Consider the funds as money, mentioned Jennifer White, senior director of banking and funds intelligence at J.D. Energy. “You wouldn’t hand somebody you didn’t know money, and so that you shouldn’t ship money to anybody you aren’t personally linked with.”

Different ideas: Use the id verification choices your app provides, like two-factor authentication, Ms. White mentioned. They might sluggish issues down a bit, however they may also help keep away from issues.

Examine your accounts at the very least as soon as per week to see if something seems to be amiss. And in the event you not use an app, delete it out of your telephone so it received’t be weak to hacking.

Whereas folks might go away funds within the apps indefinitely and use them as a cost supply, it’s sensible to switch funds into your personal checking account as quickly as doable. However shoppers could also be reluctant to take action shortly since some apps might cost charges for “expedited” transfers, Ms. Gittleman mentioned.

Listed below are some questions and solutions about cost apps:

What ought to I do if I pay the incorrect individual by mistake?

The apps supply solutions on their web sites. Venmo, for example, advises sending the individual a request for cost, in the identical quantity that you simply paid, together with a be aware asking the individual to repay you the cash you despatched by mistake. This “might show you how to get your a reimbursement quicker” than contacting Venmo help, the web site says. If that doesn’t work, the positioning says, contact help — “and we’ll do our greatest to assist.”

However the do-it-yourself method is determined by the cooperation of the recipient. And a few could also be skeptical as a result of banks additionally warn cellular app customers to be cautious of requests to refund mistaken funds, as they might be fraudulent. The American Bankers Affiliation, for instance, advises customers to “by no means” ship a cost to somebody who says you bought an unintended cost through one of many cost companies. As a substitute, it says, contact the cost app in regards to the error.

How can I keep away from falling for a possible rip-off?

Be suspicious of surprising requests for funds, the Federal Commerce Fee advises, corresponding to somebody pretending to be a beloved one needing fast money for an emergency. Verify, by chatting with the individual, that the request is actual and never from somebody who hacked into the individual’s account.