Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Venmo Scam Calls - How to Protect Yourself
Venmo Scam Calls - How to Protect Yourself

Venmo scam calls involve fraudsters impersonating customer support, often alerting you to a fake unauthorized transaction and asking for login credentials, passwords, or verification codes to "secure" your account. They may use automated calls ("press 1") or live callers, sometimes following a fake security email.

Call Scam Tactics

  • The "Press 1" Robocall: You receive an automated call claiming someone is trying to change your password or create an account in your name. It instructs you to "Press 1" to stop the action, which connects you to a scammer.
  • MFA Code Harvesting: Scammers trigger a real security code from Venmo by attempting to log in to your account. They then call you, pretending to be an agent, and ask you to read back the code to "verify" your identity. Providing this code gives them full access to your account.
  • Account "Upgrade" Scam: Scammers may call or email claiming you need to "upgrade to a business account" to receive a payment. They will ask you to send money first or provide sensitive banking details to "activate" the upgrade.
  • Remote Access Requests: Some scammers try to convince you to download third-party apps (like AnyDesk or TeamViewer) to "fix" a technical issue, allowing them to control your device and drain your funds.

Red Flags

  • Urgency & Pressure: The caller uses high-pressure tactics, claiming your account will be locked or money will be lost if you don't act immediately.
  • Requests for Codes: Venmo will never call you to ask for your password, PIN, or verification code.
  • Mismatched Numbers: The caller ID may be "spoofed" to look like a legitimate company or local number. Always verify by calling the official number on the Venmo Help Center.

If Targeted

  1. Hang Up Immediately: Do not press any buttons or engage with the caller.
  2. Verify via the App: Open your official Venmo app to check for any real notifications or unauthorized activity.
  3. Secure Your Account: Change your password immediately and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and a PIN/Biometric lock in your settings.
  4. Report the Incident:
    • Venmo: Contact support via the "Chat with Us" feature in the app or forward phishing emails to phishing@venmo.com.
    • FTC: File a report at the FTC Fraud Reporting site to help authorities track these trends.
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Venmo scam calls are widespread impersonation frauds where scammers call pretending to be Venmo support to steal your money or account access. These fraudsters use urgent tactics to trick you into sharing your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) PIN, changing your password, or sending funds to reverse a "fake" transaction.

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