear Venmo customer" instead of addressing you by your actual name or business name linked to your Venmo account.
Suspicious links or attachments: The communication includes links or attachments that seem unrelated to Venmo or appear to lead to phishing sites.
Spelling and grammar errors: The message contains spelling mistakes, awkward phrasing, or formatting issues, which are common in scam communications.
Offers that are too good to be true: The message promises rewards, free money, or special deals that sound unrealistic, such as "You've won $100 on Venmo!"
By setting up Venmo scam alerts, you’ll receive notifications if a scammer tries to access your account or make unauthorized payments. These alerts will help you keep track of transactions and login attempts to stay safer.
Here's how to set up Venmo scam alerts:
Open the Venmo app > tap the three-line icon in the top-left corner > Settings > Notifications > toggle on alerts for Transactions, Security notifications, and Login attempts.
Using strong cybersecurity software like Avast Free Antivirus can help protect your device from viruses, other malware, and phishing attacks that can compromise your Venmo account. Get award-winning free antivirus protection with powerful AI-powered scam detection to help secure your entire digital life today.
By using one of the best internet security apps, you can benefit from:
Protection against malware: Antivirus software can help block malware from being installed on your device through phishing links or malicious downloads, preventing it from stealing your Venmo data.
Phishing attack protection: Good antivirus protection can help identify and block phishing websites or scam emails designed to trick you into revealing your Venmo credentials.
Improved device security: Antivirus software adds an extra layer of security, helping ensure your device is free from threats that could lead to account takeovers or unauthorized transactions.
If you access Venmo through a browser, switching to a security-first browser like Avast Secure Browser helps protect your Venmo account from cyberthreats such as phishing and malware. Secure browsers provide additional layers of security, such as enhanced privacy features, anti-tracking tools, and protection against malicious websites, reducing your risk of being scammed online.
You may need to use Venmo in public to split a dinner bill or send a quick payment, but whenever possible, use your cellular data instead of public Wi-Fi. While public networks might be convenient — especially if your mobile data is slow — they’re often unsecured, making it easier for hackers to intercept your information and potentially take over your account or steal your identity. If public Wi-Fi is your only option, enable a VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your data.
You should only ever contact Venmo through official channels to avoid scams. Fraudsters often create fake customer support numbers, emails, and websites to deceive users into sharing personal information or sending money. Falling for these scams can result in account takeovers, stolen funds, or identity theft.
Venmo’s official support is available at 1-855-812-4430, through the Venmo app, or via its Help Center. Always verify contact information directly on Venmo’s website, and never trust unsolicited messages or phone numbers claiming to represent Venmo support.
If you’re scammed on Venmo, take screenshots and record as much information as possible about what happened. Then, report the scam to the relevant authorities and Venmo. You may need to secure any linked accounts, too.
In most instances, Venmo won’t cover you if you get scammed unless the transaction is covered under the Purchase Protection Program. But you should always tell them about a scam so they can investigate further.
Go to Venmo’s official contact page to submit a complaint. Submit any evidence you have about the scam, including images. If you receive a phishing email, send it directly to phishing@venmo.com. To report scam texts or calls, email support@venmo.com.
If you’ve been scammed, change your Venmo password immediately. You should also update the login credentials for any other accounts that use the same password, and make sure each new password is strong and unique. A reliable password manager can generate strong, secure passwords and store them safely for easy access.
At this point, you should also delete your bank account information from Venmo — you can add it again once your accounts are secured.
Here’s how to delete your bank account information from Venmo:
Open Venmo > tap the three-line icon in the top-left corner > Settings > Payment Methods > Bank Accounts > tap the Remove button next to your bank account details > confirm when prompted.
Inform your bank about the Venmo scam so they can freeze any accounts or cards linked to Venmo, set up alerts for suspicious activity, and potentially help you recover funds from Venmo. If you have a linked credit card, contact your card provider to block further transactions and prevent unauthorized charges. You should also freeze your credit if the scammer has your sensitive details.
If you fall victim to an internet scam, report it promptly to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via their dedicated fraud reporting site or identity theft portal. Providing details helps authorities track scammers, warn others, and potentially stop further fraudulent activity.
Using payment apps like Venmo makes life easier for you, and scammers. It’s one more platform to scam you on. But if you take your time and know what to look out for, you can use Venmo confidently.
You should also get Avast Free Antivirus as an extra layer of defense. With real-time threat detection and an AI-powered scam-protection engine, Avast helps monitor apps for suspicious behavior, blocks malicious links, and stop malware before it compromises your data. Get award-winning protection for all your devices today.
