Cash App scams: what to watch for

What it looks like

Other forms it takes

How the scam plays out

1. A stranger reaches out on Instagram, Facebook, by text or in a comment section and promises to multiply your money.
2. They show screenshots of big balances and “happy customers.” The screenshots are fake.
3. They ask for a small test, like $10, and really send back $20. Now you trust them.
4. Then they ask for $200, $500 or more. Once you send it, they block you and disappear.
5. Fake “support” versions ask for your sign-in code or PIN instead. Cash App says it will never ask for either.

Signs it’s a scam

• Someone asks for your PIN or the sign-in code Cash App texts you.
• You’re told to send money first to receive money.
• “Cash flips”: send a little, get a lot back.
• A “support” phone number you found by searching or that someone gave you.

What to do

1. Don’t send money to receive money.
2. Contact support only from inside the app (Profile → Support).
3. Turn on the Security Lock in the app.

How to check if it’s real

1. Get help only from inside the Cash App app: report a payment from your activity, or chat with support in the app, which is open 24/7.
2. Need to call? Use only the phone number listed on the cash.app website.
3. Check every payment in the app itself, not in a screenshot or an email.
4. Turn on Security Lock, so your face, fingerprint or PIN is needed before any payment goes out.

Already clicked, paid or shared something?

1. In Cash App, open your activity, select the payment and tap Report. Do it as soon as you can; fast reports help.
2. Be ready for this: payments you sent yourself are usually final. Cash App says it reviews scam reports and may repay eligible claims, but there’s no guarantee.
3. If someone used your Cash App Card without your OK, report it within 60 days. Cash App’s Zero Fraud Liability covers unauthorized card charges.
4. If the money came from a linked debit card or bank account, call your bank too. Banks have their own dispute steps that may still apply.
5. If you shared your sign-in code or PIN, change your passwords, turn on Security Lock and check your linked bank and card.
6. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Where to report it

• Cash App security and support
• Report it to the FTC

Related scams

• Venmo scams: how to spot them
• Zelle scams: how they work and what to do
• Facebook Marketplace scams: buyers and sellers
• Make a family safe word

Sources

• Cash App: Security
• Cash App: Cash flip scams
• Cash App: What to do if you get scammed
• FTC: Do you use payment apps like Venmo, Cash App or Zelle? Read this