BBB: Scammers prey on Cash App users as people turn away from cash during pandemic

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Scammers are going after people using digital wallet apps like Cash App as more businesses and individuals are turning away from cash during the pandemic over concerns about physical money possibly spreading the virus.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) said fraudsters are preying on Cash App users, which has around 30 million monthly active users.

“We’re kind of trending that direction in society today and guess what? Scammers pay attention to this,” said BBB Director of Communications, Sandra Guile.

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The BBB said victims are reporting sending money through Cash App for things like concert tickets and computer software.

According to the consumer complaints, once the money is sent, the consumer is blocked, never getting the product and never hearing back from the vendor again.

“They just kind of disappear and it’s easy to do online if you think about it,” Guile said.

There are ways to try and protect yourself.

The BBB said if possible, link a digital wallet app to a credit card instead of a bank account or debit card so you can dispute the charges with your credit card company.

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There also red flags to look out for from the seller.

“There are some key words there,” Guile said. “I only accept, fill in the blank. Or you send me the money first, then I’ll send you the item.”

The BBB said another common scam involves a fake customer support phone number for Cash App.

Consumers think they’re speaking with a Cash App representative, but it’s really a scammer trying to get the user’s login information to drain their bank account.

According to the website for Cash App, users should report problems through the app itself as there is no phone number to call to speak with customer support.

A spokesperson for Cash App said: “We are always working to protect our customers, which includes educating them about phishing scams. As a reminder, the Cash App team will never ask customers to send them money, nor will they solicit a customer’s PIN or sign-in code outside of the app. If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, you should contact Cash App support through the app or website immediately.”

Cox Media Group