10 Cash App Holiday Scams to Watch for This Season, From Fake Gift Exchanges to Christmas Giveaways

Cash App scams are common, especially during the holidays, when holiday scam statistics show fraud tends to spike. With last-minute gift shopping and endless festive gatherings, it's all too easy to overlook details. But like the Grinch, fraudsters are lurking, waiting to steal from you through tempting deals or urgent messages.

Here are the Cash App scams to watch for this season and what to do if you're targeted. For a broader look at seasonal fraud, see our guide to holiday scams to avoid.

10 Cash App holiday gift scams to watch out for

During the holidays, scammers exploit your desire to get the perfect gift fast. Here are a few of the most common scams:

1. Secret Santa scam

Someone will contact you saying they've set up a Secret Santa gift exchange. They'll tell you they need money 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 that involves exchanging 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.

2. Holiday charity scams

Scammers impersonate charities to steal donations. Unfortunately, some of the most commonly impersonated charities support 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, emotional appeals are most effective for soliciting funds.

Bad actors may also pose as charities that don't exist, so always research before donating. And remember, scammers can use AI to create a totally believable charity website.

3. Holiday promotions

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.

4. Impersonating customer service

With more holiday orders, transfers, and account activity, a message about an account "problem" can seem believable. Scammers pose as Cash App representatives and ask for your personal information, sign-in code, or money to "fix" the issue. Cash App Support will never ask for your sign-in code, PIN, or Social Security number. Don't respond. Contact Cash App directly in the app or at 1 (800) 969-1940, which is its only official support number. Learn more about how to spot fake Cash App support.

5. Fake prize claims and giveaways

You get a message that you've won a holiday giveaway, 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. Scammers often target people who post their $Cashtag publicly. Cash App itself once encouraged this with a promotion called Cash App Fridays, which state attorneys general cited in a 2026 settlement. Cash App will never charge you to receive a prize.

6. Accidental payments

A scammer might "accidentally" send you money on Cash App, then ask you to send it back, often with a sad story about needing it for holiday gifts or travel. Don't return the money yourself. Tell the sender to contact Cash App Support, and report the payment in the app.

7. Cash flipping

Fraudsters promise to double your money if you pay a fee upfront, often pitching it as a way to stretch your holiday budget. If they say they're multiplying your money, just remember: The only thing multiplying is your risk of being scammed.

8. Cash App bitcoin scams

Cash App bitcoin scams use many of the strategies mentioned, but instead of trying to get cash from you, scammers want your cryptocurrency. Scammers may also use the Crypto Giveaway approach, where they use livestreams to claim you will receive free crypto after you send some first. If someone asks you to send crypto to receive more crypto, it's a scam.

9. Cash App scams on Facebook

Popular social media platforms and messaging apps are no surprise rife with bad actors around the holidays. Cash App scams on Facebook are unsolicited messages offering fake giveaways, phony job opportunities, romantic interest, or even Facebook Marketplace deals that require fees. Watch out for phony Facebook ad scams, too. Always do your research before clicking unsolicited links or sharing personal information.

10. Cash App scams on TikTok

Cash App scams on TikTok are similar to Facebook scams; scammers typically claim 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. 

Warning signs of Cash App holiday scams

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:

• Requests for payment in advance
  Scammers will ask for payment/deposit before they can "deliver" a product. Once they get paid, they disappear. If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
• Unbelievable deals
  Be wary of offers that seem to promise rewards or products at suspiciously low prices. Once you pay, you'll probably never receive what you paid for. If you do receive a product, it will likely be of low quality.
• Urgent or "limited-time" offers
  Fraudsters thrive on the thrill of false urgency. They'll claim that a deal is expiring soon or that you'll face negative consequences if you don't act right away. This pressures you not to double-check whether they are legitimate.
• Phony Cash App emails
  Watch out for emails that appear to be from Cash App. Real Cash App emails only come from @cash.app, @square.com, or @squareup.com. Be wary of any email asking for your login info or other sensitive information.
• Poor writing
  Many scam messages contain spelling or grammatical errors. Scammers rely on their victims to just skim a message before clicking a link. Read each message carefully to stay safe.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

Getting duped in a Cash App scam can make you feel embarrassed or stupid. But acting fast gives you the best chance of limiting the damage. Payments to other people can't be reversed, and Cash App doesn't guarantee refunds, so you shouldn't wait for Santa to bring you one. Follow these steps to avoid being left out in the cold:

1. Contact Cash App support. Report the scam in the app right away, or call 1 (800) 969-1940, Cash App's only official support number.
2. Secure your account. Change your PIN, turn on Security Lock, and lock your Cash App Card.
3. Contact the FTC. Reporting the scam to the Federal Trade Commission helps authorities track scams and protect other users.
4. Monitor your credit and financial accounts. Watch for any unauthorized transactions.
5. Report fake accounts. Report the scammer's account to Cash App.
6. Share your experience with other users. Warning others about the scam can help them avoid the same mistake.

For more on how Cash App's protections work and where they fall short, see our guide: Is Cash App safe?

How to stay safe from Cash App scams

Cash App scams can add to the stress of an already overwhelming holiday season. Thankfully, a few simple steps can go a long way.

Start by turning on Security Lock in Cash App, which requires your face, fingerprint, or PIN before you can send any payment. Then protect the email account linked to your Cash App with two-factor authentication (2FA), which requires a second form of identification, like a code sent to your phone, whenever you log in.

Identity theft prevention measures can also help. By monitoring your identity and credit, you can get an early warning if something is wrong.

Best identity theft protection services

Bottom line

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. If you're giving gift cards this year, watch out for holiday gift card scams, too.

For extra peace of mind, consider using identity theft protection services. With these simple steps, you can enjoy the 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!

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