Mobile Payment Apps Can Send Your Money In The Wrong Direction
Source: Green Valley Sheriff's Auxillary Scam Squad, May 2, 2023
Sadly, technology scams continue to haunt us, and they are even getting trickier. While we get tired of hearing about them, it's wise to be informed, especially about those targeting seniors. Here is an update from our Green Valley Scam Squad.
Electronic payments to family, friends, contractors and others are becoming increasingly popular. They are convenient and quick. But they are also popular with scammers. Just because you see PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Cash App on your phone doesn’t mean it’s the real deal.
Scammers have figured out how to text you with a cash payment request and make you think it’s legitimate. They’ll even provide the link to send the requested payment and personal information.
Here are some tips on avoiding these scams:
- Make sure you know who is sending the request. These peer-to-peer payment apps are not to be used to send money to strangers; they are for pre-arranged agreements with people you know.
- Use a credit card or actual cash for higher-risk situations. Some credit cards have fraud protection. And cash doesn’t come with personal information.
- Be wary of unsolicited texts or phone calls requesting a payment. They will be disguised as IRS, banks, law enforcement agencies – anything that sounds like you should act. But if the request is a surprise to you, it’s probably a scam.
If you do receive one of these requests, simply delete it. Don’t make the payment. If you accidently disclose personal financial information, immediately change your password for that app. In addition, set your app privacy setting to the most private option. This will at least minimize any personal information sent to a scammer.
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Your Green Valley Sheriff Auxiliary Volunteer's Scam Squad will answer your questions regarding scams or suspected scams. Please call 520-351-6715, Monday – Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. To report an incident of fraud (money lost to a scam), call 911 or 520-351-4900.
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