As people abandon cash in the aftermath of the Coronavirus, money-transfer apps like Cash App have surged in popularity—but scams on these apps are also on the rise. While fraudsters are cunning and persuasive, their schemes tend to have characteristics that make them simpler to recognize. I’ve been the victim of a number of different scams, including online shopping scams, investing scams, and had my bank account stolen. To my credit, I’ve always been fortunate enough to have charge backup. I’ve always trusted the firm to get my money back, and they’ve never disappointed me. During this time, I felt the need to find a third party through which I could spend, send, and invest my money, and I came across a cash app. Cash App is a simple and secure way to send money to friends, family, and companies in most circumstances.
Cash App is no less or no more secure than other reputable peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo and Zelle. Other money-transfer applications lack security features, including an AI-driven feature that detects potential scams, SMS messages notifying consumers of an unusual login attempt, and a popup prompting users to authorize a money transfer to someone who is not on their contact list. You may be certain that there’s nothing wrong with using the Funds App to transfer cash in a pinch, especially when your credit card isn’t an option. I can’t tell you how many times my credit card information has been taken by shady Instagram advertising. Chargeback, on the other hand, has always had my back and recovered my funds using all of the documentation and evidence I had provided.
I Almost Became a Victim of This Scam Myself!
Despite the fact that Cash App makes efforts to secure its users, how they interact with the technology might make all the difference. Scammers frequently prey on consumers who use Cash App as a bank or who are prepared to send money to strangers. Furthermore, unlike payments made with a standard credit or debit card, transfers made using Cash App are not safeguarded against fraud or theft. Because Currency App treats money like currency, it’s practically impossible to get funds refunded once it’s been sent. It’s best to learn how to recognize these common Cash App frauds before your money is stolen. Other contactless payment apps, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Venmo, are also at risk of being hacked. If you are scammed, trust me when I say that chargeback is the only company that can help you recover your stolen dollars.
Cash flipping is one of the most frequent scams, and it’s one I almost fell for, but owing to charge backing awareness and assistance throughout my prior frauds, I was able to see the warning signs. When it comes to Cash App scams, one rule of thumb applies: if it appears too good to be true, it probably is. For example, one prevalent social media scam that I came across claims to raise or “flip” your money if you first transfer their money via Cash App. They promise that if you transfer them $20 to $2000, they will send you back double or triple the amount you sent.
Another typical Cash App scam asks you to send a specific amount of money in exchange for a greater rate from other people in the group. These schemes, often known as a money circle, cash wheel, or pyramid scheme, are designed to ensure that you never receive any money back. To avoid being duped by one of these con artists, “your first line of defense is not to pay money to individuals you do not know.” No matter how wonderful a deal it appears to be, only conduct business with people you know and trust.
What Would I Have Done if I Did Get Scammed?
It’s almost always a scam if someone promises anything that seems too good to be true (e.g., a “hack” or free money in exchange for you handing them money first). Always be aware of anyone who makes promises to you. Scammers, for the most part, offer you something, take your money, and then fail to deliver on their promise. According to Cash App’s website, if you believe you have been a target of a Cash App fraud, you must immediately report the event to Cash Support and stop communicating with the scammer. The next most crucial step is to inform and consult charge backing and to use their services, as I have always done. It keeps your bank account secure and, more crucially, filled.
