CASH APP DISPUTE FAQs

FAQ typesetting blocks representing the Cash App Dispute FAQs answered by Schlanger Law Group  

 

You Have Cash App Dispute Questions. We Have Answers.

 

You are probably reading this page because you (or someone you know) are a Cash App user, and something has gone wrong. Whether your Cash App dispute is based on identity theft, an online scam, an unauthorized transfer, or something else, you probably want to know how to get your money back and clear up your account.

Some Frequently Asked Cash App Dispute Questions

Here are a few of the most common questions we receive from consumers just like you. However, every case is different. We can’t provide specific legal advice for your situation here, but we can share basic information to help you understand the rules as they apply to a typical Cash App dispute.

Criminals are devising new ways to defraud consumers every day. Some of the most common Cash App scams right now include: 

Impersonating a Cash App Customer Service Rep – the scammer claims to be a Cash App employee who wants to help resolve a problem with your account. You can verify whether this person is legitimate at this site. A true Cash App employee will never request your PIN or sign-in code to help you. Also, you should never have to buy something or download an app to receive help. If the person asks for a payment or “test transaction” don’t do it.

Fraudulent Websites Created to Steal Money Electronically – a computer hacker fools buyers into placing an order on a fake website. When the consumer tries to pay with Cash App, they receive a message that the payment cannot be processed unless the vendor (the thief) can request the funds directly from Cash App. When the buyer allows access, the scammer steals the money in the Cash App account.

A Stranger “Mistakenly” Deposits Money into Your Account – a deposit appears in your Cash App account, but you don’t know the depositor. Sometimes scammers will send a small amount to an account and then contact the account holder to arrange a refund. If the scammer can obtain enough information about the account, they can take your money while completing the “refund.”

Blocking Communication from Cash App – some hackers can block Cash App from contacting you while the hacker steals your money. If you have requested transaction notifications, those notices may never come.

False Cash App Information on the Web – when Cash App users have a problem, they may Google the app to find a customer service number. Often the number they find is fake and they mistakenly provide information to a scammer who then steals money from their account.

First, never disclose your PIN, full bank account information, or sign-in code to ANYONE. If you are working with a true Cash Support rep at Cash App, they will never ask for your PIN or sign-in code. They will always use encrypted forms to gather information such as your full name, email address, Social Security number, telephone number, or the last few digits of the bank account or card that is linked to your account to verify your identity.

Do not Google “Cash App” to find a contact number. The information you find may be false. Contact Cash App directly through the app to ensure you are dealing with a legitimate representative.

There is never a good reason to send money to resolve a Cash App dispute. If you are requested to send a payment, download anything, or provide extensive personal information to resolve a transaction dispute, you are probably dealing with a scammer. If you think you may be a victim of a scam, change your Cash App PIN and contact Cash App Support immediately.

First, report the scam directly to Cash App through the app itself. There are step-by-step instructions to explain how to report a problem. If your fraud situation involved another account that is linked to your Cash App account or card, contact that financial institution as well. Notify the app and your bank as soon as possible to limit the amount of money you may lose.

These actions may or may not resolve your problem. If Cash App refuses to return your money or resolve the scam in your favor, you may need to consult with a consumer protection lawyer who understands the laws that protect you.

Yes, it could be. A random deposit could be the start of a scam where the fraudster tries to gain access to your account by testing his access with a small deposit. The scammer may demand his money back and request that you do certain things or disclose information that gives him access to your account. 

If the money transfer was a mistake, the person who sent it should work with Cash Support to clear up the situation. You should report the mistake to customer service as well.

Under the law, if someone took your money through an unauthorized transaction, you should receive a refund. The amount of money you may lose will depend on your specific situation and how long you wait to report the problem or file your dispute.

Cash App, and other payment apps like Cash App, fall under the requirements of the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA). This Act covers electronic transfers, 1) that are made by someone other than you (the account holder), 2) that are not authorized by you, and 3) you do not receive any benefit from the transfer. Also, only personal, family, or household accounts are covered by the EFTA. 

Under the law, if someone took your money through an unauthorized transaction, you should receive a refund. The amount of money you may lose will depend on your specific situation and how long you wait to report the problem or file your dispute.

Cash App, and other payment apps like Cash App, fall under the requirements of the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA). This Act covers electronic transfers, 1) that are made by someone other than you (the account holder), 2) that are not authorized by you, and 3) you do not receive any benefit from the transfer. Also, only personal, family, or household accounts are covered by the EFTA. 

When you find an unauthorized transfer, you need to notify Cash App and your bank as soon as possible to reduce your potential losses. The law is complicated, but if you act within two business days your loss should be limited to $50 or less. If you wait more than two days but act within 60 days, your liability should be limited to $500. Beyond 60 days, you could lose a lot of money depending on your circumstances.

Upon receiving your dispute, Cash App and your bank must investigate and provide a resolution within a certain timeframe. If the investigation takes longer than 10 days, your money should be provisionally refunded along with any associated fees or interest. The investigation cannot take more than 45 days. 

If your Cash App dispute is rejected, the company must explain the reasoning behind the rejection and supply any documents used to reach that conclusion. For more details about the EFTA and how you are protected, please see this Guide to the Electronic Fund Transfer Act.

To dispute an unauthorized transaction, you can telephone, email, use the app dispute process, or send a written letter to Cash App and your bank. You must include enough information to describe your identity, your account, and which transactions are in dispute. We recommend you give immediate notice by phone, email, or through the app and follow up in writing. Be sure to include (and keep) copies of any documents that support your dispute. Send your written dispute by certified mail to know when it is received. 

Once they receive your dispute, Cash App and your bank must perform a reasonable investigation into the circumstances within 10 days and report back to you within three days of finishing the investigation. If the investigation takes longer than 10 days, you should receive a provisional refund of the money taken, including any associated fees or interest, while the investigation is ongoing.

 If there was an error or unauthorized transfer, the matter must be corrected, and your money refunded within one day. If Cash App says there was no problem or that you authorized the transfer, it must explain its findings and tell you that you have the right to review any documents it used to reach that conclusion

Unfortunately, Cash app, and other apps like Cash App, sometimes take the position that the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) does not apply to them. This issue has been addressed recently by both the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the entity that defines and regulates the EFTA) and the court system. It is now clear that Cash App and other mobile payment apps are covered by the EFTA. 

The Cash App website tries to avoid responsibility for transfers that occur when an account holder is tricked into giving a thief access to the account. The website states, “You likely won’t be able to recover funds lost if you give a third-party access to your account by calling a fake number and providing sensitive information like your PIN or sign-in code.” This statement is contrary to the EFTA.

Unfortunately, Cash app, and other apps like Cash App, sometimes take the position that the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) does not apply to them. This issue has been addressed recently by both the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the entity that defines and regulates the EFTA) and the court system. It is now clear that Cash App and other mobile payment apps are covered by the EFTA. 

The Cash App website tries to avoid responsibility for transfers that occur when an account holder is tricked into giving a thief access to the account. The website states, “You likely won’t be able to recover funds lost if you give a third-party access to your account by calling a fake number and providing sensitive information like your PIN or sign-in code.” This statement is contrary to the EFTA.

The EFTA distinguishes between giving someone (such as a friend or relative) information to allow them access to your account and being fooled by a fraudster into revealing access information. If fraud or robbery is involved, the transactions are unauthorized under the EFTA.

If your dispute is rejected and Cash App refuses to return your stolen money, contact the team at Schlanger Law Group to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights.

Yes. You should notify the bank that is attached to your Cash App account that you found an unauthorized transaction. Again, call or email the bank as soon as possible then follow up with written notice including copies of any supporting documents. Be sure to file a Cash App dispute as well, do not just contact the bank.

As described above, once they receive your dispute, Cash App and your bank must perform a reasonable investigation into the circumstances within 10 days and report back to you within three days of finishing the investigation. If the investigation takes longer than 10 days, you should receive a provisional refund of the money taken, including any associated fees or interest, while the investigation continues.

 If it turns out there was an error or unauthorized transfer, the matter must be corrected, and your money refunded within one day. If Cash App says there was no problem or that you authorized the transfer, it must explain its findings and tell you that you have the right to review any documents it used to reject your Cash App dispute.

 

If a financial institution such as Cash App violated the EFTA, you can request payment of your related legal damages. Damages may include actual damages, statutory damages between $100 and $1,000, treble damages (a form of punishment allowed in certain cases), along with attorney’s fees and costs. Because we can recover our attorney’s fees from entities that violate the EFTA, we can accept many cases on a contingency basis where payment of our fees and costs are shifted to the violators. 

You may also qualify to be part of a class action if other consumers are facing similar violations by the same company. Class actions allow many consumers to join forces and bring legal action against violators even if each person may have only lost a small amount of money. 

EFTA violation cases, whether individual lawsuits or class actions are complicated. Many attorneys are not familiar with consumer protection laws and how to protect your rights. The team at Schlanger Law Group has extensive experience successfully resolving these cases and advocating for consumers who have not been able to resolve matters like a Cash App dispute on their own. 

Some situations can be resolved by simply sending a Cash App dispute and notifying your financial institution about an unauthorized transaction. If they perform a reasonable investigation and agree that the transfer was unauthorized, they should return your money and close the matter.  

However, if you provide notice but Cash App does not investigate, wrongfully decides the transaction was authorized, or otherwise violates the EFTA, your money will not be refunded. When your Cash App dispute is rejected or ignored, or if the company claims you were responsible for giving access to a fraudster, you need to speak to a consumer protection attorney.