What to Do If a Random Person Sends You Money on Cash App

Have you ever received an unexpected payment from a stranger on Cash App? While it may seem like a stroke of luck, this is often a sign of a scam. Scammers use various tactics to send money to unsuspecting users and then try to trick them into sending the money back. In this blog post, we'll explore what to do if a random person sends you money on Cash App and how to protect yourself from these types of scams.

But first things first, here's the first thing to do when you randomly receive money on Cash App.

Why Would Someone Send Me Random Money on Cash App?

Scammers often use unsolicited Cash App deposits as bait in two main schemes:

• Accidental Transfer Scam: The scammer will message you claiming they accidentally sent you money and request you to "return" a portion of it. Often, they'll pressure you to send the money back quickly, hoping you'll act impulsively without questioning the situation.
• Fake Payment Scam: The scammer sends you money and then claims it was meant as payment for a fictitious good or service. They pressure you to send them additional money (supposedly for shipping or processing fees) to complete the non-existent transaction.

How to Identify a Random Money Scam on Cash App

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Unfamiliar Sender: You don't recognize the name or Cashtag of the person who sent you money.
• Urgent Requests: The scammer tries to pressure you into acting quickly, urging you to send money back immediately.
• Suspicious Messages: The scammer's messages might contain grammatical errors, typos, or a sense of urgency.
• Requests for Additional Money: The scammer might ask you to send a portion of the money back or request additional funds for fees.

Understanding the Cash App Scam

The most common Cash App scam involving random deposits works like this:

1. A scammer sends you money, often claiming it was sent by "mistake."
2. The scammer then contacts you and asks you to send the money back, saying it was an accidental transfer.
3. What the scammer is really doing is using a stolen credit card or hacked Cash App account to send you the money. Once you send the money back, the scammer can withdraw it before the original transaction is reversed.

In some cases, the scammer may claim you've won a prize and ask you to send a "fee" to receive the full amount. This is also a scam, as you'll never receive the promised payout.

What to Do If You Receive Random Money on Cash App

If a random person sends you money on Cash App, do not spend it or respond to any requests to send the money back. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Refund the money: Tap the Activity tab, select the random payment, tap the three-dot menu, and choose "Refund." This will return the money to the sender without affecting your own account.
2. Decline the payment request: If the sender asks you to send the money back, tap the Activity tab, select the payment request, and choose "Decline Request." You can also report the sender at this time.
3. Contact Cash App support: If you believe you've been the victim of a scam, reach out to Cash App support by calling 1 (800) 969-1940 or using the in-app chat feature. Provide them with the details of the situation, and they may be able to assist you.

Protecting Yourself from Cash App Scams

To avoid falling victim to these types of scams, there are a few additional steps you can take:

1. Limit incoming requests: In the Cash App settings, go to "Security & Privacy" and select "Contacts only" under "Incoming Requests" to restrict who can send you payment requests.
2. Block suspicious senders: After refunding the money and declining any requests, you can block the sender to prevent future contact.
3. Be wary of phishing attempts: Watch out for emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from Cash App support, as these are often phishing scams. Only contact Cash App through the official app or website.
4. Secure your account: Enable security features like a PIN, Touch ID, or Face ID, and use two-factor authentication to protect your Cash App account.

Conclusion

Receiving random money on Cash App can be a concerning situation, but by understanding the common scams and taking the appropriate steps, you can protect yourself and your finances. Remember, if a stranger sends you money, do not spend it or respond to any requests to send it back. Instead, refund the payment, decline any requests, and contact Cash App support if you believe you've been the victim of a scam. By staying vigilant and using the available security features, you can enjoy the convenience of Cash App while avoiding the risks of these types of scams.