I had this happen once and I texted to person and explained the mistake and she paid me the same amount.

I don't like Venmo for many reasons, I only use Zelle. I guess maybe this could happen on Zelle too but I kind of doubt it. I think the process is a little more foolproof.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We did that with our rent once. My husband PayPal’d the wrong person. Who never responded- and accepted transaction.

Doesn’t PayPal allow you to contest a transaction? That’s why I prefer it to Venmo for large amounts.

You can. But it’s difficult to get that to work in your favor. We lost our money.

And this is why I don't Venmo.

If you can't cash a check or meet me in person for cash, you don't need my money.

I hope the person who got it was in a bad place and your money will truly help them.

Anonymous wrote:We did that with our rent once. My husband PayPal’d the wrong person. Who never responded- and accepted transaction.

Doesn’t PayPal allow you to contest a transaction? That’s why I prefer it to Venmo for large amounts.

Anonymous wrote:Omg OP I feel so badly for you! I obsessively check the addresses and info for even $10 sent via PayPal because I am terrified of making a mistake. (Not saying that to sound superior- I think these “convenience” payment methods are TOO quick/easy.

Thanks! To make myself feel better, I'm imagining this Ukrainian woman doing heroic things with the money to vanquish the Russian menace. Slava Ukraini!

Anonymous wrote:How could Venmo not offer any protection, like hold the cash for a few hours before completing the transfer?

Yes! That would have been great. Anyway, we have learned a HUGE lesson here. Just when you think you're a bonafide adult...you erroneously and irresponsibly send a Ukrainian stranger lady thousands of dollars.

How could Venmo not offer any protection, like hold the cash for a few hours before completing the transfer?

Omg OP I feel so badly for you! I obsessively check the addresses and info for even $10 sent via PayPal because I am terrified of making a mistake. (Not saying that to sound superior- I think these “convenience” payment methods are TOO quick/easy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe I'm the odd one but I mostly deal with strangers on Venmo. People I'm buying/selling things with or a quick cash exchange for tickets to kid event, a random end of season coach gift with a team mom I barely know, etc. Most of my dealings are not with contacts so I can see how this would happen.

Same but the dollar amounts are like $20. Basically the amount of money I would stuff in my kids backpack.

What was $3000 that took Venmo and was such a rush??

OP here. Deck repairs and refinishing. I'm just flabbergasted that this happened. It is a shocking mistake. An Uncle Billy/It's a Wonderful Life kind of mistake. But not so endearing. And it really wasn't a rush. The very kind, very talented guy who did our deck said a check was fine. Husband thought it would be nice to pay him quick because he did such a great job instead of making him wait for a check.

Anonymous wrote:Maybe I'm the odd one but I mostly deal with strangers on Venmo. People I'm buying/selling things with or a quick cash exchange for tickets to kid event, a random end of season coach gift with a team mom I barely know, etc. Most of my dealings are not with contacts so I can see how this would happen.

Same but the dollar amounts are like $20. Basically the amount of money I would stuff in my kids backpack.

What was $3000 that took Venmo and was such a rush??

Maybe I'm the odd one but I mostly deal with strangers on Venmo. People I'm buying/selling things with or a quick cash exchange for tickets to kid event, a random end of season coach gift with a team mom I barely know, etc. Most of my dealings are not with contacts so I can see how this would happen.

Anonymous wrote:Were the funds inadvertently sent to a person that he knows? Only my known contacts show in Cash App, so it would be near impossible to send money to a stranger.

My cousin's son mistakenly sent me $30 once, which I promptly returned.

No. In fact, this person probably lives on the other side of the world. We are never getting this money back.

We did that with our rent once. My husband PayPal’d the wrong person. Who never responded- and accepted transaction.