Payment app scams

Payment apps move money instantly. That's convenient, and it's why scammers ask for them. If you send money yourself, even after being tricked, getting it back can be hard.

Common tricks

• "I sent you money by mistake, please send it back"
• Selling something online that never arrives
• A "bank fraud team" asking you to send money to yourself through the app
• Paying a deposit for a rental you haven't seen

Safer habits

• Only pay people you know and trust
• Double-check the name and phone number before you send
• For online purchases from strangers, use payment methods with purchase protection
• Turn on app notifications and a PIN or face login

If something went wrong

Report it in the app and call your bank right away. Unauthorized transfers you didn't make are treated differently from payments you sent yourself, so tell your bank exactly what happened.

General educational information, not legal advice. Dime Wisdom isn't paid by any bank, security company or government agency.