What Are Accidental Deposit Scams? 

Accidental deposit scams happen when a scammer “accidentally” sends you money using a mobile payment app like Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App. They’ll then message you, saying it was a mistake and ask you to send the money back. 

Here’s the Scam: 

The money wasn’t theirs to begin with—it came from a stolen credit card or hacked bank account. If you return the money, you're actually sending your own funds to the scammer. Later, when the fraud is uncovered, the original deposit is reversed by the bank or app, leaving you out of pocket. 

What You Should Do: 

• Don’t return the money. It’s likely part of a scam. 
• Avoid communicating with the sender. 
• Contact the app’s customer support directly using official websites or apps. 
• Don’t fall for emotional messages about rent, kids, or emergencies. 

Can You Keep the Money? 

No. It’s considered stolen funds. If you spend it, you may have to pay it back once the fraud is caught. 

Was It a Real Mistake? 

Maybe—but don’t take that risk. Let the payment app handle it. Tell the sender to contact support, then report the deposit yourself.