Instant payment apps move money in seconds, which is why scammers love them. Your chances are best in the first hours, so act now.
1. Call your bank — not the app
Zelle payments are handled by your bank. Call the number on the back of your card, say it was an impostor scam, and ask them to contact the receiving bank. Several large US banks now refund some impostor-scam Zelle payments.
2. Use only in-app support for Cash App and Venmo
Scammers post fake "Cash App support" numbers online. Request a refund and report the payment from inside the app, and dispute the funding card with your bank.
3. Write everything down
Save the recipient's name, handle, phone, the amount, time and screenshots of the conversation. Use our recovery planner to generate a formal dispute letter.
4. Escalate if refused
In the US file a complaint at consumerfinance.gov — banks must respond. Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov. In the UK, Faster Payments scams are covered by mandatory reimbursement rules; ask your bank and escalate to the Financial Ombudsman.
5. Beware the second scam
"Recovery experts" who contact you promising to get the money back for a fee are scammers too. Real help is free.