Venmo Scam Calls | How to Protect Yourself

Venmo scam calls are a common type of phishing attempt where scammers impersonate Venmo support or security to try and trick you into giving them access to your account or money.

Common Venmo Scam Calls

1. Account Verification Scams

   • Scammers pretend to be Venmo representatives or customer support agents. They claim they need to verify your account for security purposes and ask for your login credentials, Social Security number, or payment information.

   • They may even send fake texts or emails with links that look legitimate, but lead to phishing sites designed to steal your information.

2. Payment Verification or Refund Scams

   • Scammers call claiming that there was an issue with a payment you made or received via Venmo and ask you to send money or provide sensitive details to fix the issue.

   • In some cases, they might say you overpaid and request you send the difference to “correct” the payment.

3. Fake Fraud Alerts

   • A scammer may call you claiming they detected fraudulent activity on your Venmo account and ask you to provide personal information or reset your password through a suspicious link

   • They may even tell you to install software or give remote access to your device.

4. Prize or Sweepstakes Scams

   • Scammers may call claiming that you’ve won a prize or sweepstakes, and in order to receive the prize, you must send a fee through Venmo or provide payment information.

5. “Family Emergency” Scam

   • A scammer may pretend to be a family member or friend, claiming they need money urgently through Venmo for an emergency, like an accident or hospital bill.

Also Read : 909 588 5512 | Check whether it is Real or Spam

How to Recognize and Avoid Venmo Scam Calls:

1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls

• Venmo will never call you unsolicited. Any communication about your Venmo account, especially asking for sensitive information, is likely a scam.

• If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Venmo, hang up and contact Venmo’s support directly via their official app or website to verify any issues with your account.

2. Don’t Share Personal Information

• Never share your Venmo password, Social Security number, PIN, or any sensitive information over the phone, especially if you didn’t initiate the call.

• Venmo will never ask for your password or personal information in an unsolicited call.

3. Check for Red Flags

• Scammers often pressure you to act immediately. They may threaten account suspension or claim urgent action is needed, which is a clear red flag.

• Look for poor grammar, urgency, or unfamiliar phone numbers. Legitimate businesses or support teams usually don’t use these tactics.

4. Verify the Caller

• If you’re unsure whether the call is legitimate, do not respond directly. Instead, hang up and contact Venmo’s customer support via their official website or app.

• Do not trust the caller ID — scammers can spoof phone numbers to appear legitimate.

5. Use Venmo’s Security Features

• Enable two-factor authentication on your Venmo account to add an extra layer of security.

• Review your transaction history regularly for any unauthorized payments.

6. Beware of Phishing Links

• If the caller asks you to click on a link to resolve the issue, don’t do it. Scammers often send links that look like legitimate Venmo websites, but they are designed to steal your information.

• Always navigate to the official Venmo website or app to resolve issues.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam Call:

1. Do Not Provide Any Information: Hang up and do not share any personal information.

2. Report the Call to Venmo:

   • Via the app: Go to Settings > Contact Us > Help > Report a Problem.

   • You can also reach Venmo’s customer service directly via their official support page.

3. Report the Scam to Authorities:

   • Report the scam call to your local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They keep track of such scams and can investigate further.

   • You can file a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

4. Contact Your Bank:

   • If you’ve already provided any financial information or money via Venmo, contact your bank immediately to alert them about potential fraud.

How to Protect Yourself from Future Scams:

• Never respond to unsolicited calls: If you didn’t call Venmo or initiate contact, it’s likely a scam.

• Use strong, unique passwords: Make sure your Venmo account has a strong password and enable two-factor authentication for added security.

• Regularly check your account: Keep an eye on your transactions to spot any unauthorized activity.

• Educate friends and family: Spread awareness about these scams, especially to those who may be more vulnerable, like elderly individuals.