Can Venmo refund money I sent to a scammer?
Reviewed answer
Report the payment in Venmo; purchase protection and unauthorized-payment rules differ.
- In the US, open Venmo yourself and contact support about the specific payment.
- Say whether it was an unauthorized payment, a scam you were tricked into sending, or an eligible purchase that went wrong.
- Save the listing, messages, and receipt. Ask whether Purchase Protection applies; ordinary personal payments do not automatically qualify.
Get help if
A seller tells you to avoid purchase protection, or someone offers a refund only after another payment.