Block reaches $45M settlement with 46 states over Cash App fraud probe

In Brief

Block has agreed to pay $45 million to settle claims brought by 46 U.S. states alleging that its peer-to-peer payments app, Cash App, failed to adequately protect users from fraud.

State attorneys general said they found that Block misled users by falsely advertising that Cash App provided bank-like protections, including advanced fraud detection. Block denied wrongdoing.

According to the states, Cash App allowed users to create accounts without a Social Security number or date of birth, and didn’t place limits on the number of accounts a person could open, making it easier for scammers to exploit the platform. The states also alleged that because Cash App didn’t provide an official customer support phone number, many users who were locked out of their accounts turned to fake customer service numbers that were operated by scammers.

Many Americans rely on fintech apps as their banking services, which has led to increased oversight. Block’s settlement marks the latest chapter in regulators’ scrutiny of Cash App’s business practices. It follows earlier action by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which had similarly accused Block of failing to investigate fraud claims or provide adequate customer service, resulting in $175 million in penalties and other redress to consumers.

Under the new settlement, Block will improve Cash App’s fraud prevention measures and customer service, including by providing live customer support for users of the mobile payments platform.

News of the settlement was first reported by Reuters. Block did not immediately respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment.