When someone insists that you “just Venmo me” or “send it through Cash App,” it feels simple enough. After all, we use peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps every day - for splitting dinner, paying friends back, or reimbursing a coworker for coffee. But the moment you use these apps with someone you don’t personally know and trust, the risk skyrockets.
Related Page: The Top Scams and Fraud Threats to Watch for in 2026 (and How to Protect Yourself)
In 2024 alone, Americans lost millions to P2P payment scams, and the numbers continue to climb. One reason is simple: payments made through Venmo, Cash App, and similar services are instant, irreversible, and designed for people who already know each other. That combination makes strangers the most dangerous category of users you can interact with on these platforms.
This guide walks you through the risks, the scams, the red flags, and the safer alternatives - especially for people here in our Florida communities. Our goal is to help you understand how to use these tools wisely, protect your money, and stay one step ahead of the growing wave of digital fraud.
P2P apps exploded in popularity because they solved everyday problems. They’re fast. They’re convenient. And they make splitting a bill less awkward. But the features that make these apps friendly also make them vulnerable.
Venmo and Cash App were created to transfer money between friends. Not buyers and sellers. Not tenants and landlords. Not marketplace strangers. When fraud happens, the responsibility typically falls on the sender - not the platform.
Once you tap “Send,” the money is gone. Unlike credit cards or debit cards, you don’t have the ability to file a standard dispute for most transactions. These apps treat your payment as intentional, even if you were tricked.
If you buy something on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or another local platform and never receive the item, you often have no recourse. The app can’t force the other person to return your money.
Fraudsters love P2P apps because:
That’s why these platforms have become one of the fastest-growing avenues for digital scams.
People often assume P2P apps work like PayPal or a credit card. Unfortunately, they don’t.
When you send money to a stranger:
And if the person blocks you - or deletes their account - you may have no way to contact them again.
This is why most P2P apps state clearly in their user agreements: only send money to people you trust.
Scammers continuously evolve their tactics, but several patterns show up again and again, especially in Florida.
This is the most common scenario. A seller insists on receiving payment before you meet. They promise to “hold the item.” Or they send a fake screenshot showing they’ve “already paid you,” and now you just need to “refund” the difference.
No item. No recourse. No refund.
A stranger “accidentally” sends you money and begs for it back.
Of course, the original payment was made with a stolen card.
If you send the money back:
Florida has a high volume of rental turnover and seasonal leases, making us a hot target.
Scammers often:
Because these apps aren’t meant for business or rental transactions, there’s virtually no buyer protection.
A fraudster pretends to be sending you money, but claims:
Once you pay, the scam ends - because there was never any money to begin with.
These are common in college towns and tourist areas.
A scammer offers a job, sends you a “bonus” or “prepayment,” and instructs you to return part of it. The original payment is fraudulent. You lose the money you sent back.
Scammers build trust through:
Once you feel connected, they ask for help with:
And they insist on Venmo or Cash App because it's fast and has limited protections.
Florida is one of the top states for digital payment fraud, for several reasons:
Florida’s housing turnover, tourism, and seasonal economy create a fertile environment for buying and selling online.
Seniors often use P2P apps to pay caregivers, contractors, or service providers - making them targets.
Scammers prey on people moving into the area or looking for seasonal housing.
Scammers can operate anonymously and move quickly from place to place.
Whenever a stranger suggests using Venmo or Cash App, pay attention to these signs:
Never do this. Ever.
Easy to fake. Worthless for verification.
Almost always a scam.
This is the fraudster’s dream scenario.
Clear fraud.
It usually is.
If you think you’ve been scammed, act quickly. Here are the steps we recommend:
Report the transaction as unauthorized. They may not reverse it, but they will flag the account.
Explain the situation. While authorized payments are hard to recover, your bank can guide next steps and help secure your accounts.
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, etc.
Freezing is free with all three major credit bureaus.
Scammers rely on secrecy. Speaking up protects others.
If you're buying or selling locally - especially here in Sarasota and Manatee County - use safer options like:
Meet in a public place, confirm the item, then pay.
We see customers do this all the time. Both parties meet at the bank, where the transfer happens securely.
Best for high-ticket items.
Your community bank likely offers safer digital transfer tools than third-party apps.
Using Venmo and Cash App with friends can be safe - if you follow these guidelines:
These steps dramatically reduce risk when using P2P apps in your normal daily life.
As a local community bank, our role isn’t just to hold your money - it’s to help you protect it.
We’re here to:
Because we live and work in the same community you do, we care deeply about keeping your finances secure.
P2P payment apps make everyday life easier - but only when used with people you know and trust. When strangers enter the equation, the risks become real, immediate, and costly.
Our goal is to give you the knowledge and confidence to navigate digital payments safely. If something feels off, if a request seems strange, or if you want a second opinion before sending money - reach out to us. We're here to help you stay protected, informed, and empowered.
Because in a close-knit community like ours, looking out for each other is more than good practice - it’s who we are.