Person to Person Payment Scams

Zelle®, Cash App, Venmo, and PayPal—what do all these services have in common? They are platforms that enable customers to instantly send money to friends and family. While the features of P2P payment services make them incredibly useful for users, they also attract the attention of thieves.

At C&F, we are committed to providing our customers with the best products, but we also prioritize educating you on how to keep your accounts safe. The following P2P payment tips will help protect you and your accounts.

Do not use P2P services to purchase retail products.

  • If an online retailer asks for payment through a payment service, it could be a scam.
  • Scammers often post fake online classified ads or display false phone numbers in search engines. Always ensure that you are on a legitimate site before making a purchase or calling.
  • Only make purchases from verified sources and only use P2P services to send money to people you know.

Check the username, email, and phone number of the person you are transacting with.

  • If you send money to the wrong person, it can be challenging to recover it.
  • If you are unsure, we recommend sending a small amount first to confirm the intended recipient has received it.
  • Be wary of fraudsters impersonating your bank, claiming that there are unauthorized charges. If you are unsure, always verify the caller's identity by calling your local branch prior to giving out any personal information.
  • Banks will never ask for your full account or debit card number over the phone.