Person to Person Payment Scams


How to Stay Safe When Using P2P Payment Apps

Sending money to friends and family has never been easier. With services like Zelle®, Cash App, Venmo, and PayPal, you can transfer funds in seconds right from your phone. These tools have become part of everyday life, whether you’re splitting dinner, paying a neighbor, or helping out a family member.

But as these services grow in popularity, they’ve also caught the attention of scammers. At C&F, we’re committed to giving you convenient banking tools while helping you protect your accounts. Awareness is your first line of defense, and a few simple habits can make all the difference.

Below are some best practices to keep in mind when using a person-to-person (P2P) payment app.


1. Only Send Money to People You Know and Trust

P2P services are designed for personal transfers, not retail purchases. If an online “seller” asks you to pay using Zelle®, Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal, it should immediately raise a red flag.

Always verify the website you’re using and make sure you’re purchasing through reputable channels using approved payment methods. 

2. Double‑Check the Recipient Before You Hit Send

P2P payments move so fast that once money is sent, it’s difficult to recover. Before confirming a transfer, take a moment to verify you’re sending funds to the correct person. Always, confirm the username, email, or phone number in the app.

3. Beware of Fraudulent “Fraud Department” Calls

One of the most effective scams today involves impostors pretending to be from a bank’s fraud department. They may claim there’s suspicious activity on your account or pressure you to “verify” information. Here’s how to protect yourself:
  • Never share personal or financial information over the phone
  • Always check the phone number using official contact information
  • Remember: C&F will never ask you to send money to yourself or another account to “stop fraud.”
If a call doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Hang up and contact us directly.

Your Security Matters to Us

At C&F, we’re committed to helping you bank with confidence. As scammers become more sophisticated, staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your accounts.

If you ever have questions or want help identifying potential fraud, our team is always here to support you. Contact us if you suspect fraud.