Venmo is convenient, but the app comes with privacy risks if not properly set up. Not only does Venmo automatically link to your Facebook and phone contacts, it also lets users make publicly viewable transactions.
This activity even shows up on a global Venmo feed accessible from the main app screen. Why Venmo thinks we need to see a chronological feed of random strangers sending money to each other is beyond me, but the bigger issue is that anyone can search for and view your Venmo profile. If someone looks you up, they’ll see all your friends and past public transaction history. Even President Biden isn’t immune.
Having your information public makes it easy for scammers, thieves, and other unsavory sorts to target you, but you can easily avoid unwanted attention by turning on Venmo’s strongest privacy settings.
- Open the app, and tap the three-line menu icon in the upper right.
- Select Settings > Privacy, and set your default privacy setting to “Private.” This makes all future transactions private between you and the other person unless you change the setting manually during the exchange.
- Next, tap “Past Transactions” and select “Change All to Private.” The “Change to Friends” option is better than leaving past transactions publicly viewable, but changing them all to private is safest.
- Next, go to Settings > Friends & social.
- Disable any auto-friending options you don’t want to use. You can also disable your Facebook account connection.
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How to change your profile information on Venmo
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If you really want to go anonymous, you can change your profile information—like name, account user name, and contact email—under Settings > Edit profile. You can also update your phone number under Settings > Change Phone Number. Just note that these changes will make it harder for friends and family to find you, too.
How to protect your device and login information
These changes will make your profile and transaction history more private, but it won’t stop someone from using the app if they get ahold of your phone, or potentially logging in from elsewhere if they know your login information. Thankfully, Venmo’s settings menu has several security options to make your account safer. The best option is to create a PIN code for Venmo transactions and other actions under Settings > PIN code & biometric unlock. You can also set up biometric verification for PayPal transactions in this menu.
If you suspect someone else is using your account, you can review a list of other devices using your Venmo profile—and sign out of unwanted locations—under Settings > Remembered devices. You should also change your password in Settings > Change password.
These setting changes will help keep your Venmo account safer, but even the most iron-clad, fully anonymous accounts are susceptible to data interception from hackers spying on public networks. Don’t make transactions on public wifi connections, as they’re often unsecured and easily exploited. A mobile VPN can help, but you need to be careful about those, too.
[CNET]