If someone "accidentally" sends you money DO NOT send it back

@cybersecuritygirl

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Why it worked

The video leverages a relatable scenario (receiving money unexpectedly) and a trusted authority figure (a sheriff) to deliver a crucial cybersecurity warning in a concise and easily digestible format.

Summary

A sheriff explains a common scam where perpetrators send money via Venmo from a stolen credit card, then ask the recipient to send it back. The video warns viewers not to comply, as the money will eventually be reversed, leaving the recipient out of pocket.

Structure

1Introduction to the scam scenario
2Explanation of how the scam works
3The money comes from a stolen credit card
4Consequences of sending money back

Original caption

Reminder that if someone “accidentally” sends you money through Venmo… don’t send it back Follow @cybersecuritygirl for more tips Orignal video @pinellassheriff

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Product placement

Venmo: it ACTS as a payment platform, enabling the transfer of money between users. Removing it would change the context of the scam described. Pinellas Sheriff: it APPEARS as a logo on the officer's uniform. Removing it would not change what happens in the video.

Call to action

Follow @cybersecuritygirl for more tips

On-screen text

If someone "accidentally" sends you money DO NOT send it back

Transcript

Excuse me. Someone accidentally sent me money through Venmo and they want me to send it back. Is that legit? Nah, no, that's not legit. That's a scam. Here's how it works. The scammer sends you money, apologizes, and asks you to send it back. That money they sent you is from a stolen credit card. And they'll give you some lame sob story about how it was an accident, hoping that you'll send the money back quickly. If you send them money, it'll come out of your bank account. And once that stolen credit card that they used is reported stolen, that "accidental payment"? Well, it won't be there anymore, and you'll be out of luck. So if anyone you don't know sends you money, it's best just to ignore it.