Watch Out for Cash App Holiday Scams: Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Cheer

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.

What is a Cash App holiday gift scam?

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:

Fake prize claims

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.

Accidental payments

A scammer might “accidentally” send you money. Then they’ll ask you to refund it. However, the payment usually comes from a stolen account.

Impersonating customer service

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.

Secret Santa scam

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.

Holiday charity scams

Scammers impersonate charities to steal donations. They may also pose as charities that don’t even exist! Do your research before donating.

Holiday promotions

Fake limited-time offers and exclusive holiday deals may seem too good to miss. However, they’re really just designed to steal your money.

Cash flipping

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.

Warning signs of Cash App holiday scams

Holiday scams tend to have a few common signs. Knowing what to look for can help you steer clear of 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 is to pressure you into not double-checking if they are legitimate.
• Phony Cash App emails
  Watch out for emails that appear to be from Cash App. These may be phishing attempts. Be wary of any email specifically asking for your login info or other sensitive information. Verify that you're talking to a legitimate Cash App representative by checking the official contact information.
• Poor writing
  A lot of scam messages contain spelling or grammatical errors. Scammers rely on their victim to just skim a message before clicking a link. Carefully read each message to keep yourself safe.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

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:

• Contact Cash App support: Reach out to Cash App through the app or by calling their support line to report the scam immediately.
• Contact the FTC: Reporting the scam to the Federal Trade Commission helps authorities track scams and protect other users.
• Change your password: Consider using a password manager to make sure your Cash App password is strong and unique.

• Monitor your credit and financial accounts: Keep an eye out for any unauthorized transactions.
• Report fake accounts: If you’ve been scammed, report the fake account to Cash App.
• Share your experience with other users: Warning others about the scam can help them avoid the same mistake.

How to stay safe from Cash App holiday scams

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.

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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.

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!