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Reporting Fake or Suspicious Emails

  • Updated

How do I spot and report a fake, fraudulent, or phishing email or website pretending to be Venmo?
We continuously work to address fake or “spoof” communication including emails, websites, and text messages. We review all submissions sent to us, and work with law enforcement around the world to stop online criminals.

When you aren't sure if you can trust a communication claiming to be from Venmo, check to see if the message does any of the following: 

  • Uses impersonal, generic greetings, such as “Dear user” or “Dear [your email address].”
    Emails from Venmo typically address you by your first and last names or by your business name. We never say things like "Dear user" or "Hello Venmo member.”

  • Asks you to click on links that take you to a fake website.
    Always check links in an email before you click them. A link could look perfectly secure like www.venmo.com/SpecialOffers. If you’re on a computer, make sure to move your mouse over the link to see the true destination. If you aren’t certain, don’t click on the link.

  • Contains unknown attachments.
    Only open an attachment if you're sure it’s legitimate and secure. Be particularly cautious of invoices from companies and contractors you're not familiar with. Some attachments contain viruses that install themselves when opened.

  • Conveys a false sense of urgency.
    Phishing emails are often alarmist, warning you to update your account immediately. They're hoping you'll fall for their sense of urgency and ignore warning signs that the email is fake. If there’s an urgent need for you to complete something on your account, you can find this information by logging into Venmo.

 

Reporting Suspicious Communication 

Emails/Websites
Phishing emails often lead you to fake websites to steal your private, sensitive data. These websites could look unusual or they could appear genuine but have a suspicious URL.

If you receive a suspicious email or website link: 

  1. Don’t click on any links inside of the email or in the website, and don’t download any attachments
  2. Don’t enter any information
  3. Don’t change the subject line and don’t forward the message as an attachment.
  4. Forward the email and/or website to phishing@venmo.com
  5. If you notice any unexpected activity on your Venmo account, please also contact our support team
  6. Delete the email from your inbox

SMS/Text Message
If you receive a text message with a link inviting you to visit a website:

  1. Don’t click on any links inside of the SMS text message
  2. Screenshot the message 
  3. Make sure that the message shows the full telephone number 
  4. Email the screenshot to support@venmo.com 

Telephone Call
If you receive a suspicious telephone call:

  1. Take a screenshot of your phone log showing the telephone number
  2. Email the screenshot to support@venmo.com 
  3. Include details of the telephone call, including what the caller stated or asked from you

If the caller left a voicemail, and you’re able to view a transcript on your mobile device, include a screenshot of it in your email.

When you send an email to support@venmo.com, you’ll receive an automatic email letting you know we received it.

 

Safeguarding Your Account

If you shared financial or personal information, or entered personal information on a fake website:

  • Change your Venmo password immediately
  • Contact your bank and credit or debit card issuer and let them know what happened
  • Review your recent Venmo activity to make sure you authorized all the payments
  • Report any unauthorized payments or activity to Venmo

 
You can also learn more about recognizing and preventing fraudulent activity here: 

  • https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/security/suspicious-activity
  • https://paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/security/online-security-guide

If you’re a victim of fraudulent activity, there are more resources you can use to report it:

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