Americans split rent, pay roommates and pay back friends with phone apps. They are fast and usually free, but a payment is like handing over cash.
Zelle: inside most US bank apps. Money goes from one US bank account to another in minutes. You send to a phone number or email. Zelle closed its own separate app in 2025, so you use it through your bank's app.
Venmo: a separate app linked to your bank or card. Popular with young people for splitting bills.
Cash App: a separate app with its own card and balance.
Sending from a linked bank account or debit card is usually free. Sending from a credit card or getting money "instantly" to your bank often costs a fee.
Open the app and tap Send.
Type the person's phone number or email, or scan their code.
Check the name and photo before you tap send. One wrong digit sends money to a stranger.
Add a note, like "October electricity".
Why scams are so common here
If someone steals your phone or your login and sends money, federal law treats it as unauthorized, and your bank must investigate.
But if you pressed send, even because someone lied to you, it usually counts as authorized. Banks and apps often do not have to give it back. There is no buyer protection for personal payments.
Common tricks:
A "seller" on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist asks for a deposit on an apartment or car that does not exist.
A text says it is your bank and asks you to "send money to yourself" to stop fraud. Your bank never asks this.
Someone "accidentally" sends you money and asks you to send it back. Contact the app instead; the first payment may be stolen.
Send only to people you know and trust.
Do not pay deposits for apartments you have not seen.
To buy from a stranger, use a credit card or a platform with purchase protection.
Keep your app balance low. Move money to your bank account.
Turn on a PIN or face ID for the app.
Report it in the app and call your bank the same day.
Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Write down the person's name, phone number and the time.