April 14, 2025 – Online Safety Desk
Surprise $30 Payment Provokes Suspicion
A Venmo user got an unsolicited $30 with the description “golf” from a stranger, then asked to be sent back. The user, suspicious, asked if the transaction was valid, anticipating a scam.
A Common Trick with a New Twist
Because of alerts noticed in well-known scam awareness websites such as r/scams, the user identified the situation as a scam attempt. Scammers bet on the decency or confusion of recipients and take advantage of these to make recipients send the money back—whereby the original payment is ultimately reversed due to fraud, having left the scam victim out of pocket.
Little Money, High Risk
Although $30 might appear insignificant, such an approach manipulates low-stakes trust to accumulate on a larger fraud. Experts alert that getting money back in the form of a new payment, instead of refunding from the app or reaching out to Venmo support, makes users susceptible to loss.
Stay Awake and Spread Awareness
The user immediately alerted family members to be on guard. With digital payments getting more common, being alert for even minute suspicion can help guard against increasing online frauds.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait if you’ve been scammed. To discuss your options and begin your recovery process, contact us for a free consultation. Your financial security is important, and being proactive can help protect it.
At Lycan Retrieve, we work to restore your losses and deliver results. Contact us now to regain management of your finances.
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