MADISON (WKOW) — If you’re splitting a lunch bill with friends or repaying family, Venmo can be a life saver. But, like other digital payment platforms, it can also be home to people trying to scam others out of money.
For Breanna Saunders, a resident of Wausau, a scam on Venmo impacted not only her, but also her best friend.
“Venmo is really convenient because you can send money instantly, but now, I’m kind of questioning if it’s the right decision,” Saunders said.
Saunders said it all happened about a week ago when someone impersonating her on Venmo requested $300 from her best friend.
The request said: “At the store. I left my wallet at home. I’ll send it back as soon as I get home. Please & Thank you? Appreciate it.”
Without thinking twice, Saunders said her best friend sent the money.
“For Heather, it was just: ‘Oh, my friend needs help,’ you know? She didn’t ask questions. That’s a true friend right there,” Saunders said.
After exchanging texts, the friends soon realized that Saunders was not the one who sent the request, and therefore, didn’t get the money.
“Looking at the Venmo name, it was the same picture, same username, but basically, the only difference was there was a dash between my first and last name when my real one had an underscore between my first and last name,” Saunders said.
Soon after, Saunders started seeing more…
