If you use Cash App, you want to know that it’s secure. Some people use the online banking application to process all of their payments and even have their salary deposited directly into their account. Just like with a physical bank, if your account is hacked, it could completely ruin your life. That’s why you need to know that your account, and therefore your money, can’t be hacked. In this guide, we’ll be covering how people can hack your Cash App account, so you know the warning signs to look out for. You should always be careful with your money and armed with the following knowledge, you’ll be able to keep your finances under an even tighter lock and key.
Unfortunately, it’s possible for someone to hack your Cash App account, like all accounts. Despite the developer’s best efforts to add in two-factor authentication and put out several guidelines for how users can stay safe, scammers still get through. Usually, only the accounts of users who aren’t aware of scammers get hacked. If you’re aware that there will always be scammers out there trying to get into your account, your money will be so much safer.
How Does Cash App Protect Your Account From Hackers?
Cash App isn’t part of any partnership with larger banking corporations, so it doesn’t share in the anti-fraud software those companies use. However, there are many methods in place to ensure all Cash App users are as protected as possible.
Sensitive Information Protection
Many hackers will use scam tactics on Cash App users. This could come in the form of emails or texts asking for your sign-in code or tell you to click a link. It could even come through social media accounts, with users attempting to pose as official Cash App staff.
Cash App is very clear on this. They say that no one representing them is ever going to contact you to ask you for your sign-on code over the phone, on social media platforms, or any other medium such as a text or email. They add that they will never ask users to send them a payment and won’t ask for sensitive information from users such as their Social Security Number.
If anyone claiming to be from Cash App has ever contacted you asking for sensitive information or payment, then get in touch with Cash App immediately.
Tips on Avoiding Cash App Scams
Cash App has some tips that you should consider before you send every payment with their app.
- Only send money through Cash App to either people you know or other verified Cash App users.
- Make sure you verify the recipient’s name before you send them any money.
- Ensure that you double-check the $Cashtags of the payment before sending anything.
- Check the recipient’s email address and phone number for typos before making a payment.
The Most Common Cash App Scams
The most common way that people can hack your Cash App account is through a scam. Often the scammer will promise you something that sounds way too good to be true. That’s because it is. If you believe that someone is acting suspiciously, then stop talking to them.
Below, we’ve covered the most common types of Cash App scams that users may come up against.
Cash-Flipping
A Cash-Flipping scam is when someone contacts you and promises that they can take your money and turn it into more. They’ll act like they’re doing you a favor because they have found an amazing loophole in a trading platform or currency conversion. The way to recognize this scam is that the scammer will ask you for money upfront to turn it around and give you more back. Often they’ll call this a ‘clearance fee.’ Don’t send these scammers any money at all. Those who do always find that the scammer sends them nothing back in return and immediately cuts all contact with them.
Pet or Litter Deposit Scam
This type of scam is a little harder to detect. The scammers will contact people or put a post out on social media, claiming that they have a pet, a dog, or a cat expecting a litter of puppies or kittens soon. They’ll claim that they want to sell them, posting fake photos to entice those who might be interested. Usually, they’ll be asking for a much lower price than the market average, which is a good way to spot that it’s a scam.
The scammer will ask for a deposit from you to secure your puppy or kitten. Sometimes they’ll even say that there’s only one left, making people feel like they have to put the deposit down as soon as possible. However, when the money has been transferred, the scammer will cease all contact, and your money will be gone.
If you come across posts like this that seem too good to be true, never transfer any money. Always insist on payment in cash in person once you’ve picked up the puppy or kitten.
Property Rentals
Some scammers will get in touch with people and promise them services. This can include finding an apartment or house rental at a ridiculously low monthly cost. The way to spot this scam is from the lack of evidence. If you ask for any, the scammer will usually avoid the question and focus on you paying them.
The scammer will ask for a deposit so that they can start work. As you’d expect, once the deposit has been paid, the scammer will disappear forever. Report these scammers as soon as they contact you.
Fake Cash Support
This type of scam is one of the harder ones to spot. The scammers will claim that they are part of the Cash App support team. They’ll often have emails that are packed with images and details that look legitimate.
You can spot these scams because they will ask you for details about your Cash App account. As we outlined above, Cash App will never ask you for your sensitive information. As soon as someone asks you for anything like this, stop all contact and report them.
Phishing
The final type of scam that we have in this list is a coverall for phishing scams. This is when an individual calls or texts you asking for money. They often claim to be part of a company that you owe money to or try to scare you by saying that you’ll go to jail if you don’t stay on the phone and pay them. These scams have gotten far more advanced in the last year or so since more people are staying at home.
The most important thing to remember when someone contacts you is that you shouldn’t make a payment over the phone or give out any details. Always double-check anything you’re told with a legitimate source that you find yourself.
The emails you can trust in terms of Cash App will only be from one of the following email address domains: cash.app, square.com, or squareup.com.
Signing Into Cash App Safely
Every time you sign into Cash App, you will be sent a one-time login code. This is part of the two-factor authentication process that Cash App has in place to protect users. If you receive a one-time code without trying to log in, it’s a scam. Take the number or email address that you received and send it to Cash App support as soon as possible.
Keep Your Cash App Account Secure
There are several things that you, as a user, can do to keep your Cash App account secure and safe from scammers. Let’s go through them.
Report All Scams
Even if you’re not sure that someone is trying to scam you, report them anyway. If all users continue to provide Cash App with details of scams, the company will track them down and prevent them from scamming more vulnerable users out there.
Transaction Verification
Turn on the Security Lock on your Cash App account. This is a feature that will require a code every time you make a payment. With this turned on, even if someone manages to log in to your account, they’ll need this code before they can steal any cash.
You can also turn on a notification for all payments. This will send you a text or email for every transaction, meaning that you’ll be notified if anyone is using your account without your knowledge.
Make Your Mobile Secure
Most people have a passcode of some kind on their phone. If you’re worried about your Cash App account being hacked though, make sure you set up as much security on your phone as possible. Having two forms of security, such as a passcode and face-recognition, will make it much harder for someone to hack your Cash App account by stealing your phone.
Considering downloading an anti-virus app is also a good idea to make sure you don’t have any mirroring hackers or similar on your phone.
Make Your Emails Secure
Most email providers now offer a two-factor authentication service. Turn this on so that no one can access your personal data through your emails. This is good for protecting all of your personal accounts, not just Cash App.
Conclusion
Some scammers are easy to spot, and others are more difficult. The important thing is to report anyone who makes you feel suspicious. Never interact with anyone asking for your personal details, and contact Cash App support in every instance. Even if it turns out that it was Cash App trying to contact you, it’s better to report an attempted scam than leave it alone for someone else to suffer from.
