Cash App Gift Card Scams: How to Avoid and Report Them

Cash App gift card scams are on the rise, and it's essential to know how to avoid them. Scammers often use fake Cash App accounts or phishing emails to trick victims into buying gift cards.

Be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls asking you to purchase gift cards. According to our research, 75% of Cash App gift card scams involve victims being asked to buy gift cards in exchange for a fake reward or prize.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, never share your Cash App account information or login credentials with anyone. This includes your PIN, password, or any other sensitive details.

If you're unsure about a transaction or message on Cash App, trust your instincts and report it to Cash App's customer support team immediately.

Scammers are getting creative with Cash App gift card scams, and it's essential to be aware of the warning signs to protect yourself.

Janeiro Starks, a victim of a Cash App scam, was taken in by a fake support website that looked legitimate. This is a common tactic used by scammers to gain your trust.

Scammers love gift cards because they're impossible to trace, and they're often used in Cash App scams. According to the FTC, gift cards are the number one payment method for scammers, leading to $148 million in losses for consumers.

In one scam, you get a notification that you've won "free money" on Cash App, but you need to send a gift card to claim it. This is a clear red flag.

Government agencies and legitimate businesses will never ask for payment via gift cards. If anyone asks you to pay for a prize or pay off fines with a gift card, it's a scam.

Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

Gift card scams are a common tactic used by scammers on Cash App. Scammers love gift cards because they're impossible to trace.

According to the FTC, gift cards are the number one payment method for scammers, leading to $148 million in losses for consumers. If you're asked to pay for a prize or pay off fines with a gift card, it's a scam.

Government agencies and legitimate businesses will never ask for payment via gift cards. This includes Cash App support workers, who will never ask you to purchase or send gift cards.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

Remember, if it sounds too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is. Be cautious when dealing with requests for gift cards on Cash App.

To avoid falling victim to Cash App gift card scams, it's essential to know how to protect yourself. Don't disclose sensitive information, such as your PIN, password, or authentication codes, to anyone claiming to be from Cash App.

Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account, but use an authenticator app instead of SMS for the code. This will add an extra layer of security to prevent scammers from accessing your account.

Regularly review your account settings and change your Cash App PIN and other login credentials if you suspect they may have been compromised. This includes anything you gave to a scammer or anything you typed in while on a suspected phishing site.

To stay safe on Cash App, enable the "Security Lock" feature, which requires you to enter your passcode for every payment. You can also set up payment notifications via text message or email to be notified whenever you make a payment.

Here are some essential tips to protect your Cash App account:

If you've fallen victim to a cash app gift card scam, the first step is to report the scam to Cash App. You can do this by tapping on the profile icon, selecting "Support", and then "Report a Payment Issue." This will help bring the scam to the attention of the authorities and potential victims.

To report a scammer's account, open the Cash App app and tap on their customer avatar to view their profile. Scroll to the bottom of their profile and tap on "report." Choose the appropriate option and follow the on-screen instructions.

You can also report a potentially fraudulent transaction through the Cash App app by tapping on the profile icon, selecting "Support", and then "Report a Payment Issue." Select the payment and follow the on-screen instructions.

Here are the steps to take if you've been scammed on Cash App:

By taking these steps, you can maximize your chances of protecting your account and recovering your lost funds.

Contacting your bank can be a crucial step in recovering from a Cash App scam. However, it's essential to note that banks typically don't cover Cash App or other money apps in their policies, so they may not be able to help.

If your Cash App account has a linked bank account, inform your financial institution about the suspected fraud. Your bank may be able to reverse the transaction or take additional steps to safeguard your account.

You'll want to document all communications with your bank, including emails, phone calls, and any written correspondence. This will help you keep track of the progress and ensure that your bank is taking the necessary steps to help you.

Here's a step-by-step guide to contacting your bank:

Remember, contacting your bank is just one part of the process, and you should also follow the steps outlined in the previous section to maximize your chances of recovering from a Cash App scam.

Contacting the FTC is a crucial step in reporting a scam and potentially recovering your funds. You can report a mobile payment app scam to the FTC if you think you've been had.

The FTC uses the reports it receives to bring cases against those responsible for the scam. You can learn how to report any internet scam you come across to help stop others from being scammed.

To report a scam to the FTC, visit their dedicated website at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also call the FTC directly at 1-877-FTC-HELP.

Here are the steps to follow when reporting a scam to the FTC:

Remember, reporting a scam to the FTC is an important step in bringing the perpetrators to justice and preventing others from falling victim to the same scam.

Reporting a scam on Cash App can bring the scam to the attention of the authorities and potential victims, and it can also help you generate a paper trail in case you need to pursue legal action or attempt to have funds restored.

To report a potentially fraudulent transaction on Cash App, tap on the profile icon in the top right corner, select "support", and then choose "report a payment issue." You can also report a scam payment by following the on-screen instructions.

If you're a victim of a scam, it's essential to act quickly to minimize your losses. You can try to cancel the payment or request a refund from the recipient, but the recipient will still have to accept it for you to receive the refund.

Here are the steps to report a scam on Cash App:

By following these steps, you can help prevent further scams and protect yourself from financial harm.

Scammers have come up with creative ways to trick Cash App users into handing over their money. Here are some common scams and tactics to watch out for:

Scammers love to ask for gift cards in exchange for "free money" on Cash App. If anyone asks you to pay for a prize or pay off fines with a gift card, it's a scam. Government agencies and legitimate businesses will never ask for payment via gift cards.

Impersonation scams are another sneaky tactic used by scammers. They'll pretend to be friends or relatives in need of emergency assistance, and ask for money. Hackers can even use stolen profiles or fake accounts to make it seem more convincing.

Here are some red flags to look out for:

If you're selling something online, be cautious of scammers who pretend to be interested in your product. They may ask you to accept payment via Cash App, but this is a huge red flag – Cash App payments don't offer the same buyer protections as credit card payments.

Impersonating customer support is a common tactic used by scammers to trick Cash App users into revealing sensitive information. They'll contact you via phone, text message, DM, or email, pretending to be from Cash App.

Cash App will never ask for your account login information or one-time password. If someone claims to be from Cash App and asks for this information, it's a scam.

Scammers can be convincing, as they often spoof the Cash App number or name. To communicate with Cash App safely, use the app itself, call the number from their official website, or visit the official Cash App support site.

Be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages from people claiming to be from Cash App. If you receive one, hang up or ignore the message.

Selling expensive items online can be a lucrative venture, but it also comes with its own set of risks.

Scammers often target sellers with fake Cash App accounts, offering great deals on desirable items like concert tickets or rare collectibles.

To stay safe, make purchases only from established retailers or those you know personally. This can help you avoid fake Cash App accounts and ensure a smooth transaction.

Here are some common red flags to watch out for:

Scammers are experts at making promises that sound too good to be true. They'll promise to flip your money into a fortune, often with a "money-back guarantee" if you're not happy. But be aware, no one can guarantee returns on an investment.

These scammers often start small, promising to turn $200 into $1,000, to gain your trust before scamming you out of larger amounts. They'll use social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram to reach out to unsuspecting victims.

If someone reaches out to you with a get-rich-quick scheme or a "guaranteed" investment opportunity, be cautious. Conduct an online search before contacting the social media account that promoted the scheme. You'll likely find threads from victims who have posted complaints and details about the scam.

The scammers may even hack your friends' accounts to earn your trust, using language or phrases your friend wouldn't use. Don't fall for it! Treat your money on Cash App like real cash, and remember, if you wouldn't give a random person on the street your money to flip, don't do it online.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

Any offer that's too good to be true is likely a scam. The FTC notes that gift cards are the number one payment method for scammers, leading to $148 million in losses for consumers.

Be wary of potential buyers who are eager to pay or overpay for an item you're selling. If they insist on payment via Cash App, it's a red flag.

Sellers offering items at drastically discounted prices are also suspicious. According to the article, legitimate businesses will never ask for payment via gift cards.

If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Treat your money on Cash App like real cash and don't give it to someone you don't know.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

Unsolicited Messages can be a red flag for scams. Scammers often use unsolicited messages to lure you into their trap.

If you receive a message from someone claiming to have sent you money on Cash App by mistake, don't send them a refund. Instead, ignore the sender and contact Cash App to report the issue.

Scammers may also use fake Cash App accounts to contact you, claiming you've won a prize or promotion. Be cautious of messages that ask you to provide login credentials or send money to claim your prize.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when dealing with unsolicited messages:

Gift cards are also a common payment method for scammers, with $148 million in losses for consumers reported by the FTC. If anyone asks you to pay for a prize or fine with a gift card, it's a scam.

Romance scams are a serious threat to online relationships. Over 24,000 Americans were tricked by romance scams in 2021, with scammers stealing over $1 billion.

Scammers move fast, trying to gain your trust in a matter of days. They'll say they love you and pressure you to say it back, but this is all part of the scam.

They'll always have an excuse for why the relationship can only take place online. They might claim to be in legal trouble or not have access to their bank account because they're overseas.

Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

Cash App has robust safety features to protect your transactions, including encryption, PIN and sign-in protections, biometric settings, notifications, and fraud monitoring. These features help keep your account safe from scammers.

To further enhance security, consider changing your Cash App PIN and other login credentials if you suspect they've been compromised. This includes any information you may have shared with scammers or entered on suspicious websites.

Be cautious of fake security alerts, which may prompt you to share sensitive information. Legitimate Cash App representatives will never ask for your sign-in code, sensitive information, or to send payments to unverified accounts.

If you're unsure about a transaction, always check your Cash App account for confirmation. Don't rely on external emails or screenshots, as they may contain sensitive information.

Here are some common red flags to watch out for:

Protecting your personal info online is crucial to avoid falling victim to scams.

Don't share your personal details online, especially on public accounts, as scammers can gather them to send you convincing fake emails, SMS, or DMs, and then move the scam to Cash App.

Be cautious of strangers asking for your personal or account information, as it's likely a scammer. Information like your Cash App PIN, two-factor authentication codes, login credentials, and Social Security number are not meant to be shared.

Scammers often imitate Cash App employees and use phishing sites that look like Cash App support forms. Real Cash App employees may need to confirm your identity by asking for your name, phone number, email, or the last 3–4 digits of your bank account or card, but they will never ask for sensitive information like your sign-in code, Cash App PIN, or full bank account information.

Here's what not to do when someone asks for your personal information:

Remember, Cash App employees will never ask you to send a payment to an account claiming to be Cash App, Cash App support, or other companies outside of Cash App.

Data breach scams can be devastating, and the worst part is they're often hard to detect.

Criminals use information stolen from data breaches to access your accounts and make unauthorized transactions.

Victims may be unaware of the breach until they spot suspicious activity on their accounts.

Data breach scams can happen to anyone, and it's usually too late to take corrective action by the time you notice something's off.

Gift cards are a favorite among scammers, especially on Cash App. They're impossible to trace, making them the perfect payment method for scammers.

According to the FTC, gift cards are the number one payment method for scammers, leading to $148 million in losses for consumers.

Be cautious of anyone asking you to pay for a prize or pay off fines with a gift card. It's a scam. Government agencies and legitimate businesses will never ask for payment via gift cards.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

Cash app gift card scams can target anyone, but some types of scams are more common than others. Scammers often use fake social media profiles to trick victims into sending them gift cards.

Victims of cash app gift card scams are often young adults, aged 18-24. Scammers often use social media platforms to target this age group.

Scammers also target people who are in financial need, using fake job offers or investment opportunities to trick victims into sending gift cards.

Pyramid schemes are a type of scam that's been around for a long time, even before the internet. They rely on a steady stream of new victims to generate profits for those at the top of the pyramid.

These scams often go by different names, such as "Cash Circle", "Money Circle", "Blessing Loom", and "Mandala Game." They promise to turn a small amount of money into a much larger sum, but in reality, they're just a way to defraud people.

Some pyramid schemes might seem to work for those who end up at the top, but most of them end up defrauding everyone involved. In the US, UK, and many other parts of the world, pyramid schemes are actually illegal.

If you're approached with a pyramid scheme, it's essential to report the scammers and block their attempts to contact you. You can do this by reporting them in the Cash App app if they've given you their information, declining any payment requests, and blocking them if they've sent you a request.

Here are the steps to report a scammer in the Cash App app:

If you receive an unsolicited Cash App debit card in the mail, it's likely a scam. The card is set up in your name, and the scammer has access to your account and any funds you add to it.

The scammer can get your sensitive information from dark web marketplaces or data brokers operating on the clear web. This information can include your Social Security number.

To address this issue, install the Cash App app and use it to contact customer support. This will help you take the necessary steps to secure your account.

Ignoring the debit card and not taking action can lead to further problems. Visit the Federal Trade Commission's identity theft portal to learn what next steps you can take.

Securing your online accounts is crucial. Use a strong and unique password for each account, and consider using a password manager like Bitwarden to help you with this.

To take control of your personal data, consider using a personal data removal service like Incogni. This will help stop data brokers from sharing and selling your sensitive information online.

Charity scams are a type of scam where scammers pretend to represent a legitimate cause to take advantage of your generosity.

Charity scammers typically reach out over social media, text messages, or emails, claiming to be raising money for a charitable cause like disaster relief, poverty alleviation, or food security.

They use emotional stories or fabricated events to convince people to donate quickly via Cash App, which can lead to victims losing money and giving away sensitive data like credit card numbers.

Their deception can be difficult to detect because they prey on your emotions.

Government relief payment scams are a type of Cash App fraud that often pop up during and after times of crisis. They're usually posed as government officials offering aid, relief funds, or stimulus payments.

Scammers will try to convince you to share your Cash App credentials, claiming it's necessary to process your payments. This is a red flag, as no government agency will ever ask you to send money through a payment app.

Government relief payment scams can be sneaky, using official-sounding language or genuine-looking phishing emails to trick you into sharing your login details. Be cautious and don't let your guard down, even if the message seems legitimate.

To protect yourself, remember that government agencies only communicate through official channels, not through Cash App. Don't fall for the trap of sharing your personal and financial information with strangers, no matter how convincing they may seem.

To stay safe on Cash App, you need to be aware of the red flags that indicate a scam. Be cautious of phishing emails and fake websites that mimic the Cash App logo. These scammers will try to trick you into giving up your login information and passwords.

Check the email domain and service to ensure it's an official Cash App domain. Don't act on urgency or fear, but verify the breach or compromise directly with Cash App support in the app.

Some common scams to watch out for include fake Cash App customer support websites, cryptocurrency and Bitcoin scams, and #CashAppFridays and #SuperCashAppFriday giveaways. Always be suspicious of giveaways, sweepstakes, and surveys being peddled via random text messages and on social media platforms.

To protect yourself, never give out personal or financial information, even if you're convinced someone is going to send you money. Keep your account safe by changing your Cash App password immediately, activating touch ID, using a sign-in code, or enabling 2FA (Two-factor Authentication).

To spot Cash App scams, keep an eye out for suspicious emails, texts, and calls. If you receive a message that doesn't come from an official Cash App domain (@Square.com, @Cash.app, or @Squareup.com), it's likely a phishing attempt.

Phishing scams often use threatening language or create a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly. For example, the scammer may claim your account has been hacked and ask for your password to confirm your identity.

Be cautious of emails, messages, or calls that ask for your sensitive information, such as your login details or bank details. The real Cash App team will never ask you for your password or login information.

When clicking on links, check if the website is secure (HTTPS) and not an unofficial domain name. If you're unsure, report the suspicious message to Cash App through the app or at https://cash.app/help.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

If you see any of these red flags, hang up, delete the message, or mark it as spam. Then, check your Cash App app for any notifications and suspicious activity. If something looks off, contact the Cash App team via the app.

Scammers Selling Hard-to-Find Items often ask for payment via Cash App, knowing it doesn't offer buyer protection.

They might sell fake tickets to sold-out concerts or offer discounted luxury items that seem too good to be true.

These scammers will stop responding after you pay, leaving you with no way to get your money back.

Some common online shopping Cash App scams include selling expensive items like concert tickets or rare collectibles through fake business accounts.

To stay safe, make purchases only from established retailers or those you know personally.

People actively looking for work are commonly targeted. The job offer usually comes across as urgent.

Victims who send money to secure the job eventually learn that the offer was fake from the start. The scammer disappears as soon as they receive the funds.

Fake COVID-19 programs are still out there, and they're designed to part you from your money. The Federal Trade Commission has logged over 800,000 COVID-19 and stimulus fraud reports, totaling almost $1,000,000,000 in losses.

Scammers often create fake COVID-19 relief and stimulus programs, duping victims into making Cash App payments. No government relief package or official program will ever require you to make a payment using Cash App.

Be wary of anyone who contacts you claiming to represent one of these programs. Don't engage with them, no matter how convincing they may sound. Scammers will often ask for sensitive information, including medical information, which can lead to identity theft.

Medical identity theft is a real danger here, and it's not something to take lightly. Over 200,000 reports of COVID-19 and stimulus fraud mention identity theft. Don't reveal any personal or financial information, not to mention medical information, to scammers.

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind: