How To Avoid the 14 Latest Cash App Scams in 2025

How Do Scammers Target You on Cash App?

Cash App is a “financial services platform” that allows users to send, save, and invest money quickly and easily. Unfortunately, scammers have devised effective tactics that trick victims into sending them money over Cash App (which can’t be refunded) or giving up access to accounts.

In January 2025, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ordered Cash App to pay $175 million to compensate users who had been scammed on the platform or who failed to receive proper support.

It’s important to note that your Cash App account is not a bank account. Except in rare cases, your Cash App balance is not covered by FDIC insurance (like it would be with a traditional bank).

Before you send or receive a questionable payment on Cash App, make sure you’re not falling for one of these common scams.

Did you get scammed on Cash App? Contact Cash App support as soon as possible, either from within the app or by calling the company’s support phone number at 1-800-969-1940. 

Click here for more detailed instructions on how to recover from a Cash App scam. Then, sign up for identity theft protection to safeguard your bank account and make sure that you don’t get scammed again.

The 14 Latest Cash App Scams To Avoid in 2025

1. Cash flipping
2. Accidental money transfers
3. “Claim your payment” messages
4. Deposit scams (pets, rentals, purchases)
5. Fake Cash App giveaways
6. Customer support imposters
7. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency scams
8. Romance scams
9. Fake payment confirmation screenshots
10. Cash App “glitches”
11. Fake security alert texts
12. Job offers and recruitment scams
13. Malicious QR codes
14. Cash App phishing emails, texts, or calls

Cash App uses advanced encryption technology to keep your data safe when using the app and requires users to verify their identities.

However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that Americans still lost $118.1 million to scams on peer-to-peer payment apps like Cash App in the first three months of 2025 — a nearly 61% increase from the same time period the year prior.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common scams on Cash App, according to the FTC, Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Cash App users themselves — with guidance on how to spot these scams and what you can do to stay safe.

1. Cash flipping

In cash flipping scams, fraudsters reach out to victims with get-rich-quick schemes or investments that only require a small upfront investment — and then they either disappear with the money or continually pressure their victims to send more. Some fraudsters use hacked social media accounts to promote these scams.

How to spot the scam:

• Scammers claim “special knowledge” of investments
• The investment or scheme is sold as “no risk”
• You receive a small amount of money and are pressured to invest more
• You’re told you need to pay taxes or fees before your earnings are released

What to do to stay safe: Don’t trust any “guaranteed investment.” All legitimate investments come with risk. If someone is promising you a return or quick “money flip,” they’re trying to scam you.

2. Accidental money transfers

If you receive an unexpected Cash App payment, it’s almost certainly a scam. Fraudsters send “accidental” money transfers from Cash App accounts funded by stolen credit cards or banking details and then request that you refund them the amount. But after you send the money back, the original transfer will be found to be fraudulent — and the full amount will be withdrawn from your account.

How to spot the scam:

• You receive a random Cash App payment and are asked to refund it
• Someone asks you to refund money to a different account other than the one from which it was sent
• You’re offered a “reward” to send back the money (often a percentage of the transfer)

What to do to stay safe: Always decline unexpected payments. If you do accept the money and someone asks for it back, do not create a new transfer. Instead, follow the steps on how to refund a Cash App payment.

3. “Claim your payment” messages

Scammers use the lure of free money to trick you into clicking on malicious links or sending them money on Cash App. This scam works by getting you to believe an email or text message that claims you have a pending Cash App payment — from either a friend, government agency, or even a class action settlement.

To receive the money, you need to either click on a link to log in to your account or pay a small fee to release it. But the whole thing is a scam designed to steal your Cash App account password or get you to send money to scammers.

How to spot the scam:

• You receive an unexpected message that you’re owed money
• Messages contain a suspicious link to log in to your account
• The email doesn’t come from an official Cash App or Square email address
• You’re asked to “pay to receive” money

What to do to stay safe: Log in to your Cash App account directly to see if you have any pending payments. According to Cash App’s support team, you can approve pending payments from the Activity tab in your account. If there’s no pending payment, the message is a scam.

4. Deposit scams (pets, rentals, purchases)

Con artists post listings for in-demand items — such as puppies, rental apartments, and concert tickets — across social media, Facebook Marketplace, and other online platforms. When you respond, you’re asked for a deposit via Cash App to “hold” the item for you.

How to spot the scam:

• Too-good-to-be-true deals on in-demand items
• You’re asked to pay a deposit to hold or “reserve” the item for you
• The seller creates a sense of urgency by saying that they have many people interested
• You’re unable to view the item or rental in person without sending the deposit

What to do to stay safe: Don’t send money via Cash App (or other platforms) to people you don’t know. Payment scams like these rely on the fact that Cash App cannot cancel or refund payments once they’ve been accepted.

5. Fake Cash App giveaways

In this variation of the free money scam, fraudsters claim you’ve won a lottery, sweepstakes, or giveaway — and need to pay a small fee or provide personal information to release the funds.

In one recent giveaway scam example, a Reddit user described watching a TikTok live stream during which the creator asked people to “drop their $cashtag” so they could “bless them” with free money. But in order to accept, recipients needed to pay to upgrade their accounts or cover “processing fees.”

How to spot the scam:

• If anyone offers to send you money for free, it’s a scam
• You’re asked to pay a small fee to “release” sweepstakes or lottery winnings
• Make sure any correspondence is coming from an official Cash App social media account

What to do to stay safe: Ignore promises of “free money” — it’s almost always a scam. Cash App occasionally runs giveaways, such as “Cash App Fridays,” but these are always listed on the company’s official website or in the app. Cash App employees will never ask for personal or financial information.

6. Customer support imposters

Scammers pose as Cash App employees across social media or via texts and emails, and attempt to get you to provide financial information, send them money, or give up passwords and two-factor authentication codes (2FA).

Recently, Reddit users have reported that scammers are posting fake Cash App support phone numbers that are being promoted by Google’s AI search results. If you call, they’ll ask you to download an app called “ConnectWise Control” that gives them remote access and control of your device.

How to spot the scam:

• Someone posing as Cash App support asks for your password, 2FA codes, or other sensitive information
• You’re asked to download an app to receive support
• You’re asked to pay for support or transfer money to a “safe” account

What to do to stay safe: Make sure you’re dealing with Cash App’s official support team. Either use the in-app support option, visit cash.app/help/, or engage with an official social media account. Cash App’s official social media accounts are:

• Instagram: @CashApp
• X: @CashApp @CashSupport
• Tiktok: @CashApp
• Twitch: twitch.tv/CashApp
• Reddit: u/CashAppAndi‍
• Facebook: SquareCash

7. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency scams

Taking advantage of the fact that Cash App users can buy and sell Bitcoin on the platform, scammers turn victims into unwitting money launderers. Fraudsters fund their accounts with stolen money and send it to victims, then ask them to convert it to Bitcoin and send some back. The scammers then take the Bitcoin off platform before the original transfer is reported as fraudulent.

How to spot the scam:

• Someone tells you they have a “special investment” platform for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
• You’re promised a huge return by making a small initial investment — sometimes even funded by the scammer
• When you try to withdraw money, you’re told you need to pay fees or taxes

What to do to stay safe: Resist the urge to fall for get-rich-quick schemes — especially with cryptocurrencies. Crypto payments are nearly impossible to refund or cancel once they’ve been sent.

8. Romance scams

Fraudsters create fake profiles on social media platforms, dating websites, and apps to build relationships. Once they’ve gained your trust, they manufacture an emergency and ask you to support them by sending money via Cash App or other payment platforms.

How to spot the scam:

• You’re “love bombed” by someone online — the person quickly claims to love you and tries to push the relationship forward
• Anyone that you’ve only met online starts asking for money, gifts, or financial help
• Their profile shows warning signs that they’re a romance scammer

What to do to stay safe: Never send money to people you’ve only met online. These types of scams use social engineering tactics to trick you into thinking you’re in a real relationship. But if someone asks for money before you’ve met, it’s most likely a scam.

9. Fake payment confirmation screenshots

If you’re trying to sell an item online, scammers may send fake Cash App payment confirmation emails to make it look like they’ve paid you, and then ask you to ship the item. These fake emails may also claim that your account needs to be “upgraded” by sending the buyer money that will be refunded after the transaction.

How to spot the scam:

• Check the sender’s email — fraudsters use legitimate-looking email addresses to trick you (such as “cash.app.electronic.payment@gmail.com”)
• Log in to your Cash App app directly and check for pending payments
• Never send money to “upgrade” your Cash App account — this is a scam

What to do to stay safe: Make sure any pending payments show up in your Cash App account. Log in directly — not by using any links supplied in emails or texts — and look under your Activity tab for the payment.

10. Cash App “glitches”

Scammers may claim that the Cash App app is broken — and in order for them to help you or send you money, you need to download a different version. But this is a fake app designed to steal your real Cash App account information and password. While you try to log in to the fake app, scammers use your information to access your account on the real app and steal your money.

How to spot the scam:

• Someone asks you to download a new or different version of Cash App
• You receive an email or text that claims you have a pending Cash App payment, with a link included to download the app so that you can receive the funds
• You download a version of Cash App and your login credentials don’t work

What to do to stay safe: Only use the official Cash App app found in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store — or online at cash.app. Any other versions of the app or websites are fake.

11. Fake security alert texts

You may receive texts or emails asking you to verify a Cash App transfer or claiming that there has been suspicious activity found on your account. These messages almost always include a link to click on for you to dispute or confirm the transfer (or a phone number to call). Either way, you’ll end up getting connected to a scammer.

How to spot the scam:

• You receive an unsolicited “payment confirmation” or security alert claiming to be from Cash App
• You’re asked to click on a suspicious link or call a number for help that isn’t 1-800-969-1940

What to do to stay safe: Always check your Cash App app directly for security concerns. Cash App sends real-time notifications for login activity and asks you to confirm payments sent to non-contacts. If you log in and see no notifications, the message was a scam.

12. Job offers and recruitment scams

Fraudsters post fake job listings on online job boards or send emails and texts offering lucrative positions that require little to no interview process. If you respond, you’ll eventually be asked to pay for “supplies” — or you’ll be sent money via Cash App for the work and asked to send a portion back (as with “free money” scams).

Scammers may even use your real name and work history to entice you — but this information can be easily found online or after a data breach.

How to spot the scam:

• You’re quickly offered a lucrative remote or work-from-home job — sometimes even without applying
• Your new “employer” asks you to send personal information or bank account details
• You’re sent a check or money transfer and told to send a portion of it back via Cash App (or another platform)

What to do to stay safe: Look for the warning signs of a job scam. In almost every scenario, an unsolicited job offer should raise some red flags.

13. Malicious QR codes

Scammers post malicious QR codes in public places and claim they lead to special offers, discounts, or even a way to pay for your parking. If you scan the code, you’ll be taken to a fake website designed to steal your Cash App password, financial information, or download malware onto your device.

How to spot the scam:

• Check for QR codes that have been stuck on top of other ones (or any signs of tampering)
• Preview the URL destination of a QR code in your phone’s app, and make sure it’s not taking you to a malicious website
• If you follow the link in a QR code, check the website for signs that it’s a fake

What to do to stay safe: Avoid scanning QR codes in public or in any places where the codes can be tampered with or manipulated. Scammers can easily replace QR codes in public for codes that they control.

14. Cash App Phishing emails, texts, or calls

Scammers impersonate Cash App employees, government agencies, friends, and other people you trust via email, texts, calls, or social media. These phishing scams can serve many different purposes — from tricking you into clicking on malicious links that download malware to providing scammers with your Cash App debit card details or account login information.

How to spot the scam:

• Look for common warning signs of phishing scams, including look-alike or spoofed contact details, a sense of urgency (expressed through threats or promises of rewards), poor design, and spelling and grammar errors.
• You’re threatened if you don’t act quickly — for example, with jail time, fines, or the fear of missing out on a good deal
• You’re asked to share sensitive information, such as your credit card details or Social Security number (SSN)

What to do to stay safe: If in doubt, contact Cash App (or other companies) directly. The safest way to confirm whether a message or call is real is to contact the company directly by using its official channels.

How To Avoid Cash App Scams and Protect Your Account

With peer-to-peer payment services like Cash App, Zelle, and Venmo now handling more than $1 trillion in transfers, these platforms have become hotbeds for scammers.

Here are some more recommendations to help keep your Cash App account (and finances) safe from scammers:

• Enable Cash App’s Security Lock. This safety feature requires you to enter a secret Cash App PIN or use Touch ID or Face ID for every payment.
• Make sure you have payment notifications enabled. Cash App will alert you of transactions on your account via text messages, push notifications, or emails. You can change your settings via the Notifications tab under your profile.
• Never share personal information with strangers. Cash App employees will never ask for your PIN, password, authentication codes, account details, or sensitive information such as your SSN and bank account information.‍
• Only send money to people you know. Transfers to strangers always pose risks. If someone “accidentally” sends you money, it’s almost certainly a scam.‍
• Sync your Cash App account with your contacts. Giving Cash App access to your phone’s contacts can help ensure that you’re sending transfers to the right people. Cash App will also warn you before you send money to someone new or not on your contacts list.‍
• Lock your Cash App card when it’s not in use. Prevent scammers from accessing your Cash App card by temporarily locking it from within the app online.‍
• Double-check sender details for all emails and text messages. Cash App emails come from @squareup.com, @square.com, or @cash.app. Make sure you’re only entering information on official Cash App or Square website domains — including square.com, squareup.com, cash.app, or cash.me.‍
• Always use Cash App’s official contact channels. Use Cash App’s official contact channels only. Never trust people who contact you claiming to be from Cash App customer support.‍
• Secure your device. Enable security features, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric security on your mobile device for protection if it gets stolen. If you use an Android device, you can install antivirus software to shield against malware and spyware.‍
• Don’t let strangers access your phone. Scammers can ask to use your phone and then quickly transfer money out of your Cash App account. It’s best not to let anyone you don’t know gain access to your phone.

While it’s possible to use Cash App safely, scammers are always looking for new ways to trick you into sending them money and sensitive information. That’s what makes an online safety solution like Aura so appealing.

Aura combines award-winning identity and credit monitoring with advanced fraud, scam, and hacking protection, 24/7 U.S.-based support, and up to $5 million in identity theft insurance. You can even try Aura free for 14 days to see if it’s right for you.

📚 Read more: What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed Online & How To Report It →

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed on Cash App

Americans lost nearly $400 million to scams on payment apps like Cash App in 2024, according to data from the FTC. The best ways to stay safe are to never send money to people you don’t know and make sure that your app and devices are secure at all times.

If you’ve been scammed on Cash App or if you sent money to the wrong person, follow these steps to protect your account and try to get your money back:

Try to cancel the payment

In the rare case that you catch the transfer before it’s deposited, you can ask the recipient to cancel the payment. You can also request a payment from the recipient from your Cash App home screen.

Request a refund from the recipient

If you sent money to the wrong merchant or individual, Cash App can’t refund you. Instead, you’ll have to ask the recipient for a refund:

• Open Cash App and tap on the Activity tab
• Select the payment in question and tap on Report an Issue
• Choose a reason and tap Next to complete the request

Submit an official dispute within Cash App

If the previous methods don’t work, you’ll need to submit a dispute with Cash App:

• Open Cash App and tap on your profile, and then choose Support
• Tap on Payments and then Report an issue
• Select I was scammed

You can also call Cash App’s support team at 1-800-969-1940 from 9AM - 7PM EST.

Report the scam to Cash App support

To block and report the scammers, find their profile by searching for their name, $Cashtag, phone number, or email. Then, scroll to the bottom of their profile and tap on “Report” or “Block.”

Contact your bank to secure your linked accounts

If your Cash App account has been compromised, your linked bank accounts could be at risk. Contact your bank by using the phone number on the back of your bank card, and ask to talk to the fraud department. Explain what happened, and ask them to cancel any compromised cards or accounts and issue new ones to you.

File an official report with the proper authorities

Getting scammed can lead to ongoing repercussions — for your finances and your identity. It’s important to report the fraud to the proper authorities to prove your innocence and help protect others against similar scams.

• Report details of the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• File an official identity theft report online at IdentityTheft.gov
• File a police report with your local law enforcement (only if you have information that could lead to an arrest or need to dispute fraudulent accounts, credit cards, etc.)

Take steps to protect your identity

If you gave scammers personal information, you could be targeted with identity theft. Identity thieves may wait days, weeks, or even months to use your personal information, which is why it’s so crucial to proactively protect your online accounts and monitor your sensitive information and financial accounts for early signs of fraud.

Aura’s award-winning identity theft protection platform does the work for you — monitoring your credit with all three credit bureaus, tracking over 140 pieces of personal information across the Dark Web and data breach notifications, and safeguarding your devices and accounts from hackers. 

You can try Aura free for 14 days to see if it’s right for you.

File a complaint against Cash App

If your Cash App transaction isn’t refunded, you can submit a complaint directly to Cash App support or with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and CFPB. Make sure you can provide details of the scam, such as screenshots of messages or transfers.

📚 Read more: I Got Scammed On Cash App! What Can I Do? →

Cash App Scams FAQ

How can I tell if a Cash App email or message is real?

The easiest way to determine if a Cash App email is legitimate is to check its source and what it’s asking you to do.

1. Legitimate emails from Cash App only come from email addresses ending in @cash.app, @squareup.com, and @square.com.
2. Beware of any message asking for personal information, account passwords, 2FA codes, and financial information — Cash App employees will never ask you to provide this information.
3. Look for other warning signs of a phishing message — such as threats, urgency, requests to download remote access software, or suspicious links.

Can I get my money back if I was scammed on Cash App?

Not always. The FTC warns that, “sending money through a payment app is like sending cash — it’s very hard to get it back.”

As soon as you realize you’ve been scammed, request a refund from the recipient and then report the payment to Cash App. If you’ve linked your bank account or credit card to your Cash App account, your best bet could be to report the fraud to your bank and ask them to reverse the charge.

Is it safe to keep a balance on Cash App?

No. Cash App is a “financial services platform,” not a bank, which means your funds aren’t protected by FDIC insurance if the platform fails. Keeping a higher balance in your Cash App account can also mean larger losses if your account is hacked or scammers gain access to it.

How do I report a scam on Cash App?

You can report potential scam payments and accounts from directly within your Cash App account.

• To report a scam payment: Go to your Activity tab and select the scam payment, and then tap on Report an issue. Follow the prompts.
• To report a scam account: Find the scam account profile and scroll down to the bottom where you’ll see Report or Block. Select an option and then follow the prompts.
• To dispute a Cash App card scam: Go to your profile and select Support. Choose Cash App Card and then Dispute a purchase. Select Start a dispute and follow the prompts.

You can also contact Cash App support by using one of its official contact channels.

What should I do if I accidentally sent money to the wrong person on Cash App?

Cash App can’t refund or cancel payments once they’ve been completed. Therefore, you’ll need to request a refund from the recipient.