New Yorkers Are Falling for This Christmas Cash App Scam

If you’ve been scrolling through Facebook or Twitter lately, you’ve probably seen it, those feel-good holiday posts that start with something like, “SECRET SANTA time! Drop your Cash App and see how much you get from Secret Santas!” The message usually promises blessings, kindness, and maybe even a few extra bucks to help make the season bright. It’s tempting, right? Especially when money’s tight and Christmas lists are long.

When Good Intentions Turn Risky

The idea behind these posts sounds innocent enough. A few dollars here, a few dollars there, everyone helping everyone, what could go wrong? It feels like a modern twist on community giving, and who doesn’t want to believe in a little Christmas magic? But here’s the problem: those good intentions can open the door to something much darker.

A Former Insider Reveals How Scammers Target You

A Reddit user shared a warning that should make every New Yorker think twice before posting their $Cashtag. They claimed to have worked for Cash App and said they used to get hundreds of emails a day from people who fell victim to scams, all because they publicly shared their Cash App username.

READ MORE: What New Yorkers Need to Know About the Brushing Scam 

Once scammers have your Cashtag, they can send fake notifications, emails, and even bogus “locked account” alerts that look legitimate. Some victims reported receiving fake payment messages saying things like, “You’ve got $5,000 waiting, pay a $50 fee to unlock it.” It’s all designed to get you to send money or share sensitive information.

How Scammers Hunt for Victims Online

According to the same Cash App insider, scammers use platforms like Twitter and Facebook to scoop up thousands of usernames every day. Once they have them, they blast out fake payment requests and messages, hoping someone, anyone, will bite. If you’ve ever posted your Cashtag publicly, you’ve basically handed scammers the keys to target you. And they don’t give up easily. Even if you ignore one message, another will pop up soon after.

What to Do If You’ve Already Shared Your Cashtag

If you’ve already shared your Cashtag, it’s not too late to take precautions. Block any unknown or suspicious payment requests immediately. Ignore messages that claim to be from Cash App but ask you to “verify” something by paying a fee. Never send money to someone who promises to send you more in return, even if they seem trustworthy. And if you see a “Secret Santa” post that sounds too good to be true… well, you already know how that story goes.

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Safer Ways to Share the Holiday Spirit

The truth is, there are plenty of safer ways to spread kindness this season. Donate to a local food pantry, pick a tag from an Angel Tree, or quietly Venmo a friend you know could use a hand. Real generosity doesn’t need a hashtag, and it definitely doesn’t need your Cashtag out in the wild. So before you drop your info under that “Secret Santa” post, remember: scammers are on the naughty list for a reason. Keep your money and your peace of mind safe this Christmas.