Is the Venmo Wrong Person Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a other scam.

What should I do if I received the Venmo Wrong Person Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the Venmo Wrong Person Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the Venmo Wrong Person Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

Venmo Wrong Person Scam: Is It a Scam?

Medium Prevalence Type: Other

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

A stranger sends you money on Venmo and then contacts you claiming it was an accident, asking you to send the money back. The original payment was made with a stolen credit card and will be reversed, leaving you out the money you 'returned.'

How This Scam Works

A scammer sends you money on Venmo using a stolen credit card or compromised Venmo account. They then message you saying they accidentally sent money to the wrong person and politely ask you to send it back. If you send the money from your own balance, the scammer receives it. Later, when the stolen card or hacked account owner reports the fraud, Venmo reverses the original payment from your account. You lose the money you sent back, and the reversed payment takes away what they originally sent you.

Red Flags to Watch For

Unexpected Venmo payment from a stranger
Immediate follow-up message asking you to return the money
Pressure to return funds quickly before you can think it through
Emotional appeals or sob stories about needing the money

Example Scam Messages

Venmo note: 'rent money' Follow-up message: 'OMG I am SO sorry, I sent $300 to the wrong person! That was my rent money. Can you please send it back? I'm freaking out.' --- Follow-up message: 'Hey, I accidentally sent you $150 that was meant for my friend. Honest mistake! Could you send it back to me? I'd really appreciate it.'

What to Do If You Received This

Do NOT send money back directly
Tell the person to contact Venmo support to reverse the transaction
If it was a legitimate mistake, Venmo can reverse it through their system
Do not spend the money either; wait for Venmo to resolve it

What to Do If You Fell For It

Contact Venmo support immediately to report the situation
Explain that you were scammed and request assistance
File a police report
Document all transactions and messages
Venmo may be able to help recover funds in some cases

How to Report This Scam

Report through Venmo's in-app support
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov

Last updated: February 10, 2026