Skip to main content

Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Cookie Preferences

Many websites use cookies or similar tools to store information on your browser or device. We use cookies on BBB websites to remember your preferences, improve website performance and enhance user experience, and to recommend content we believe will be most relevant to you. Most cookies collect anonymous information such as how users arrive at and use the website. Some cookies are necessary to allow the website to function properly, but you may choose to not allow other types of cookies below.

Necessary Cookies

What are necessary cookies?
These cookies are necessary for the site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Necessary cookies must always be enabled.

Functional Cookies

What are functional cookies?
These cookies enable the site to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Performance Cookies

What are performance cookies?
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Marketing Cookies

What are marketing cookies?
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant content on other sites. They do not store personal information directly, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser or device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
      Country
          Country
          Latest News

          BBB Scam Alert: Scammers trick victims into sending money through CashApp

          By Better Business Bureau. September 25, 2020.

          (Getty Images)

          With many businesses and individuals avoiding cash during the pandemic, digital wallets are becoming an increasingly common way to pay. Especially popular - with 30 million downloads in 2020 so far – is CashApp. Con artists are finding clever ways to abuse users’ unfamiliarity with the newly popular app, according to numerous BBB.org/ScamTracker reports.

          How the scam works

          Scammers are now requesting payment through CashApp, instead of other methods like prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Victims report that they send scammers money through the app and are immediately blocked.  

          For example, one target recently told BBB.org/ScamTracker that, after falling for a tech support scam, they were targeted by the con artist to purchase bogus software through CashApp. Another victim tried to buy concert tickets from a seller who claimed to only accept CashApp payments. “I did not know what that was at the time,” wrote the victim. “I was told I could cancel the transaction at any time. I sent the $350.00 for the tickets and was instant blocked.”

          Another common con with CashApp involves fake customer support numbers. People looking for help with their CashApp account often search online for a support phone number. They think they are calling a CashApp representative, but they are really dialing a scammer who posted the phony number online.

          Under the guise of helping fix an issue with the app, the con artist will trick callers into sharing their log in information. Then, the con artist can log in and drain the victim’s CashApp account. In other cases, the scammers trick victims into sending them money or installing malware on their smartphone.

          One victim told BBB.org/ScamTracker she dialed a CashApp support phone number she found online, hoping to get help processing a refund. The CashApp “representative” claimed that the caller needed to “set up a dummy account” in CashApp and send them the balance of the other account. “I asked her for the reason for this. The response given was this is how their system works and for me not to worry because the money was not leaving my account; it was only appearing to do so,” the victim wrote. “Despite my own doubts, I proceeded as requested.” The victim ended up losing more than $300 to this “support rep.”

          How to protect yourself when paying with CashApp: 

          • No one representing Cash App will ever ask for your sign-in code over the phone or on social media. CashApp support will also never ask for payment or sensitive information, such as your full bank account information. 

          • Be skeptical of any business that requires CashApp payments. If a company claims to only accept CashApp and/or prepaid debit card payments, be very wary. This is a red flag of a scam.

          • Double check information before sending money. Verify recipient’s name, CashApp handle, and information before sending them money.

          • Link your money transfer app to a credit card. As with many other purchases, using a credit card will help protect you if you don't get the goods or services you paid for. Linking to a debit card or directly to your bank account does not give you that added protection.

          For more information

          For more information about CashApp scams and how to protect your account, see this article. Read more information about digital wallets and phony customer support phone numbers on BBB.org.

          If you’ve been a victim of a scam that used CashApp, be sure to report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others to spot a scam before it’s too late.