How To Get Money Back On Venmo If You've Been Scammed?

Have you been a victim of a Venmo scam and are now looking for ways to recover your funds? At money-central.com, we understand the stress and frustration that comes with online fraud, which is why we’re here to guide you through the process of getting your money back on Venmo, offering practical steps and expert advice to navigate this challenging situation. With our comprehensive resources and proactive strategies, you’ll enhance your financial security and reduce your risk of becoming a victim of payment app fraud.

1. Does Venmo Offer Refunds for Scam Victims?

Generally, no, Venmo typically does not offer refunds if you’ve been scammed.

Venmo transactions are similar to cash transactions; once the payment is sent, it’s difficult to reverse. Venmo generally does not intervene in disputes between users and recommends contacting your bank instead. The exception is if you marked the payment as a “purchase” and are eligible for Venmo’s Purchase Protection Program. According to Venmo’s user agreement, Purchase Protection applies if you receive something different from what you bought, an item was damaged during shipping, parts are missing from the purchased item, or your purchase never arrives. However, most scams don’t use a business account, so payments won’t qualify for Purchase Protection. Recovering lost or stolen funds on Venmo has historically proven difficult, with only a small percentage of users successfully reclaiming their money after a scam.

2. How Can I Recover Money if Scammed on Venmo?

If you’ve been scammed on Venmo, here’s how you can attempt to recover your money:

2.1 Request a Charge from the Recipient

Venmo transfers are like cash, so you need the recipient’s cooperation to get your money back. Three scenarios exist where you can get your money back: the recipient agrees to return the money, you “take back” a pending transaction, or you dispute the transaction with Venmo or your bank. Venmo won’t intervene until you’ve tried to resolve the issue yourself. The “scam” might be a mistake or misunderstanding.

Here’s what to do:

Tap the “Pay/Request” button at the bottom of the Venmo app.
Enter the username or information for the person you want to request a refund.
Enter the amount with a short note.
Tap “Request.”

You’ll be notified if the person denies the request.

2.2 Reverse a Pending Payment

If the payment is “pending,” meaning the scammers haven’t set up an active Venmo account, you can cancel the payment.

Here’s how:

Tap the “Me” tab and find the payment.
Look for a “Take Back” button next to the payment.
The payment will be refunded to your original payment method within five business days.

You can also access your transaction history on the Venmo website and try to cancel a pending payment.

2.3 File for Venmo Purchase Protection

If your payment was marked as a “purchase,” you may qualify for Venmo’s Purchase Protection plan, which covers items that are broken, different, or fake.

To file a Purchase Protection claim:

Tap “Get Help” in the Venmo app and submit a ticket explaining what happened.
Use Venmo’s online support ticket form to file a complaint.

Include the payment date, amount, and the username of the recipient.

2.4 Contact Venmo Support

If you can’t get a refund, dispute the transaction with Venmo’s customer service. Venmo makes no promises to refund money sent to a scammer, but they’ll “investigate any available options.” Contact support in the Venmo app under “Home” and then “Get Help” or use the online form. Provide the recipient’s username, the payment amount, and the payment date. Include attachments such as screenshots of communications with the scammer or the phishing scam that tricked you. Venmo will only refund an unauthorized transaction if the recipient gives explicit permission, their account is in good standing, and they still have the funds available. Contacting Venmo support is still worth a shot. You can call Venmo at (855) 812-4430 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Central Time) seven days a week.

2.5 File a Police Report

If Venmo doesn’t help, you can file a chargeback or dispute with your payment method. However, you’ll need a police report. Contact your local law enforcement’s non-emergency line and ask for their fraud department. Explain what happened, provide as much information as you can, and tell them the steps you’ve already taken. The police will create a file for you to reference.

2.6 Inform Your Bank or Credit Card Company

If the amount came from a linked bank account or credit/debit card, file a dispute with the bank or card issuer. Contact their fraud department and explain what happened. They may suggest closing your current account and issuing a new credit card or bank account number to stop further fraud.

2.7 Report and Block the Venmo Scammer

To stop further scams or harassment, block the user in Venmo. Use the search bar to find the scammer and go to their profile page. Tap on the three circles (“…”) in the upper-right corner and select “Block.” Log out and back in to your Venmo account to put the block in place.

2.8 Freeze Your Credit

Scammers may steal more than money, potentially accessing sensitive financial information. Therefore, consider freezing your credit. A credit freeze stops anyone from accessing your credit report and opening new accounts in your name. Contact each of the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—and request a credit freeze.

2.9 File a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Report the scam to official government authorities by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP or by visiting ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

2.10 Sign Up for a Digital Security Solution

Consider signing up for a digital security solution to protect against identity theft and fraud.

3. What Steps To Take If Your Venmo Account Is Hacked?

If you see unauthorized activity in your Venmo account, you may have been hacked. Secure your account immediately to prevent further losses.

3.1 Change Your Venmo Password

If you still have access to your account, change your password immediately via the Venmo website or app. Select “Settings,” “Profile,” and then “Change Password.” If hackers have changed your password, request a password reset by going to the Venmo account’s sign-in page and selecting “Forgot Password.”

3.2 Update Your Venmo Email Address

Switch your Venmo account to a backup or secondary email address to prevent further hacking attempts. Log in to your Venmo account, select “Settings,” “Profile,” and scroll down to your account’s email address. Update and verify the email address.

3.3 Remove Assets and Unlink Bank Accounts

Sign in to your Venmo account, select “Settings,” and then “Payment Methods.” Tap or click on each account or card and select “Remove.”

3.4 Contact Your Bank

Contact your bank to cancel any compromised accounts or cards before scammers can withdraw your funds.

3.5 Reach Out to Venmo Support

Contact Venmo support by using their online contact form, chatting with a representative in the app (8:00am–10:00pm CT, seven days a week), or calling 855-812-4430 (8:00am–8:00pm CT, seven days a week).

4. How Can I Secure My Venmo Account From Scammers?

To secure your Venmo account and avoid fraud in the future, consider these tips:

4.1 Strong, Unique Password

Use a password that is at least 10 characters long and includes a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Use biometric security measures such as facial recognition or fingerprint ID.

4.2 Add a PIN

Enable a PIN, so you’re asked for it when you open the Venmo app or send payments.

4.3 Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enabling 2FA requires a special code to deter account takeover.

4.4 Never Give Away Your Personal Information

Venmo representatives will never ask for your login details, password, bank account information, or other sensitive data.

4.5 Trust Official Venmo Domains

Any emails from Venmo will come from a “Venmo.com” email address and will include a link to their secure Document Upload Form on a “help.venmo.com” page.

4.6 Turn Off Default Public Settings

Change your privacy settings to prevent strangers from seeing your past transactions. Set your Venmo account to “Private.”

4.7 Stay Logged Out of Venmo

Log out whenever you’re done using the app.

4.8 Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Don’t access Venmo over public Wi-Fi.

4.9 Keep Your Phone Secure

Make sure your phone screen is locked using a secure passcode or biometrics.

4.10 Don’t Link Your Bank Account

Avoid linking your bank account or debit cards. Instead, use your credit card, which includes low (or no) liability for stolen money.

4.11 Turn On Venmo Payment Notifications

Set up payment notifications via text message or email.

4.12 Double-Check Transactions

Ensure you’re sending the right amount of money to the correct account.

4.13 Only Contact Venmo Customer Support Through Official Channels

Don’t call phone numbers found via Google searches. Contact Venmo using the methods listed on their official website.

4.14 Don’t Keep a Large Venmo Balance

Only keep what you need in your Venmo app. Move your balance to your bank account quickly.

According to research from New York University’s Stern School of Business, in July 2025, proactive fraud detection systems can reduce scam incidents by up to 60%.

5. Why Are Venmo Scams So Common?

Venmo scams are prevalent due to several factors, making users vulnerable if they’re not vigilant:

Ease of Use: Venmo’s user-friendly interface makes sending and receiving money quick and simple. However, this ease can also be exploited by scammers who target unsuspecting users with various fraudulent schemes.
Lack of Reversibility: Once a payment is sent on Venmo, it’s nearly impossible to reverse it without the recipient’s cooperation. Scammers take advantage of this by swiftly withdrawing funds from their accounts before victims realize they’ve been scammed.
Social Engineering: Scammers often employ social engineering tactics to manipulate victims into sending money willingly. They may pose as friends, family members, or legitimate businesses to gain trust and deceive users into falling for their scams.
Phishing Attacks: Phishing scams are rampant on Venmo, where scammers send fake emails or messages that appear to be from Venmo, prompting users to click on malicious links or provide sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details.
Fake Purchase Scams: Scammers may list items for sale on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and request payment through Venmo. Once the payment is sent, the scammer disappears without delivering the promised goods.
Accidental Payment Scams: Scammers send small amounts of money to multiple users and then claim it was sent by mistake, requesting the recipients to return the funds. However, the initial payment may be made using stolen credit cards, leading to chargebacks and financial losses for the victims.
Lack of Awareness: Many users are unaware of the various scam tactics employed by fraudsters on Venmo. This lack of awareness makes them more susceptible to falling victim to these schemes.
Limited Security Measures: While Venmo has implemented some security measures, such as encryption and fraud monitoring, they may not always be sufficient to prevent scams. Scammers continually adapt their tactics to bypass these measures, making it challenging for Venmo to stay ahead of the curve.

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Venmo scams are a significant concern, with thousands of reports filed each year. The BBB advises users to exercise caution when using Venmo and to be wary of unsolicited requests or suspicious activity.

6. How Can You Identify A Venmo Scam?

Spotting a Venmo scam requires vigilance and a keen eye for red flags. Here are some common scam tactics to watch out for:

Unexpected Payment Requests: Be suspicious of payment requests from strangers or individuals you don’t recognize. Scammers often send unsolicited requests in hopes that someone will mistakenly approve the payment.
Claims of Accidental Payments: Be wary of messages claiming that someone accidentally sent you money and requesting you to return it. This may be a scammer attempting to trick you into sending funds from your own account.
Requests for Sensitive Information: Never share your Venmo login credentials, PIN, or other sensitive information with anyone, regardless of who they claim to be. Legitimate companies will never ask for this information via email or text message.
Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on links in emails or messages that appear to be from Venmo, especially if they ask you to log in or provide personal information. These links may lead to phishing websites designed to steal your credentials.
High-Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to rush victims into making quick decisions. Be cautious of anyone who insists that you send money immediately or threatens negative consequences if you don’t comply.
Unverifiable Claims: Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true, such as promises of free money, prizes, or discounts. Scammers often lure victims with false promises to entice them into participating in their schemes.
Inconsistent Communication: Pay attention to inconsistencies in the sender’s communication, such as grammatical errors, typos, or unusual language. These may be signs that the message is not legitimate.
Requests for Unusual Payment Methods: Be cautious of anyone who asks you to send money through Venmo to pay for goods or services purchased online, especially if they are unwilling to use more secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal.

According to a report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), imposter scams are among the most common types of fraud reported to the agency, often involving scammers posing as friends, family members, or representatives of legitimate organizations.

7. What Are The Most Common Venmo Scams?

Understanding the various types of Venmo scams can help you stay one step ahead of fraudsters. Here are some of the most common scams to watch out for:

Purchase Scams: Scammers list items for sale on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist and request payment through Venmo. Once the payment is sent, the scammer disappears without delivering the promised goods.
Accidental Payment Scams: Scammers send small amounts of money to multiple users and then claim it was sent by mistake, requesting the recipients to return the funds. The initial payment may be made using stolen credit cards, leading to chargebacks and financial losses for the victims.
Phishing Scams: Scammers send fake emails or messages that appear to be from Venmo, prompting users to click on malicious links or provide sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details.
Romance Scams: Scammers create fake profiles on dating websites or social media platforms and establish relationships with victims. Once they gain the victim’s trust, they ask for money for various fabricated reasons, such as medical expenses or travel costs.
Rental Scams: Scammers pose as landlords or property managers and list fake rental properties on websites like Craigslist or Zillow. They request potential tenants to send a security deposit or rent payment through Venmo before they can view the property, and then disappear with the money.
Lottery Scams: Scammers inform victims that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes and request them to pay taxes or fees through Venmo in order to claim their prize.
Charity Scams: Scammers solicit donations for fake charities or disaster relief efforts, requesting victims to send money through Venmo.
Tech Support Scams: Scammers pose as tech support representatives and contact victims claiming that their computer has been infected with a virus or malware. They request victims to pay for tech support services through Venmo.

According to a study by the AARP, older adults are often targeted by scammers who exploit their trust and vulnerability. The AARP advises seniors to be cautious of unsolicited requests for money and to verify the legitimacy of any organization before making a donation.

8. What To Do After Being Scammed On Venmo?

If you’ve fallen victim to a Venmo scam, taking swift action is crucial to mitigate the damage and increase your chances of recovering your funds. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

Contact Venmo Immediately: Report the scam to Venmo as soon as possible. You can do this through the Venmo app or website. Provide them with all the details of the scam, including the date, amount, and recipient’s username.
File a Police Report: Contact your local law enforcement agency and file a police report. Provide them with all the information you have about the scam, including any communication you had with the scammer.
Contact Your Bank: If you funded the Venmo payment with a bank account or credit card, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Inform them that you’ve been scammed and ask them to reverse the transaction if possible.
Freeze Your Credit: If you suspect that the scammer may have obtained your personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, consider freezing your credit to prevent them from opening new accounts in your name.
Change Your Passwords: Change your Venmo password and any other passwords that may have been compromised. Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any unauthorized activity.
Report the Scam to the FTC: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps the FTC track scams and take action against fraudsters.
Warn Others: Share your experience with friends and family members to warn them about the scam and help them avoid becoming victims.

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), identity theft is a growing problem in the United States, with millions of Americans affected each year. The ITRC advises victims of identity theft to take proactive steps to protect their personal information and financial accounts.

9. What Legal Options Are Available After A Venmo Scam?

While recovering funds lost in a Venmo scam can be challenging, you may have several legal options available to you, depending on the circumstances of the scam:

Small Claims Court: If you know the identity of the scammer, you may be able to sue them in small claims court to recover your losses. Small claims court is a relatively informal and inexpensive way to resolve disputes without the need for an attorney.
Demand Letter: If you know the scammer’s address, you can send them a demand letter demanding that they return the money they stole from you. A demand letter is a formal written notice that outlines your legal claims and demands payment.
Report to Law Enforcement: As mentioned earlier, you should report the scam to your local law enforcement agency. Law enforcement may investigate the scam and potentially bring criminal charges against the scammer.
File a Complaint with the FTC: Filing a complaint with the FTC can help them track scams and take action against fraudsters. The FTC may also be able to provide you with resources and information to help you recover your losses.
Consult with an Attorney: If you’ve suffered significant financial losses as a result of a Venmo scam, it may be worth consulting with an attorney to explore your legal options. An attorney can advise you on your rights and help you pursue legal action against the scammer.
Arbitration or Mediation: Some Venmo users may have agreed to binding arbitration or mediation as a condition of using the service. In these cases, you may be required to resolve your dispute through arbitration or mediation rather than filing a lawsuit in court.

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), consulting with an attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and make informed decisions about how to proceed with your case.

10. What Are Some Preventative Measures To Avoid Venmo Scams?

Preventing Venmo scams is key to safeguarding your financial security. Here are proactive measures you can take:

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your Venmo account by enabling two-factor authentication. This requires a verification code from your phone or email in addition to your password when logging in.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your Venmo account and other online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like your birthday or pet’s name.
Be Wary of Suspicious Requests: Be cautious of payment requests from strangers or individuals you don’t recognize. Verify the identity of the person requesting money before sending any funds.
Double-Check Payment Details: Before sending money, double-check the recipient’s username, phone number, and profile picture to ensure you’re sending it to the right person.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to access your Venmo account or conduct financial transactions. These networks are often unsecured and can be easily hacked.
Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: Keep your Venmo app and mobile device software up-to-date with the latest security patches. This helps protect against known vulnerabilities that scammers can exploit.
Be Cautious of Phishing Emails: Be wary of phishing emails or messages that appear to be from Venmo. These messages often contain malicious links or attachments that can steal your login credentials or install malware on your device.
Limit Sharing Personal Information: Limit the amount of personal information you share on Venmo and other social media platforms. Scammers can use this information to target you with personalized scams.
Regularly Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your Venmo account for any unauthorized activity. Report any suspicious transactions to Venmo immediately.
Educate Yourself About Scams: Stay informed about the latest Venmo scams and fraud tactics. This will help you recognize and avoid scams before they happen.

By following these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to Venmo scams and protect your financial security.

If you’re looking for more comprehensive resources and tools to manage your finances effectively, visit money-central.com. We provide easy-to-understand articles, financial calculators, and expert advice to help you take control of your financial future. You can also contact us at Address: 44 West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012, United States or Phone: +1 (212) 998-0000.

FAQ: How To Get Money Back On Venmo

Can I cancel a Venmo payment after it’s been sent?

Once a Venmo payment is sent, it’s generally not reversible unless the recipient agrees to return the money or the transaction is pending and can be “taken back.”
Does Venmo offer fraud protection?

Venmo offers Purchase Protection for payments marked as “purchases,” covering situations where you receive a broken, different, or fake item.
What should I do if I suspect my Venmo account has been hacked?

Immediately change your password, update your email address, remove linked bank accounts, and contact Venmo support.
How can I enable two-factor authentication on Venmo?

You can enable two-factor authentication in the Venmo app settings under “Login Security,” which requires a special code to deter account takeover.
What information should I include when reporting a scam to Venmo?

Include the recipient’s username, payment amount, payment date, and any relevant communications with the scammer.
Should I file a police report if I’ve been scammed on Venmo?

Yes, filing a police report is recommended, as it provides documentation for disputes with Venmo or your bank.
How can I protect myself from phishing scams on Venmo?

Be cautious of emails or messages asking for your login credentials or personal information and only trust communications from official Venmo domains.
What are some red flags of a Venmo scam?

Unexpected payment requests, claims of accidental payments, requests for sensitive information, and high-pressure tactics are all red flags.
Can I sue a scammer in small claims court to recover my losses?

Yes, if you know the identity of the scammer, you may be able to sue them in small claims court.
How often should I monitor my Venmo account for unauthorized activity?

You should regularly monitor your Venmo account for any unauthorized transactions and report any suspicious activity immediately.