12 Venmo scams to watch out for in 2026

Venmo is a popular peer-to-peer payment app designed for quick, easy transactions between friends, family, and people you trust. But that same speed and simplicity make it a target for scammers.

In fact, losses from authorized push payment scams are expected to reach $6.1 billion by 2028, accounting for 80% of total scam losses tied to these payments. Understanding how Venmo scams work is the first step to protecting yourself.

Here’s a closer look at some of the most common Venmo scams, and how you can avoid falling for them.

1. Payment from a stranger

The “payment from a stranger” scam occurs when someone you don’t know sends you money on Venmo and then urgently asks for it back. They often claim the payment was accidental, but the real goal is to get you to send a new payment before the original transaction is reversed or flagged as fraudulent. Once you send the money, you’re the one who’s out of pocket.

​​In one example shared on Reddit, a user received $500 from a stranger who immediately demanded it back and later threatened legal action after being blocked. This kind of pressure is typical. Scammers may also impersonate someone you know by using a familiar name or photo, or send fake email notifications that don’t match real activity in the Venmo app.

How to avoid it:
​​If you receive an unexpected payment or request, don’t send money back directly. Let Venmo handle the situation and decline any requests. Legitimate accidental senders can work with Venmo support to reverse the payment safely.

2. Overpayment scam

In this scheme, a stranger sends more money than required for a purchase and then asks you to return the difference. It often starts with a legitimate-looking transaction — commonly on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace — followed by a message claiming an overpayment due to a technical issue. The scam relies on confusion and urgency to prompt you to send money back before you can verify the situation.

In one reported case, a woman selling an item agreed to a $50 Venmo payment. She then received an email instructing her to call a number, where the scammer claimed he had sent $600 to “upgrade” her to a Venmo business account and asked her to refund $550. The email wasn’t from Venmo, and the caller pressured her to open Apple Wallet.

This potential victim paused to investigate and avoided the scam, but many victims aren’t as fortunate. Once you send the “refund,” the original payment is often reversed, leaving you holding the bag.

How to avoid it:
If someone sends more than the agreed amount or claims an extra payment is required, don’t return any funds. Stop the transaction and contact Venmo support directly through the official app.

3. Rental deposit scam

A rental deposit scam occurs when a fake landlord asks for payment before proving they control the property. They may skip standard steps such as applications, leases, or credit checks, and push for an upfront deposit through Venmo or another instant payment app. Once the money is sent, the “landlord” disappears, leaving you without funds or a place to rent.

In one case shared on Facebook, a user became suspicious after being asked to pay via Venmo. The scammer provided a VRBO listing to appear legitimate, but having contacted the actual property owner, she discovered the profile was fake and that the scammer was attempting to steal her deposit.

How to avoid it:
Never send a deposit or first month’s rent until you’ve toured the property, met the landlord or property manager, and signed a lease. If payment is requested before these steps, walk away.

4. Purchase protection scam

A purchase protection scam occurs when a seller persuades you to pay in a way that bypasses Venmo’s built-in safeguards. Scammers often list high-demand items, like concert tickets or electronics, at appealing prices, then insist you send payment to a personal Venmo profile to avoid fees. Once the payment is sent, the item never arrives, and you have little to no recourse.

Venmo’s Purchase Protection only applies to certain transactions. You’re covered when paying a business profile, using a Venmo Debit Card, completing an in-app or QR code purchase, or marking a payment as goods and services. Business profiles are designed for sellers and create a transaction record that Venmo can review if issues arise. Requests to pay a personal profile are often an attempt to bypass these protections.

How to avoid it:
​​Only pay for goods and services through a Venmo business profile or by marking the payment appropriately within the app. If a seller pressures you to send money as a personal payment, treat it as a major red flag.

5. Fake invoice scams

In this ruse, scammers impersonate a business — or Venmo itself — and send fake invoices through the app or via email. The goal is to prompt you to share personal information, click a malicious link, or open an infected attachment. Even if you’ve never interacted with the sender, they rely on curiosity or urgency to trigger a response.

In one Reddit example, a user received an email invoice “from Venmo” claiming they had purchased a portable washing machine. The invoice looked convincing, complete with an invoice number, transaction date, and product details. It also claimed the user qualified for buyer protection and urged them to call a listed number — likely an attempt to extract personal information from a panicked recipient.

How to avoid it:
If you receive an invoice for an unfamiliar purchase, don’t click any links, download attachments, or respond.

6. Phishing attacks

​​In Venmo phishing attacks, scammers send fake emails or other messages designed to mimic official communications. These messages often include malicious links or attachments that aim to steal personal or financial information.

They typically use Venmo’s logo and branding to appear legitimate and create urgency, prompting you to confirm a purchase you didn’t make or warning of suspicious activity on your account.

Venmo does not request sensitive information via email and only sends messages from the official @venmo.com domain. Be cautious of lookalike, misspelled, or spoofed email addresses.

How to avoid it:
Don’t click links or download attachments from unexpected messages. Instead, open the Venmo app directly to check your account and verify any alerts.

7. Job scams

In job scams, scammers post fake listings on social media or job boards and move quickly to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Telegram. They may use generic email addresses, impersonate real companies, or send polished offer letters to appear legitimate. “Interviews” are often brief, text-only, or skipped entirely, followed by an offer that seems unusually high-paying or flexible.

After extending you a supposed job offer, they may request certain upfront fees via Venmo, promising to reimburse you later. Common pretexts include upfront payments for training or equipment, sending a fake check and requesting a refund, or directing you to purchase items from a “preferred vendor.” ​​They may also request sensitive personal details, such as your Social Security number, bank information, or ID documents, under the guise of onboarding.

How to avoid it:
Research the company before accepting any job offer, and never send money upfront for training, equipment, or onboarding. Legitimate employers don’t require payment to start working.

8. Romance scams

Romance scams, often called catfishing or online dating scams, are a common fraud scheme targeting online daters. Scammers emotionally manipulate victims and build trust. After a while, the catfisher requests money to cover travel costs to meet the victim or asks for an emergency loan for a good deed like helping a sick family member. Romance scammers are drawn to Venmo and similar cash apps because they make money transfers hard to trace, and the catfisher can easily disappear.

​​In a recent case, a British man was convinced he was in a romantic relationship with Jennifer Aniston. The scammer used AI‑generated photos and fake IDs, professed love, and requested money to cover an “Apple subscription” bill. While this case involved gift cards, romance scammers often request payments through Venmo or other cash apps, which are harder to trace and recover. The victim ultimately sent about $270 before realizing the profile was fake.

How to avoid it:
Be cautious of anyone who asks for money online, especially if you haven’t met them in person. Never send funds without confirming the person is real, and verify their identity through video calls and independent research before trusting them with your money.

9. Giveaway scams

Giveaway scams trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information by promising a prize. Scammers often reach out through unsolicited messages on Venmo, email, or social media, claiming you’ve won a giveaway or sweepstakes. They may ask for a “processing fee,” a verification code, or your banking details to release the prize. Some impersonate well-known brands to appear legitimate.

In a related ploy known as a “free money scam,” scammers may also offer a large sum of money in return for a very small investment. They might ask you to pay them immediately over Venmo or respond to their direct Venmo message with your banking details or Social Security number to see if you “qualify” first. Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, and don’t share personal information in response to a supposed Venmo email or text.

How to avoid it:
Ignore any “too-good-to-be-true” Venmo giveaways. Legitimate giveaways never require payment or sensitive information to claim a prize.

10. Spam texts

Scam Venmo texts are typically sent in bulk to large groups, using generic messages that claim you’ve received money, won a prize, or need to verify your account. Scammers often don’t know whether you even use Venmo — they rely on volume and the chance that someone will respond.

These messages frequently include links to fake websites designed to mimic Venmo’s login page or prompt you to enter sensitive information, such as account details, your Social Security number, or credit card data. Clicking these links or replying can give scammers access to your account or expose your device to malware. Many messages also create a false sense of urgency, warning that your account will be suspended or requiring immediate action.

How to avoid it:
Ignore unsolicited texts claiming to be from Venmo. Don’t click links or share personal information via SMS. Instead, open the Venmo app directly to check for legitimate notifications.

11. In-person call scams

If someone you don’t know asks to borrow your phone, claiming their phone was lost or dead, it could be an in‑person phone scam. Once they have your device, they can open Venmo or other payment apps and transfer money to their own account. These scams often happen in public places and rely on your willingness to hand over your unlocked phone.

In one such case, a Seattle-area scammer targeted victims by asking to borrow their phones to send a quick message. Instead, he opened their Venmo accounts and transferred thousands of dollars to himself — victims reported losses ranging from $1,500 to $5,700 before realizing what had happened.

How to avoid it:
Never hand your phone to a stranger. If someone genuinely needs help, offer to make the call or send the message yourself while keeping control of your device. Enable PINs, Face ID, or other authentication on financial apps for an added layer of protection.

12. Marketplace scams

In this scam, a scammer poses as a buyer for an item you’re selling on an online marketplace. They offer to pay via Venmo, asking for your email to complete the payment, which is not a standard requirement for Venmo transactions. The scammer then sends fake emails mimicking Venmo, falsely stating that you’ve been sent money in the hope that you’ll ship them the item without noticing the fraud.

​​These emails often look convincing, using Venmo’s branding, logos, and formatting, but they typically come from unofficial or misspelled email addresses. Some may claim the payment is “pending” until you take an additional step, such as upgrading your account, paying a fee, or providing shipment confirmation. In reality, no payment has been made.

How to avoid it:
Don’t share your email or personal details with buyers claiming they need them for Venmo payments — this isn’t required. Use cash or the marketplace’s checkout when possible. If using Venmo, confirm the payment is in your balance before sending anything. Be cautious of buyers who add steps or create urgency.

Tips to avoid getting scammed on Venmo

Understanding some best practices for staying safe on Venmo can help reduce your risk of identity theft and other scams:

• Never share private information: Be cautious about sharing personally identifiable information (PII) with others, in person and online. Examples of this include your SSN, home address, or driver’s license. Remember, once something is online, it’s public.
• Update privacy settings: Adjust Venmo’s privacy settings to “private” so only you and the other person involved in the transaction can see the details.
• Don’t share Venmo handles with strangers: A Venmo handle is a unique identifier that connects you with other users. Scammers can use it to send fake payments, impersonate buyers or sellers, and pressure you into refund or overpayment scams. Only give it to individuals you trust.
• Enable 2FA: Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your digital accounts and requires a second form of identification when signing into an app like Venmo. This can help keep your account secure if someone gets access to your password.
• Set a strong password: Creating unique passwords for different accounts and platforms protects you if your credentials are compromised. Passwords should include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols and be hard to guess (aka the name of your first pet or your birthdate is a bad password).
• Use antivirus software: Antivirus software can help protect your devices from malware, hackers, and online scams.
• Invest in identity protection: Robust identity theft protection like LifeLock can help mitigate the fallout if you fall for a scam.
• Use Venmo Purchase Protection: Tag a payment as “goods & services.” This helps protect you if you don’t receive an item, it’s damaged, or it’s not as described.

How to report a Venmo scam

You should report a Venmo scam even if you weren’t directly impacted. If your details and finances have been compromised, you need to take further steps to secure your identity and mitigate the damage.

• Contact Venmo’s support team: Once you’re aware of a scam, you can report it in the app (from the transaction or profile of the scammer), on the Venmo website, or by email (support@venmo.com).
• Contact the FTC: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If your personal or banking information was compromised:

• Change your password: If you’ve been scammed on Venmo, immediately update your password.
• Report it to your bank: If money was stolen and your card is linked to Venmo, contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge and secure your account.
• Report it to the FTC: If your personal information was used to open accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or commit fraud in your name, report the identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC will help you create a recovery plan and documentation you may need for banks or creditors.
• Monitor your credit: Place a fraud alert on your credit report or freeze your credit to help stop criminals from taking out credit in your name.

Take action against identity theft

​​Even if you know what to watch for, scams can still happen, and the fallout can extend beyond lost money. Scammers may also gain access to personal information that they can use to steal your identity long after the initial attack. LifeLock helps monitor, detect, and support recovery, giving you an added layer of protection when it matters most.

FAQs

Is Venmo safe to use?

Venmo is generally safe to use, but like any digital payment platform, you need to stay vigilant for fraud. Venmo is designed for payments between family, friends, and people you know. For purchases and transactions with strangers, take extra precautions or consider another payment method that offers buyer protection.

When used responsibly and as intended, Venmo should be a safe payment platform. The app includes security features like two-factor authentication (2FA), verification for emails and phone numbers, and encryption to help protect your financial information.

Is it safe to give someone your Venmo username?

It is generally safe to give your Venmo username to someone you know and trust. It’s also typically fine to give it to someone who owes you money or for use in another legitimate transaction.

Does Venmo call you about suspicious activity?

Venmo will not call you about suspicious activity or ever request sensitive information via phone. If there’s unusual activity on your account, they may send an in-app notification or email.

Are there any current Venmo scams?

At present, Venmo scams typically involve phishing messages with malicious links or requests for personal information. Payment requests via Venmo for fake goods, prizes, or other crafty reasons are also common. Staying informed about the latest scams is a great way to protect yourself from Venmo fraud. You can always visit the Venmo website for up-to-date information about current scams.

Can someone get your bank info from Venmo?

Venmo doesn’t give your bank information to anyone you’ve paid or anyone who has paid you unless you give your express permission or Venmo is issued with a subpoena or subject to some other legal process.