Venmo is an easy-to-use cash transfer app in the U.S. that lets you make quick transactions with friends and family. However, due to its popularity and convenience, it has become a target for cybercriminals attempting to scam users.
One such scam involves Venmo users being asked for their email addresses even after sharing their usernames for the transfer. The purpose of obtaining email addresses is to send users phishing emails or fake payment receipts.
In this post, we’ll explain how the Venmo scam asking for your email address works and how to stay safe on the platform.
Someone Is Asking Me for My Email Address for Venmo—Is It a Scam?
If someone’s asking for your email address when you’ve already provided your Venmo username, it’s likely a scam.
Venmo is a peer-to-peer payment platform that offers three ways to transfer money:
- Through your Venmo username
- Through your phone number
- Through your email address
The safest method to get Venmo payments is through your username. Your email address isn’t required for a Venmo payment, so be cautious when someone asks you for it for no apparent reason.
What May Happen if I Share My Email With a Venmo Scammer?
If you share your email address with a Venmo scammer, they may use it to send you phishing messages or fraudulent “You’ve Been Paid” emails.
Phishing emails are fake messages that prompt you to update your payment information using an unsolicited link. If you click on the link, you’re redirected to a counterfeit Venmo login page operated by scammers who could access your information and account.
Keep the following do’s and don’ts in mind if you’ve shared your email address with a Venmo scammer and received a suspicious email:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Send the screenshot of the email to phishing@venmo.com | Don’t click on any links in the email |
| Delete the email from your inbox | Don’t download any attachments |
| Change your Venmo login credentials | Don’t reply to the email |
How Can I Protect Myself From Venmo Scams?
To protect your finances on Venmo and stay safe from scams, take the following safety precautions:
- Always double-check the sender’s details. Legitimate payments will come from verified Venmo accounts
- Be cautious of unexpected messages asking for your email or personal information. Venmo doesn’t require this info to process payments
- Enable two-factor authentication in your Venmo settings to add an extra layer of security to your account
- Avoid sharing your email address or personal information publicly or with strangers
- Regularly check your transaction history for unauthorized payments or suspicious activity
- Consider moving the majority of your funds to a high-security bank account like FortKnox by Austin Capital Bank. The convenience Venmo offers comes at the cost of security. Because the platform is used by a large number of people, it’s an attractive target for scammers. This is why you want to store your savings on a platform that’s dedicated to fund security
