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Cash App scams are prevalent, especially during the holiday season. With last-minute gift shopping and endless festive gatherings, it’s all too easy to overlook details. But just like the Grinch, fraudsters are lurking, waiting to steal from you, either through tempting deals or urgent messages.
For extra peace of mind and a little holiday cheer, consider checking out some identity theft protection services.
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During the holiday season, scammers aim to take advantage of your desperation to get the perfect gift as soon as possible. Here are a few of the most common scams:
Someone will contact you saying they’ve set up a Secret Santa gift exchange. They’ll tell you they need money from you in order to participate. These requests are often fishy and can feel off. It’s best to be cautious and skip the exchange. A popular social engineering scam is "Secret Sister," a twist on Secret Santa for women to exchange wine or other holiday gifts. There's also a version of this holiday scam for dog lovers, where pup parents exchange treats and toys. Remember, real gift exchanges don't require money upfront,
Scammers impersonate charities to steal donations. Unfortunately, some of the top charities impersonated are for first responders and other service members, including veterans and law enforcement. Other impersonated charities include the American Cancer Society and fake non-profits that claim to support children. Around the holidays, the emotional appeal angle is the most effective for soliciting funds.
Bad actors may also pose as charities that don’t even exist, so always do your research before donating. And remember, scammers can use AI to create a totally believable charity website.
Scammers send texts, emails, and even malicious pop-ups that dangle a Cash App holiday deal you wouldn't want to miss. But first, you need to click a phishing link and enter your information to activate offers, including cash-back referrals, deposit matches, Boosts for instant cashback at select merchants, fee-free transfers to friends and family, and more.
Scammers often pose as Cash App representatives. They’ll claim there’s a problem with your account. They may ask for your personal information or even money to "fix" the issue. Don’t respond. Instead, reach out to Cash App directly using their official support channels to verify the claim.
You get a message that you’ve won a contest, and all you need to do is send a payment to cover “fees” or “taxes.” You send the payment, but once they receive it, they disappear, and the “prize” is nowhere to be found.
A scammer might “accidentally” send you money on Cash App. Then they’ll ask you to refund it. However, the payment usually comes from a stolen account.
Fraudsters promise to double your money if you pay them a fee upfront — a classic variation of a pyramid scam. If they say they’re multiplying your money, just remember: The only thing multiplying is your risk of being scammed.
Cash App bitcoin scams use many of the strategies mentioned, only instead of trying to get cash from you, scammers want your cryptocurrency. The idea is that, since cryptocurrencies like bitcoin aren't traceable, the bad actor is more likely to get away clean. Scammers may also try the Crypto Giveaway approach, in which they use livestreams to claim you will receive free crypto after you send some first.
It should be no surprise that popular social media platforms and messaging apps are rife with bad actors around the holidays. Cash App scams on Facebook are basically any unsolicited communications in which the person contacting you offers fake giveaways, phony job opportunities, romantic interest, or even Facebook Marketplace deals that require fees. Keep an eye out for phony Facebook ad scams, too. It's always best to do your research before clicking unsolicited links or giving away personal information.
Cash App scams on TikTok are similar to Facebook scams, only these typically see scammers claiming you can get paid for liking videos, but you need to pay a registration fee. Other TikTok scams include bad actors posing as celebrities or influencers, asking for donations for a cause or charity. Remember, AI scams abound, allowing scammers to create credible online personas, profiles, videos, and websites in seconds.
Cash App scams often share a few common signs. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid them. Warning signs to keep an eye out for include:
Getting duped in a Cash App scam can make you feel embarrassed or stupid. But you can act fast and hopefully recover your money. You shouldn’t wait for Santa to bring you a refund. Follow these steps to avoid being left out in the cold:
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Cash App scams can add to the stress of an already overwhelming holiday season. Thankfully, it’s easier than you think to keep yourself safe. A few simple steps can go a long way.
Start by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Cash App account. It takes seconds to set up and offers a lifetime of protection. This feature requires a second form of identification — like a code sent to your phone — whenever you log in.
Using identity theft protection services can also help. By keeping track of your identity and credit, you can get an early warning if something is wrong.
| Service |  Norton LifeLock |
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| Best for | Best for online identity monitoring | Best overall identity theft protection | Best for scam protection |
| Individual monthly price | Starts at $7.50/mo | Starts at $9.00/mo | Starts at $7.00/mo |
| Family monthly price | Starts at $18.49/mo | Starts at $25.00/mo | - |
| ID theft insurance | Up to $3 million | Up to $1 million per adult | Up to $2 million |
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Scams often involve urgent or unrealistic offers. They’ll also request money upfront. You may also receive unsolicited communications that pressure you to act quickly.
Yes. Cash App has built-in warnings. These include notifications about suspicious activity. Cash App also has official support channels to report scams.
Unfortunately, Cash App cannot guarantee a refund. However, you may be able to dispute the transaction with Cash App’s support team.
Yes, fraud tends to spike during the holidays. Fraudsters exploit the busy, gift-giving season when people are most distracted.
The holidays should be filled with joy, not stress. But scammers are counting on you being distracted. Knowing what scams are happening and following some simple safety rules can make all the difference.
For extra peace of mind, consider using identity theft protection services. By taking these simple steps, you can celebrate this holiday season without worrying about falling victim to scams. After all, the only surprise you want this holiday season should be the one under the tree!
Top-rated identity theft protection service
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Multiple monitoring features including dark web, home title, and social media monitoring
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