Can a scammer take money from my Venmo account?
Yes, in several ways — including account takeover, fake payment scams, and tricking you into sending money voluntarily.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Venmo fraud takes multiple forms. In account takeover attacks, criminals obtain your login credentials through phishing or credential stuffing and then transfer your balance or linked bank funds to themselves. In payment-reversal scams, someone sends you money and asks you to forward some of it, then reverses the original payment — leaving you out of pocket. Scammers also send fake Venmo email notifications to trick you into believing you received money before asking you to ship goods. Additionally, strangers posing as buyers overpay and request a refund of the difference. Always verify money is truly in your balance before sending anything, and use a strong unique password and two-factor authentication.
Common red flags
- Unexpected payment from a stranger followed by a refund request
- Email claiming a Venmo payment is 'pending' unless you send funds first
- Request to forward or split money from a stranger
- Login alert from an unfamiliar device or location
- Buyer who overpays and asks for the excess to be returned
What to do now
- Enable two-factor authentication on your Venmo account
- Verify your actual balance in-app before sending any money
- Do not use Venmo for transactions with people you don't know personally
- Report suspected fraud to Venmo support and your bank
Frequently asked questions
Does Venmo protect me from scams the way PayPal does?
Venmo's buyer and seller protections are limited compared to PayPal. For purchases from strangers, PayPal Goods & Services offers stronger recourse. Venmo is safest used between people you already know.