We used to send money by writing a check, licking a stamp, and mailing it off. In today’s digital age, there are faster, more secure options that keep the fraudsters away.

According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, cyber-enabled fraud cost Americans over $16 billion last year—a 33% increase from 2023. And unfortunately, older adults were hit the hardest, filing the most complaints and losing the most money. Have no fear, with the education of this 5-minute read, you can stay one step ahead and send money without stress.

Checks and Cash Can Cost You: Here’s Why It’s Time to Move On

Writing a check might feel familiar, but checks can be lost, stolen, or even altered. Mailing cash is even riskier. It’s impossible to trace or recover if it disappears. Scammers know this, and they often target people who still rely on these old-school methods.

✅ Safer Digital Options for Sending Money

Here are a few digital payment platforms that are considered secure when used correctly:

1. Zelle

Best For: Sending money to people you know and trust (like family or close friends).
Why It's Safe: Zelle transfers money directly between bank accounts, no need to enter account numbers.
Pro Tip: Only send to people you know. Zelle does not offer purchase protection for goods or services.

2. Venmo

Best For: Small, everyday payments (think: paying your niece for groceries she picked up for you).
Why It's Safer Than Others: Owned by PayPal, Venmo allows privacy settings, two-factor authentication, and notifications for every transaction.
Pro Tip: Make your transactions private, and again. Only use with people you know.

3. PayPal

Best For: Online purchases or sending money to someone you don’t know well.
Why It's Safer: Offers buyer protection, making it a better choice when paying for items or services.

⚠️ Why You Should Avoid Cash App

Cash App has become popular, especially with younger users, but it’s not ideal for older adults or anyone unfamiliar with how it works. It doesn’t offer much protection against fraud, and it's a favorite tool of scammers. The FBI has flagged it as high-risk in elder fraud cases.

🛡️ Tips to Stay Safe

Turn on notifications: Know instantly if money is sent or received.
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Double-check names and email/phone numbers before sending.
Never send money to strangers or to someone who pressures you.
Beware of emails or texts claiming you owe money. When in doubt, contact the person directly through a known method.

Using Your Smartphone Wallet: Apple Cash, Samsung Wallet, and Google Pay
Your smartphone can do more than take pictures — it can securely send money too. Apple Cash is built into your Apple Wallet and lets iPhone users send or receive money safely through Messages. You can use the balance to shop, pay bills, or transfer it to your bank account. Samsung Wallet (formerly Samsung Pay) offers a similar experience for Samsung device users, including tap-to-pay, loyalty card storage, and secure money transfers. Google Pay, available on most Android devices, allows you to send and receive money, pay in stores, and keep track of your spending with strong encryption and optional two-step verification. These digital wallets provide extra layers of protection and are often safer than carrying cash or mailing a check.

📢 If Something Feels Off, Report It

Scammers are clever. If you think you’ve been targeted, you can report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Reporting helps the FBI identify trends and prevent more people from being hurt.

Final Word: Sending money today is easier than ever, but that doesn’t mean it’s safer unless you take the right precautions. Stick to trusted platforms, keep your guard up, and remember: if it feels rushed or secretive, it’s probably a scam.

Written by: Kayla Thompkins

Send Money Safely: Smart, Secure Alternatives to Checks