My Cash App Was Hacked What Do I Do

Michelle Wilson - August 24, 2023

Finding out your Cash App is hacked is frustrating and stressful. Suddenly, you’re locked out of the account and don’t even know what’s happening with the money in your account. You may question the safety of the application and the security of your money within the application.

Thankfully, users can take a few steps to protect their account from fraud and try to receive the money previously in the app. If your Cash App is hacked, you’ll want to contact Cash App support immediately. Additionally, you’ll want to enable two-factor authentication to prevent it from happening again.

Can Someone Hack a Cash App Account?

Yes, it’s possible for a malicious actor to access your Cash App account. Like other online applications, Cash App is vulnerable to various cyber attacks and security breaches. A hacker may try accessing the account through phishing attempts, malicious links, or downloads.

What is a Phishing Attempt?

Phishing is a type of social engineering criminals use to steal user data, accounts, and credit card numbers. It occurs when an attacker pretends to be a trustworthy company, tricking the victim into opening the email, link, program, or text message. With Cash App, criminals approach victims pretending to offer a considerable sum in exchange for a service. The criminal offers the payment through Cash App, often because of a “problem” with the bank. Eventually, he asks you for the Cash App phone number to send the funds.

Eventually, the malicious actor will ask for a password, suggesting the application requires the account password to process the transaction. The criminal will often indicate the funding size as the reason for the password. When the victim releases the password, the hacker will request the verification code to confirm the transaction. If the victim submits these details, the hacker takes control of the account.

How Does the Hacker Gain Control?

The hacker gains control over the victim’s account by slowly gaining all details for the account. Initially, the criminal will request the account phone number on file, followed by an email. After a few minutes, the victim submits the two-factor authentication code, confirming the suspicious user has permission to log in. Unfortunately, the malicious actor will immediately change the password and verification codes on the application and drain the account of any funds in the account.

How to Confirm Your Account is Hacked

There are a few different signs your Cash App account was hacked. These signs include unfamiliar activity on the account, unauthorized transactions, changes to account information, and being locked out of the account.

When Your Cash App Account is Hacked

If you believe someone has hacked your account, you need to follow these steps to gain control over the application. Although there’s no guarantee you’ll regain access to the account, time is critical.

Change Your Password Immediately

If you believe your account is hacked, change your Cash App password immediately. Ensure your password is unique, with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Never reuse a password, keeping the password different than other accounts.

Accounts without access to the phone number on file can either block or recover the number to limit access to the account. Remember, the goal is limiting account access, which starts by securing your phone number and password.

Users with an email on file should immediately change the email password if they have it connected through the account. Hackers can continue account access with unsecured email accounts, posing an ongoing security risk for the account.

Check for Unauthorized Activity

Carefully comb through your account for unauthorized transactions, withdrawals, or changes. If you find anything suspicious, report it to Cash App immediately.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Turning on two-factor authentication (2FA) in your Cash App account helps add an extra layer of security. Two-factor authentication sends a code to your phone or email account on file when anyone attempts to log in to the Cash App account. Ensure the email and phone number on file is accurate before saving the two-factor authentication.

Contact Cash App Customer Support

Contact Cash App customer support immediately if you believe your Cash App account is compromised. Customer service can help you secure the account and resolve any issues. Users that fall victim to phishing attempts should alert customer support with their email address, username, and contact method.

Continue to Monitor the Account

After you’ve taken all the above steps, monitoring your account is crucial. Pay close attention to the Cash App activity and log-in attempts. Make sure the hacker isn’t able to access your account remotely, monitoring any transactions and usage. Contact customer support immediately to resolve the issue if you notice any suspicious activity.

While the promise of funds is tempting, always remain cautious about handing over personal information, even if they claim to be a legitimate company. Contact the company directly to confirm if you’re unsure of the request. Chances are, most legit companies will refund or process payment through check, money order, or as a refund on the card used.

Can I Get Money Back from a Cash App Hacker?

If you’ve fallen victim to fraud, always take the following steps to try and get your money back:

Contact Cash App Customer Support

If you notice unauthorized transactions or missing funds, contact Cash App immediately. To contact support, open your app or visit the company website. Offer as much information as possible, including the amount missing, account details, and how the hack occurred (if known).

Immediately Request a Refund

When you have evidence that the transaction wasn’t authorized, request a refund from Cash App. All refund requests are made through Cash App or customer support. Include the transaction details and monetary amounts missing from your account.

Dispute All Charges with Your Bank

When you’re unsuccessful in retrieving stolen funds, contact your financial institution. Your bank may return the funds to your account if you can provide evidence the transaction was unauthorized or if the account was compromised.

Although there is no refund guarantee, it’s always better to ask for help whenever possible. By taking the time to document the account and offering as much information as possible, you may increase the chances of recovering the funds.

Conclusion

If your Cash App account becomes compromised or you believe it was hacked, there are many things you need to avoid. First, never pay someone promising to help you recover the funds. Report the malicious actor immediately to Cash App customer support and local authorities. Try to recover your account instantly by changing the email and application passwords. Finally, enable two-step authentication to protect further activity and losses.