Lost money to a scam › Venmo, Cash App or PayPal
Paid a Scammer on Venmo, Cash App or PayPal? What to Do
Payment apps can sometimes stop or reverse a payment if you report it quickly. Report inside the app first, then call your bank if the app is linked to your account or card.
What to do now
- Report the payment in the appUse the official support option inside the app, then ask for the payment to be reversed and refunded.
- Call your bank tooIf the app is linked to your bank account or card, tell your bank as well and ask about a dispute.
- Use only official supportFake support numbers are a common trick. Use the numbers below or the help option inside the app.
- Report the scamFile a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Official contacts
| Cash App | Profile, then Support in the app, cash.app/help, or 1 (800) 969-1940 |
| Venmo | Profile, then Get Help in the app, help.venmo.com, or 1 (855) 812-4430 |
| PayPal | Resolution Center at paypal.com/disputes, or 1 (888) 221-1161 |
What to say when you call
"I sent [amount] on [date] to [username] after being tricked by a scammer. I want to report this payment, ask for it to be reversed, and secure my account."
Your rights
- Payment apps set their own rules for scam payments. Payments you sent yourself can be harder to recover than unauthorized ones.
- If the app is linked to a credit card, the card dispute rules may also help.
If they say no
If the app or your bank refuses and you believe it is wrong, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Paid another way too?
- Credit card
- Debit card or bank account
- Zelle or bank transfer
- Wire transfer
- Gift cards
- Cryptocurrency
- Cash by mail or courier
- All steps
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice, and following it does not guarantee you will get your money back.