Venmo ‘Press 1’ Call and PIN Code Scam [Explained]
Written by: Stelian
Published on:
Venmo is a popular mobile payment app that allows users to send and receive money easily. However, like any other online service, Venmo is not immune to scams and frauds. In this blog post, we will explain one of the latest scams targeting Venmo users: the Venmo ‘Press 1’ Call and PIN Code Scam. We will also provide some tips on how to avoid falling victim to this scam and what to do if you have already been scammed.
What is the Venmo ‘Press 1’ Call and PIN Code Scam?
The Venmo ‘Press 1’ Call and PIN Code Scam is a type of phishing scam that aims to trick Venmo users into giving away their account access to scammers.
The scam involves a fake automated call from a number that appears to be from Venmo, claiming that there has been an unauthorized attempt to log into your Venmo account from an unknown device or a suspicious transaction from your account.
The call then asks you to press 1 to verify your identity and sends you a text message with a PIN code that you are supposed to enter on the phone. However, the call and the text are not from Venmo, but from scammers who are trying to get your PIN code and take over your account.
How does the Venmo ‘Press 1’ Call and PIN Code Scam work?
The scammers use spoofing technology to make their phone number look like it is from Venmo. They also use a recorded voice that sounds similar to Venmo’s official voice prompts. They may even use your name or other personal details to make the call seem more convincing.
The scammers then create a sense of urgency and fear by telling you that your account is in danger of being hacked or that you have been charged for something you did not buy. They then ask you to press 1 to confirm your identity and send you a text message with a PIN code that they claim is for verification purposes. However, the PIN code is actually a one-time password (OTP) that Venmo sends you when you try to log into your account from a new device or browser. By entering or giving the PIN code to the scammers, you are essentially giving them access to your account.
The scammers can then use your account to transfer money to themselves or other accounts, or make purchases using your linked bank account or card.
What to do if you have fallen victim?
If you have received such a call and entered or gave away your PIN code, you should immediately take the following steps:
Log into your Venmo account from a trusted device and browser and change your password.
Check your transaction history and report any unauthorized or suspicious transactions to Venmo.
Contact your bank or card issuer and inform them of the scam. They may be able to reverse or block any fraudulent charges.
Report the scam call and text message to Venmo’s customer support team at support@venmo.com or 855-812-4430.
Report the scam phone number to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or 877-382-4357.
The Venmo ‘Press 1’ Call and PIN Code Scam is a clever phishing scheme that exploits the trust and convenience of Venmo users. However, by being aware of how the scam works and following some simple precautions, you can protect yourself and your money from this scam. Remember, Venmo will never call you to ask for your PIN code or other sensitive information. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and contact Venmo directly using their official channels.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
About Stelian
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
