Scammers have become increasingly clever with their tactics.
Imagine this…
You have a job you enjoy, but it doesn’t pay as well as you’d like.
While browsing the Internet one day, you stumble upon an “opportunity” that promises to double the money you send through Cash App, similar to the notorious Cash App $100 to $800 flip.
You think this could be a perfect side hustle to boost your income and decide to respond to the advertiser’s social media post.
And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t like free Cash App money? It’s very tempting!
After a brief conversation, you decide to send $500 to their $Cashtag, hoping to receive $1,000 in return.
A few days later, you don’t get the $1,000 you were expecting and haven’t heard from the person.
You send follow-up messages asking about the money, but you get no response.
Then, after doing some online research, you discover with horror that you’ve fallen victim to a Cash App cash flipping scam.
Not only are you upset, but you’re also anxious because your rent is due, and you don’t have enough money in your bank account to cover it.
“Oh, no. I Got Scammed on Cash App! What Do I Do?” is the thought racing through your mind.
Unfortunately, cash flipping and other scams are prevalent on Cash App.
In fact, FTC complaints about Cash App surged from 735 in 2019 to 4,204 the following year. (That’s a 472 percent increase!)
Though it’s frustrating to deal with being fleeced out of money, you can take action to stop scammers and possibly recover your funds.
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What to Do if You Get Scammed on Cash App
Follow these measures if you find yourself caught up in a Cash App scam.
1. Don’t Confront Them for a Refund
Getting a refund is possible on Cash App when dealing with an honest merchant.
However, in this situation, you’re not dealing with an honest merchant; you’re dealing with a scam artist.
It’s unlikely they’ll return your money unless they feel remorse for stealing from you. (Which is highly improbable!)
In other words, this step is just for your information, so don’t waste time trying to negotiate or communicate with a scammer.
2. See if You Can Cancel the Payment
Cash App offers the option to cancel payments.
However, there’s a catch—transactions must be in pending status to cancel them.
If the transaction is still pending, press the “Cancel” button.
3. Try to Dispute the Transaction
If canceling the payment isn’t an option, follow these steps to dispute it:
- Open Cash App and tap “Activity.”
- Find the payment, then tap the three dots in the upper-right corner of it.
- Next, select “Need Help & Cash App Support.”
- Then, tap “Dispute Transaction.”
Hopefully, this will resolve the issue. If not, proceed with the next steps.
4. Inform Your Bank About the Fraud
There are two ways to notify your bank about a fraudulent transaction:
Dispute the Bank Account or Debit/Credit Card Payment – Contact your bank’s fraud department to request a stop or refund of the transaction.
Close the Account – Your bank might recommend closing the account and opening a new one. (Hopefully, it doesn’t come to this, but sometimes desperate measures are necessary.)
5. Notify Cash App of the Scam
Now that you’ve done everything you can to retrieve your hard-earned money, report the scam to Cash App:
- Open Cash App.
- Tap the “Profile” icon in the upper-right corner.
- Select “Support.”
- Tap “Report a payment issue” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Reporting helps you and future victims by providing Cash App with information to protect other customers.
6. Block the Cash App Scam Artist
To block the scammer, locate their profile, scroll down, and tap “Report” or “Block.”
7. Freeze Your Credit
Scammers who gain access to Cash App accounts are likely to have other financial information. They may use it to apply for loans or open bank accounts in your name.
Prevent further issues by contacting the major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) and requesting a credit freeze.
8. Report the Scam to Government Agencies
Report the Cash App scam to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) or the IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center).
These organizations will need details such as your name, address, and credit card information to process your request.
How to Avoid Future Cash App Scams
Follow these tips to protect yourself from future Cash App schemes and avoid asking, “I got scammed on Cash App! What do I do?” again.
1. Educate Yourself on the Latest Cash App Scams
In addition to the cash flipping scam mentioned earlier, there are other schemes on Cash App.
Some include the customer support scam, where someone pretends to be Cash App support, and the “expensive item scheme,” which tricks you into paying for a non-existent item.
2. Only Send Money to People You Know
It’s safest to send money to people you know, such as friends and family members.
Sending money to a total stranger not only risks your money but could also enable them to purchase harmful products or engage in other dangerous activities.
3. Trust Your Gut Instinct
Sometimes, you simply need to trust your gut feeling. If something feels off, it’s best to proceed with caution.
If a “wonderful money-maker” doesn’t seem right, it’s likely best to avoid it.
Final Thoughts
I understand what it feels like to be scammed, even though I wasn’t scammed on Cash App (knock on wood!).
I’ve fallen for so many scams that it’s a miracle I didn’t end up filing for bankruptcy.
Now, I do everything I can to protect myself from future scams, though it can be challenging because some scammers are extremely clever.
While you might not be able to avoid all scams, the tips I’ve shared above can help reduce your chances of falling for Cash App schemes—or any schemes, for that matter.
Instead of saying, “I got scammed on Cash App! What do I do?,” you’ll hopefully find yourself saying, “I’m not going to fall for Cash App schemes so easily because I know what to do and what NOT to do!“
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