Got scammed on Cash App? Here’s what you should do to get your money back

How do scams work on Cash App?

Cash App scams work by convincing users to hand over their money. Cybercriminals trick victims into sending funds through the Cash App then quickly cash out before the victims realize they’ve been deceived. Make sure you know the most common types of scams because scammers have plenty of tricks up their sleeves.

• Accidental transfers. If you receive an unexpected payment via Cash App, be on your guard. Cybercriminals may “accidentally” transfer you money and then ask for a refund. However, that initial transfer is typically made from a stolen credit card or Cash App account. The other victim’s bank cancels the original payment, and when you transfer the money back to the scammer, it comes directly from your pocket.
• Customer support. Fake Cash App customer support websites and phone numbers circulate online. When you reach out, you’ll likely be greeted by a “representative” who encourages you to download an app and grant remote access to your device, which they then use to transfer funds or install malware.
• Cash flipping. Cash flipping is an investment scam that may use the Cash App as a payment platform. Scammers advertise a lucrative investment opportunity, and all you need to do is send them a small initial payment via the Cash App. However, if you send the money, it goes right into the scammer’s pocket.
• Fake online marketplace listings. Cybercriminals can also leverage Cash App in common Facebook Marketplace scams. The scammer will post a fake listing on Facebook Marketplace and ask for payment via Cash App. These listings typically offer rare or expensive items with a handsome discount. However, once you send the money, the seller disappears into thin air.
• Phishing. If a data breach leaks your contact information, scammers may target you with phishing text messages or emails. The message may claim you have received a Cash App payment or that your account has been compromised. It will also provide a sign-in link. If you click on the link, it could download malware to your computer or take you to a fake login page that steals your login details, allowing scammers to access your Cash App account.
• Fraudulent giveaways. Cash App periodically offers giveaways on its social media, including the viral #CashAppFriday giveaway, which asks users to comment on their $cashtag. Cybercriminals may use these legitimate giveaways by messaging entrants and asking for financial information or a small fee to claim the “prize.”

Some of these tactics are common across other mobile payment apps, so keep your eye out for similar scams on Venmo or Zelle scams.

What you should do if you get scammed on Cash App

The first thing you should do after being scammed on Cash App is to report the incident and attempt to recover your money. Take the following steps below right away after discovering the scam:

1. Contact Cash App support. The easiest way to report a scam transaction is through the app. Tap your profile icon and select “Support.” Click “Report a payment issue,” identify the scam payment, and follow the prompts. You can also call Cash App support at 1-800-969-1940 or tweet @CashSupport on X.
2. Report the scammer. Open Cash App, find the transaction, and click on the avatar for the scam account. Scroll to the bottom of the profile and select “Report.”
3. Block the scammer. After reporting the scam account, click “Block” at the bottom of their profile.

Can you get your money back if you get scammed on Cash App?

If you get scammed on Cash App, you may not always get your money back. Unlike your bank account, Cash App payments are not insured, so you have no guarantee that you will recover your lost money.

You may get a refund if:

1. You cancel a payment before it is finalized.
2. You receive a voluntary refund from the recipient.
3. You dispute the transaction with support.

How to get your money back if you get scammed on Cash App

If you’ve been scammed on Cash App, acting quickly is crucial to improving your chances of getting a refund. Here are some steps you can take to try and get your money back.

Try to cancel the payment

Start by canceling the payment in the app. If you cancel the transaction before it goes through, the funds will never leave your account.

Open Cash App, navigate to the activity tab, and look for the relevant transaction. If the “Cancel” option appears, the scammer has not finalized the transfer yet. Select “Cancel,” and the funds should be returned to you.

Try to claim a refund from the recipient

Sometimes a “scam” can be an honest mistake, so request a refund directly from the recipient.

1. Go to the activity tab and find the transaction.
2. Select the “…” option in the top right corner.
3. Tap the “Refund” option and “Ok.”

The recipient will receive a refund request. However, they have to accept it for you to get your money back. If the recipient does issue a refund, you will receive it in about 1-3 business days.

File a dispute

You can dispute the transaction with the Cash App team if the recipient denies your refund request. Typically, disputes are successful in the case of an unexpected outcome (e.g., incorrect amounts or duplicate transactions) or transactions someone else made on your account.

To file a dispute:

1. Open your activity tab.
2. Select the payment you want to dispute and click the “…” in the right corner.
3. Select “Cash App support” and “Dispute this transaction.”

The Cash App team will investigate the transaction and inform you of its decision.

Contact your bank to notify it about the scam

Contact your bank to notify it about the scam and see if your bank refunds scammed money. Banks with a zero-liability policy may be able to offer refunds. If your Cash App account is linked to a debit or credit card, you can also report credit card fraud or debit card fraud to your bank to try to recover your funds.

Report the scam to the FTC

​​Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) either by phone (1-877-382-4357) or via its website so that it can open an investigation. The FTC not only investigates fraud but also reports and tracks various types of scams, helping to protect consumers nationwide.

Freeze your bank account

If you are concerned that your bank account information has been compromised, you may want to freeze your bank account or credit. This step is a little extreme, so treat it as the last resort.

How to avoid Cash App scams

Here are some tips to help you avoid Cash App scams. Follow these guidelines to keep your Cash App transactions secure:

• Only use Cash App’s official support channels. Be wary of anyone claiming to be Cash App support. You can only reach Cash App support through its app, @Cash Support on X, or by calling 1-800-969-1940.
• Verify email domains. Make sure that any communication you receive from Cash App originates from Cash App. Legitimate Cash App emails will come from the following domains: @squareup.com, @square.com, or @Cash.app.
• Only interact with official Cash App social media accounts. Cash App’s official social media handles are @CashApp for Instagram and SquareCash for Facebook.
• Never share personal information. Never share your login details or sensitive information with anyone. Cash App support will never ask for your password, Cash App pin, sign-in code, Social Security number, or account information.
• Double-check all transactions. Before sending money via Cash App, make sure you verify the sender and the amount. Don’t send money to someone you don’t know.
• Turn on notifications. Turn on Cash App notifications to get a text or email whenever a payment comes out of your Cash App account. This way, you will be immediately notified of fraudulent charges.
• Enable security lock. Enabling Cash App’s security lock feature requires a passcode or Touch ID for every payment.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA requires secondary login information whenever you try to access your account. You can enable 2FA on the Cash App via an authenticator app.
• Cash out. Your Cash App balance isn’t insured, so you should not leave large amounts of money in the app. Instead, transfer the funds to your bank account to keep them safe.

Following these simple steps, you can safely use CashApp for easy, convenient peer-to-peer payments.

FAQ

What happens once you report a scam on Cash App?

When you report a scam on Cash App, the Cash App team begins an investigation and notifies you that it has received your complaint. Most complaints are resolved within 3-15 business days.

What happens if a scammer gets your Cash App account?

If a scammer gets your Cash App account, they may try to transfer funds or steal sensitive information. Contact Cash App support immediately if your account has been compromised.

Can I get scammed if someone sends me money on Cash App?

If someone randomly sends you money on Cash App, contact Cash App support. Unexpected payments can be tied to “accidental transfers” and other Cash App scams.

How to force a refund on Cash App

To request a refund on Cash App, open the “Activity” tab. Select the relevant payment and the “…” option in the upper right corner. Then, tap “Refund” and “Ok.” This method sends a refund request to the recipient, who must approve it for you to get your money back.