Abuse of instant peer-to-peer apps like Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App, where payments are fast and hard to recover.
Peer-to-peer apps are built for paying people you know and trust, so transfers are near-instant and generally not covered by purchase protection. Scammers exploit this by posing as employers, landlords, or buyers.
Treat P2P transfers like cash: if you would not hand a stranger physical bills, do not send them a P2P payment.
Red flags
- Employer or “client” wants payment or deposits via Zelle/Venmo
- Request to “refund” an overpayment through a P2P app
- Payment to someone you have never verified
Frequently asked questions
Are Zelle payments reversible?
Generally no. Zelle and similar apps are designed for people who already trust each other, so authorized payments usually can't be canceled or refunded once sent.