A Tybee Island woman lost nearly $3,000 in a Cash App scam last weekend, as reported by the Tybee Island Police Department. On Saturday, October 26, an officer responded to a report at the precinct regarding a phone scam.
The woman reported that while attempting to send money to a family member via Cash App, she encountered an error message. After reaching out for help, she received a call from someone claiming to be Cash App Tech Support. The scammer instructed her to install an app on her phone, connecting her to a user named “Help Desk.” Under the guise of providing assistance, the scammer gained remote access to her Cash App account and withdrew close to $3,000.
A police report has been filed, and the case has been forwarded to the investigations team.
Cash App acknowledges that scams occur and encourages users to follow these guidelines to protect their funds:
How to Recognize and Avoid Scams
When using Cash App, consider these safety tips:
- Enable notifications and Security Lock to enhance account security.
- Never share sensitive information.
- Verify all recipient details before sending funds to confirm accuracy.
- Avoid sending money to people promising future returns or to love interests you haven’t met in person.
Protecting Sensitive Information
Scammers often impersonate Cash App customer service representatives to obtain sensitive data and access accounts. Cash App representatives will never ask for:
- Your unique sign-in code.
- Sensitive information, including full debit card numbers, PINs, bank account details, or Social Security numbers.
- Payments to any Cash App account or for test transactions.
- Downloads of remote access apps, like Any Desk.
Following these steps can help ensure your funds stay secure and protect against scams.