Latest news with #Venmo
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
What's the going rate for kids' allowances in 2025?
What's the going rate for kids' allowances in 2025? Show Caption Hide Caption Trump vowed economic relief, but Americans say they're struggling President Donald Trump promised to end inflation and bring down food costs right away after he took office. Here's what Americans think 100 days in. Despite inflation, most parents haven't increased their children's allowances. The average weekly allowance for children aged 5-17 is $37.19, but the median is $20. Digital payment methods like Venmo and direct deposit are increasingly used for allowance. Inflation may be on most Americans' minds while they're at the grocery store and gas pump, but not when they're doling out their kid's allowance. While 29% of parents have increased their kids' allowances over the last year to keep up with inflation, 65% have not, and 6% have decreased the amount they give their children, according to a new Wells Fargo survey. 'Whether or not the allowance has changed, the stark reality is that what kids are spending their money on has definitely increased,' said Louann Millar, head of student banking at Wells Fargo. 'That Starbucks that used to cost $3 is now $5.' The survey found that 71% of American parents give their children an allowance, but the amount and way they transfer funds largely depend on their children's age. Here's what to know: What is the average allowance by age? The average weekly allowance for children ages 5 to 17 is $37.19 in 2025, according to the survey. However, that number is affected by some parents who give high allowances. The median weekly allowance is $20. Allowances generally rise as kids age. For those ages 5 to 8, the average is $31.50, and the median is $15. Those ages 9 to 11 get a little more, receiving a weekly average of $34.32 and a median of $20. For those 12 to 14, the average is $36.05, and the median is $20. The oldest kids, or those ages 15 to 17, receive the most – a weekly average of $44.88 and a median of $25. More: Groceries, phone bills, rent? Where parents still help adult kids financially When do parents give kids an allowance? Of parents who give their children allowances, a third regularly give and a quarter occasionally give their kids ages 5 to 8 one. Millar said allowances are a good way for parents to teach their children about positive money habits, such as budgeting and saving up for a big purchase. She said starting young isn't a bad idea. 'Parents know and think it's a good idea to talk to children about money early on,' Millar said. 'Almost all of them think it's important to let kids make those small choices early on, because there are guardrails for them.' The most common age for kids to receive an allowance is between the ages of 9 and 11. Half of parents regularly give, and 29% occasionally give children an allowance during that time. Allowances are also common as children become teenagers. More than 70% of parents said they regularly or occasionally give their kids allowances when they are between the ages of 12 and 17. Allowance and the tooth fairy have gone (somewhat) digital Cash remains king when it comes to allowance, but digital payments are increasingly common. At 73%, many parents give cash for allowance – and half give it exclusively, the survey found. However, nearly a quarter of parents are also using peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo to send allowance to their children, and 20% are using direct deposit to their kids' bank accounts. Some 14% use prepaid debit cards for the transaction. Older kids are less likely to get cash than younger kids, but even 18% of children ages 5 to 8 are receiving allowance via direct deposit. Millar said she's seen parents open debit cards for children that young. It's a sign of the times. 'I don't use cash at all,' Millar said. 'If anybody gives my kids cash, they will immediately turn around, give it to me and say, 'Can you send this to me electronically to my bank account?'' What about the tooth fairy? The pivot to digital payment is even affecting the tooth fairy. While she still most often leaves cash, in 2025, she'll use peer-to-peer payment methods 11% of the time. The survey found that some 7% of tooth fairy payments come in the form of gift cards. 'Maybe when you forget to get cash to leave in the tooth fairy pillow, the digital options are a really nice way to be able to make sure your kiddo wakes up with something,' Millar said. Reach Rachel Barber at rbarber@ and follow her on X @rachelbarber_
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
13 Of The Funniest Habits Boomers Refuse To Give Up
Boomers. They're that one generation that somehow manages to be both lovingly nostalgic and frustratingly stuck in their ways. Whether it's their unyielding devotion to mall walking or their insistence on using cash, some habits are so deeply ingrained that they're practically part of their DNA. If you've ever been perplexed by the quirks of your favorite Boomer, you're not alone. Here's a list of 13 habits they just can't seem to shake, for better or worse. While the rest of us rely on GPS and the comforting voice of Siri to navigate the world, Boomers are still printing out directions. There's something reassuringly solid about a piece of paper that won't suddenly redirect you due to a lost signal. For them, unfolding a map or flipping through pages of printed directions is a tactile comfort. It's how they've always done it, and old habits die hard. This penchant for printed directions, though charmingly nostalgic, can lead to some amusing situations. Imagine their surprise when real-world roads don't quite match the paper version, or when a detour throws the entire plan into chaos. Yet, they soldier on, stubbornly sticking to their ways. It's a reminder that sometimes, the scenic route is just a paper map away. Boomers have a special knack for turning grocery store lines into social gatherings, especially when they whip out their trusty checkbooks. You can almost hear the collective sighs of Millennials and Gen Zers tapping their feet in anticipation. Despite the rise of Venmo and contactless payments, Boomers insist on writing checks for even the smallest transactions. A study by the Federal Reserve Bank found that check usage is declining, but Boomers are holding strong, showing that habits from their formative years die hard. What is it about checks that they love so much? Maybe it's the tactile satisfaction of tearing a check out from the book, or perhaps the sense of control over their finances that digital methods just can't replicate. Whatever the case, their commitment to checks is unwavering. Just remember to bring a snack if you're standing behind one at the supermarket. If you have a Boomer in your life, chances are you've seen their filing cabinets bursting with every piece of paperwork they've ever received. From paper bills to old tax returns, they've got it all, neatly categorized and stored away. In an age where digital storage is king, Boomers still find comfort in the tangibility of paper. It's like their own version of a security blanket, offering a sense of safety and preparedness. There's a certain nostalgia to it, a holdover from a time when paperwork was the only way to keep track of life's chaos. Sure, they've heard of the cloud, but they're not quite convinced it's the safest place for their precious documents. So they continue to hoard, defending their paper trails with the zeal of a seasoned archivist. Just don't expect them to change their ways anytime soon. For Boomers, hearing a voice is still the gold standard of communication, even if it means leaving you a voicemail you'll never listen to. They just can't wrap their heads around the idea that a text could ever convey the same warmth or nuance. According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, Boomers are less likely than younger generations to use messaging apps, preferring the tried-and-true method of a phone call. This habit can be endearing, if not a tad frustrating, especially when they expect an immediate call back. While you might be swamped with work or simply not in a talking mood, they're left wondering why you didn't pick up. Yet, there's something undeniably comforting about their persistence. It's a reminder that even in a hyper-digital world, some things—like hearing a loved one's voice—never lose their value. In a time when news can be consumed with a mere scroll of your phone, Boomers remain fiercely loyal to their morning papers. There's a ritual to it: the rustling of the pages, the ink smudging their fingers, the satisfaction of folding it just right. For them, it's not just about the news; it's about the experience. The morning paper is a tradition, a daily touchstone that connects them to a slower-paced world. While headlines flash across our screens at breakneck speed, Boomers savor the deliberate pace of print news. It's a ritual that's both grounding and nostalgic, a way to engage with the world that feels more intentional. Besides, what's a leisurely breakfast without spreading the newspaper across the table? For Boomers, some habits aren't just hard to break—they're a source of comfort and familiarity. Boomers have perfected the art of saving a buck, and their loyalty to coupon clipping is a testament to that. Long after digital coupons became the norm, they still relish the thrill of snipping deals from the Sunday paper. According to a report by Inmar Intelligence, traditional paper coupons still hold significant appeal for Boomers, who often see it as a sport of sorts. It's not just about the savings; it's about the hunt, the strategy, the sense of triumph when they cash in on a deal. For Boomers, clipping coupons is an act of rebellion against the rising tide of digital consumption. It's a way to engage with their purchases, to feel proactive and savvy. And let's be honest, who doesn't love watching the numbers roll back at the register? Despite the plethora of streaming services available, many Boomers fiercely cling to their cable TV packages. There's a certain comfort in flipping through channels and not having to decide what to watch from an overwhelming array of choices. A survey by Nielsen reveals that Boomers watch more traditional TV than any other age group, finding solace in the familiarity of scheduled programming. For them, cable TV is a trusted companion, one that doesn't require a password or an HDMI cord. It's reliable, straightforward, and, most importantly, it works. While younger generations toggle between Netflix and Hulu, Boomers bask in the predictable glow of their favorite channels. Sometimes, the best form of entertainment is the one that requires the least effort. In the era of digital contacts and smartphone reminders, Boomers still cling to their trusty address books. There's something undeniably personal about hand-writing an address or a phone number, committing it to memory in a way that a digital entry simply can't achieve. The well-thumbed pages of an address book tell stories of friendships that have withstood the test of time. This tangible record of relationships is a testament to their connections, a little archive of their social world. For Boomers, having a physical address book means never worrying about a lost contact due to a phone mishap. It's old-school, but it works, and that's all that matters. The addresses may change, but the love for an address book remains steadfast. Boomers have an enduring allegiance to the human touch, especially when it comes to shopping. While self-checkouts become ubiquitous, they steadfastly queue up for a cashier, savoring the brief interaction. There's a certain charm in their insistence on a human cashier, a desire for genuine connections in an increasingly impersonal world. This aversion to self-checkout isn't just about technology; it's a preference for a personal touch, however fleeting. For Boomers, shopping is an experience, a series of small interactions that make up the rhythm of their day. Even if it means standing in a longer line, they'll choose the cashier every time. After all, some traditions are worth the wait. In a world where cellphones reign supreme, Boomers hold onto their landlines like a lifeline. The familiar jangle of a landline phone ringing is music to their ears, a comforting reminder of simpler times. For them, a landline is synonymous with reliability, a constant in a world that's increasingly unpredictable. There's something timeless about picking up a landline, about knowing that it will never drop a call due to a weak signal. Boomers find solace in the dependability of their landlines, in the tactile satisfaction of dialing a number. Even as technology evolves, their loyalty to the landline persists. It's a steadfast companion in a rapidly changing world. In an era dominated by e-cards and fleeting texts, Boomers remain steadfast in their dedication to sending traditional Christmas cards. There's a joy in selecting the perfect card, in writing a heartfelt message, in sealing it with just the right stamp. For them, Christmas cards are more than just a holiday tradition—they're a tangible connection to friends and family. Boomers understand the power of a handwritten note, the warmth of receiving a card in the mail. It's a ritual that brings them joy, a way to express love and gratitude in a tangible form. While digital greetings may be faster, they lack the personal touch that makes a card so special. For Boomers, some traditions are worth keeping alive, no matter how the world changes. In a time where playlists and podcasts are just a tap away, Boomers still have a soft spot for the radio. There's an undeniable nostalgia in tuning the dial, in the static that crackles with each station change. For them, the radio is a companion, a reliable friend that fills the silence with music, news, and the comforting voice of a favorite DJ. The spontaneity of radio is a cherished experience, a break from the curated playlists of modern listening. Boomers revel in the unpredictability, the joy of hearing a forgotten favorite song come on unexpectedly. Even as technology offers endless choices, they find comfort in the reliability of the radio. It's an enduring love affair, one that continues to play on. In a world where time is displayed everywhere, Boomers continue to wear wristwatches with pride. There's something undeniably classic about strapping on a timepiece, a nod to elegance and tradition. For them, a watch isn't just about telling time; it's a statement, a piece of jewelry that carries history and personal significance. Wristwatches offer a tangible connection to the past, a reminder of a time when checking the time wasn't just a casual glance at a screen. Boomers value the craftsmanship, the art of a well-made watch, the stories that each tick tells. Even as smartwatches gain popularity, their loyalty to the wristwatch endures. After all, some classics never go out of style.
Fox News
3 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
Fake Venmo accounts are stealing donations from real charities
Apps like Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal have changed how we move money. They are fast and convenient, but with that ease comes exposure. If you send funds to the wrong person, they are likely gone for good. There is often no real path to recovery, especially when the recipient disappears behind a fake username and an unresponsive support system. This vulnerability becomes even more dangerous in moments of crisis. During natural disasters, high-profile social movements, or health emergencies, people are moved to give. Scammers know this and exploit the impulse. One such scam involved a fake Venmo account pretending to collect donations for a Minnesota nonprofit after the death of George Floyd. The account looked legitimate, but the funds never reached the organization. A similar scam is targeting Miles Perret Cancer Services, a nonprofit based in Louisiana. Scammers have created a fraudulent Venmo account that closely mimics the legitimate Venmo handle of the cancer nonprofit organization. They are using this fake account to trick well-meaning donors into sending money, believing they are supporting the real charity. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. Miles Perret Cancer Services (MPCS) provides support to families facing cancer diagnoses. They recently discovered that a fraudulent Venmo account is impersonating their official one. Their real handle is @milesperretcs. The scammer's account uses @milesperretcs_, a nearly indistinguishable copy. To the average person, the difference is invisible. That is precisely what makes it dangerous. "We reported this account through the app more than 24 hours ago," Timothy Rinaldi, executive director of MPCS, told Cyberguy. "There has been no follow-up from Venmo. We tried the live chat option, but it was abruptly closed with no resolution." Instead of helping, Venmo routed Rinaldi through generic FAQs and legal disclaimers. Even after he was connected with a live support agent, the responses were standard scripts. He was told that the issue had been escalated, but no one could provide a timeline beyond a vague window of three to five business days. Fake Venmo accounts have been used in recent years to exploit donation drives for hurricane relief, animal shelters, medical funds, and other causes. The formula is simple. Take a known nonprofit, tweak the username slightly, and ride the momentum of goodwill. By the time anyone catches on, the money is gone and the damage is done. The incident involving MPCS is not an isolated case. In December 2024, Final Victory Animal Rescue, a nonprofit based in South Carolina, discovered a Venmo account impersonating the organization and collecting donations intended for the real charity. The group's general manager, Michael Sniezek, confirmed the account had been receiving funds from unsuspecting donors before the issue was flagged. In another case, Alone No More Dog Rescue, a Phoenix-based nonprofit, posted on Facebook that fraudulent Venmo accounts had been targeting its past donors, sending them payment requests and soliciting additional funds under false pretenses. MPCS has filed a report with the Federal Trade Commission, but there is no guarantee of quick resolution. The fraudulent account remains active as of press time. It is unclear how much has already been lost or whether Venmo will recover and return any of it. Scammers aren't just targeting charities. They're after anyone and everyone. Here are a few ways to protect yourself and keep your hard-earned money safe. 1) Always access the payment app from the official app or website, and not from any third-party platforms or services. 2) Look at the security settings that the payment app offers and make sure they're all set to the highest and most protective settings. 3) Consider using a personal data removal service to protect your privacy and reduce your risk of scams. Scammers who target payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal often rely on information found on data broker and people-search sites to craft convincing impersonations or phishing attempts. These sites can list your name, address, phone number, and even connections to organizations you support, making it easier for fraudsters to trick you or others into sending money to fake accounts. Personal data removal services work by automatically removing your information from hundreds of data broker sites, making it much harder for scammers to find and misuse your details. By scrubbing your data from these sources, you lower your risk of being targeted in payment app scams and reduce the likelihood that someone could impersonate you or a nonprofit you care about. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web 4) Create a strong, unique and complex password for each of your mobile payment apps and change it often. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here. 5) Enable two-factor authentication, which means that you need to enter a code or use your fingerprint or face to unlock your account to prevent unauthorized access. This way, even if someone knows your password, they can't log in without your device or confirmation. 6) Lock your device and log out of your apps. You should always lock your phone with a password, PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or face. Never share your password, PIN, or security code with anyone. You should also log out of your mobile payment apps after each use and turn off the auto-login feature. This way, even if someone takes or borrows your device, they can't access your mobile payment apps without your approval. 7) Verify the identity and legitimacy of the sender or receiver. You should always check the name, photo, username, and contact information of the person or organization you are sending money to or receiving money from before accepting or sending any payment requests. You should also confirm the reason and amount of the transaction before you agree to it. If you are not sure or have any doubts, you should contact the person or organization directly through another way, such as a phone call, text message, or email, but only if you know for sure that those forms of communication are legitimate. You should never send money or give your account details to anyone you don't know or trust, or anyone who asks you to do so out of the blue. 8) Link your Venmo to a credit card as opposed to a debit card, so you can dispute a charge from scammers more easily. However, keep in mind, linking a credit card to your payment app can provide additional protection in the event of fraud, but this can come with extra costs in terms of transaction fees. 9) Try not to keep a balance in your money-transferring apps. You have a much better chance of being helped by your bank or credit card company when it comes to fraud than you do from a money-transferring app. 10) Use strong antivirus software and never click on links from unknown sources, especially when an email or text appears to have come from the payment App. Protect yourself from accidentally clicking on malicious links by running antivirus software on your device. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 11) Monitor your account activity and report any suspicious or unauthorized transactions. You should set up notifications from your payment app and your bank via text or email, and check your account activity regularly. Look for any signs of fraud, such as payments you didn't make or receive, or changes to your account settings or information. Unlike traditional banks, which are bound by federal consumer protection laws and fraud resolution timelines, peer-to-peer payment apps operate in a much looser regulatory environment. Services like Venmo often state in their user agreements that they are not responsible for mistaken or unauthorized payments unless there is clear evidence of account compromise or technical malfunction. Venmo's only suggestion here was to respond to a support ticket and wait. There was no emergency fraud hotline, no dedicated contact for nonprofits, and no indication that urgent action would be taken. Payment apps that allow donations to flow as quickly as a text message must also bear the responsibility of keeping those transactions safe. When a nonprofit has to beg for support just to protect its own identity, something is broken. Should payment platforms be held responsible for losses caused by impersonation scams? Let us know by writing to us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
View. Click. Buy. PayPal Storefront Ads Expand Merchant Reach Across the Web
By turning ads into shoppable storefronts, merchants can bring commerce directly to consumers through advertising SAN JOSE, Calif., June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PayPal is rewriting the rules of digital advertising with the launch of Storefront Ads—an innovative solution that transforms ads on the open web into a fully functional storefront. Fueled by the PayPal transaction graph and powered by PayPal and Venmo's robust payment rails, Storefront Ads turns recommended products into "buy now" opportunities right within the ad unit itself. Merchants of all sizes are faced with fewer and fewer consumers going directly to their websites in a world where agentic commerce is growing. With Storefront Ads, merchants can dramatically broaden their e-commerce reach across the open web—reaching consumers wherever they are, on desktop, mobile, or emerging digital environments. By combining checkout through PayPal and Venmo's payment flow with a storefront that lives inside the ad, shoppers will not have to leave the content they're viewing. After making a purchase, they're immediately returned to exactly where they left off. "Agentic commerce risks siphoning traffic and diluting retailers' brand experiences. Additionally, shopping is no longer something consumers do; it's something that comes to them," said Mark Grether, SVP & GM of PayPal Ads. "PayPal Storefront Ads gives merchants a powerful way to reach new customers and re-engage loyal shoppers by planting dynamic storefronts directly within the open web, creating a compelling, frictionless shopping experience anywhere." "Business Insider's readers expect experiences that are fast, relevant, and intuitive. With PayPal's Storefront Ads, we will be able to deliver commerce that meets them in the moment and engages them through a seamless checkout experience," said Maggie Milnamow, Chief Revenue Officer, Business Insider. "PayPal's new offering brings real-time personalization, creating a smarter, more seamless way for audiences to discover and buy what matters to them." PayPal Storefront Ads are supercharged by the PayPal transaction graph—a unique repository of real, cross-merchant purchase signals that drive relevant advertising. With more than 430 million consumer and merchant accounts spanning approximately 200 global markets, this transaction graph has the potential to help PayPal map a variety of purchase data with media to inform more impactful marketing campaigns. From buying a new pair of shoes on PayPal, splitting up a dinner tab on Venmo, or discovering a deal on electronics with PayPal Honey, the PayPal transaction graph seeks to map commerce activity to provide marketers a more complete view of their next potential shopper, enabling them to deliver highly personalized, privacy-safe messaging exactly where consumers are already engaged. "We're excited by the opportunity to advance frictionless, content-driven commerce. The more steps in the path to purchase, the more drop-off we see—PayPal/Venmo's new shoppable ad capability brings conversion closer to the moment of inspiration and helps eliminate that friction." said Kate Monaghan, Executive Vice President of Integrated Investment & Retail Partnerships at Horizon Media. "Coupled with PayPal and Venmo's powerful first-party data, this unlocks new ways to deliver relevant, high-intent, shoppable experiences—giving consumers the ability to purchase instantly, right within the content they're engaging with." "We're thrilled to explore PayPal Ads' next evolution in ecommerce media," said Sidrah Althaus, CMO of Avocado Green Mattress. "Their shoppable display ads seamlessly surface the right product and drive conversions within the unit itself; delivering the kind of frictionless checkout experience today's savvy customers expect." "Advertisers are rightly focused on results—and the strongest outcomes come from pairing high-quality data with trusted connections to real audiences," said Ryan Pauley, President of Revenue & Growth at Vox Media, Inc. "That's what Vox Media delivers, and we're excited to work with PayPal Ads to bring this new opportunity to life." Storefront Ads is expected to debut this summer in the U.S. as IAB-standard units and then evolve into brand carousels and sponsored listings. These next-gen placements harness dynamic creative optimization and product-level data designed especially for fast-moving consumer goods. About PayPalPayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy. For more information, visit and Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information relate to future events and future performance and reflect, among other things, PayPal's plans with respect to PayPal Storefront Ads. Forward looking statements may be identified by words such as "seek", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "expect", "project", "forecast", or intend", and statements that an event or result "may"" "will", "should", "could", or "might" occur or be achieved and any other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. PayPal expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Contact: Media Relations, mediarelations@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE PayPal Holdings, Inc.
CBS News
5 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Scottie Scheffler deleted his Venmo account over unwanted activity. Here's what to do if that happens to you.
How to clean up your digital footprint and protect against online scams Much like a golf course, Venmo can bring some unexpected traps and other hazards. The popular payment app enables users to send requests and payments to Venmo accounts listed as public — a default setting that opened up a can of worms for the world's top golfer, Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler, 28, who is competing in the U.S. Open this week, said Tuesday that he deleted the app after receiving a string of unwanted financial requests and payments from strangers betting on his performance. "That's why I had to get rid of my Venmo because I was either getting paid by people or people requesting me a bunch of money when I didn't win. It wasn't a good feeling," the 16-time PGA Tour winner recently told reporters, according to CBS Sports. While he occasionally received small payments after winning a game, Scheffler said he more typically got requests from gamblers looking to cash in if he had lost. "I don't remember the most that somebody would send me," he said. "Maybe a couple bucks here or there. That didn't happen nearly as much as the requests did." Ordinary Venmo users may not attract the same attention on the app as Scheffler, but they can still benefit from knowing how to protect their privacy on the payment platform. Read on for tips on how to navigate Venmo safely. What should I do if I get an unexpected payment or request on Venmo? With the proliferation on online scams, Venmo encourages its users to play it safe. If you get a payment from a stranger, Venmo says you should not accept the transfer, but instead contact the app's support team. Likewise, payment requests from suspicious accounts, or people you don't know, should also be declined, the company says. "In some cases, you may receive a payment request from someone who appears to be a friend or relative," Venmo warns on its website. "This can be a common scam tactic, so we recommend contacting your friend or family member outside of Venmo to confirm the legitimacy of the request before taking any action." For more information on how to safely use Venmo, the company's website outlines common mobile payment scams and how to avoid them. Can everyone see my Venmo payment history? Paying your roommate for the electricity bill? Others might be able to see that transaction on Venmo, depending on your account settings. If your profile is public, which is the default setting on the app, then each of your payment transactions will appear on Venmo's main feed, making them visible to anyone online. That includes information on who you're paying, when you paid them and what you're paying them for — cue the pizza emoji. To limit the number of people who can see your transactions, you can switch your privacy settings to "Friends only" or "Private." The "Friends only" setting makes your payment transactions visible to Venmo friends only. The "Private" setting, the most restrictive of the three options, limits payment visibility to the two parties engaged in the transaction. Venmo also allows you to retroactively change your transactions to private mode which would hide your entire payment history, according to a company spokesperson. If you're paying or requesting money from someone who has different privacy setting than you, Venmo will default to whoever's setting is more restrictive. For example, if your account is private and you're making a payment to someone with a public account, the payment will automatically be private, and only visible to you and the recipient.
