You will want to be careful if you use payment apps online like PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.   Although the apps are convenient and allow you to send money to friends and businesses with usually no fee, they are also rife with scams.  According to AARP research, 17 percent of adults who use digital payment apps have fallen victim to scammers in 2023.  Over $213 million was reportedly lost by customers in 2021 and part of 2022.  Industry experts advise people to follow seven basic rules to avoid a mobile payment app scam.   Don’t send money to strangers, don’t click on links in texts or emails, use a security lock on your payment app, scrutinize the email sender’s address, be wary of urgent warning messages, and keep your account information safe.  If you have concerns over any potential fraudulent activity, you can always unlink your bank account and make payments other ways.