Dangers of Zelle, Venmo, and Cash Ap

National Cybersecurity Alert
Issued: September 9, 2025

Mobile payment applications such as Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App offer unparalleled convenience for transferring funds. However, their rapid transaction capabilities have also made them attractive targets for scammers who exploit the immediacy and often irreversible nature of these payments.

**Look out for:**

• Fake Family or Friends: Scammers may pretend to be someone you love, claiming they need quick cash. Always double-check by calling or messaging them another way before sending money.
• Overpayment Trick: Selling something online? Be careful of buyers who “accidentally” send too much and ask for a refund. It’s usually a setup—you’ll lose money if you send anything back.
• Random Payments: If strangers send you money out of nowhere, don’t touch it. It’s bait to drag you into a scam. Report it right away.

**NCC Recommended Actions:**

• Turn on two-step login (extra code at sign-in) for your payment apps.
• Credit Beats Debit: Whenever you can, pay with a credit card instead of debit. Your bank can often help get your money back if things go wrong. (Sometimes there’s a small fee, but it’s worth the safety net.)

Would you like help from Athena setting up 2FA or switching your account to a credit card?