💸 Payment-App Scams (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App)

Instant payments are like cash—once sent, it’s usually gone.

Common tricks: “me-to-me” transfers, fake buyer/seller claims, and support impostors.

🔗 Trusted Resources

Zelle — Pay It Safe® — Common Zelle scams and prevention steps.
🌐 https://www.zellepay.com/pay-it-safe

Venmo — Protect Yourself — Safety tips and what to do if you suspect fraud.
🌐 https://help.venmo.com/hc/en-us/articles/221083888-Protect-Yourself-from-Scams

Cash App — Recognize & Avoid Scams — Support impostors and secure practices.
🌐 https://cash.app/help/us/en-us/3124-recognize-and-avoid-scams

FTC — Gift Card Scams — If they want gift cards, it’s a scam—applies to payment-app push too.
🌐 https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards

🧭 Recognizing & Responding Safely

Only pay people you know. For marketplaces, use in-app payments with purchase protection where available.

Never move money “to yourself.” The “me-to-me” scam tricks you into sending funds to the criminal.

Support won’t DM you. Don’t trust messages offering “help”—use the app’s official support channel.

If you sent money: Contact the app’s support immediately, report the recipient, and notify your bank.

🧠 Sam’s Takes (Quick Reminders)

Instant = irreversible. Treat payment apps like cash.

Pressure to pay now = walk away.

When in doubt, don’t send. No legit buyer/seller rushes you off-platform.