This Is Exactly How to Avoid Hackers When Using Venmo and PayPal

Create a Complex Password

Many of us are guilty of using the same memorable password everywhere we need to log in. However, a strong, unique password for your money-sharing apps can protect your financial accounts—even if someone happens to steal your data somewhere else.

"Your password should be long and confusing, but also memorable to you. Use special characters, a mix of cases and numeric substitutions, like a zero instead of an O or a 3 instead of E," advises Glassberg.

You could also try using a password generator, such as LastPass, to string together a complicated combination of characters and cut down your risk of hacking.

Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

Most peer-to-peer payment apps now allow users to strengthen their security with two-factor authentication. This means you have to submit your password and an additional piece of information, usually an SMS message with a special code (just to prove it's really you!), before you can make a payment.

"Even if someone knows your username and password, they won't be able to log in unless they also have your phone, as well," says Glassberg.

Dig into the settings of your account to activate two-factor authentication.

Link Credit Cards, Not Debit Cards

Got your debit card or bank account linked to your money-sharing app? You might want to swap it out for a major credit card instead, says Glassberg.

"Credit cards have way more protections in place than bank accounts and debit cards," he says. "While the rules and regulations vary by state, you generally won't be responsible for more than $50 in unauthorized charges on a credit card."

You could be on the hook for the full amount a thief spends on your debit card, though. Even though many peer-to-peer payment apps slap on a 1 to 3 percent processing fee to use your credit card, the charge might be worth the peace of mind in case something goes wrong.

Secure Payments Outside the App

When you're sending money through an app, the network you're using plays a big role in protecting your info.

"Doing it over password-protected Wi-Fi or on your cellular network raises the bar against hackers by 1,000 percent," says Glassberg. "It's much easier for hackers to intercept data when you're using a free wireless network at an airport or coffee shop."

Keep your apps and operating system up-to-date, as well. These updates patch vulnerabilities that may have been present in earlier versions of the software.

Accept Notifications

No one loves being bombarded by notifications on their phone. But when it comes to money-sharing apps, it's worth turning on the alerts so you can catch fraud the moment it occurs.

"The more info you have about what's going on with your account, the better," says Glassberg.

Most banks and credit card companies can send you text messages every time a purchase is made on your account. Setting up these notifications can help you monitor your accounts for suspicious activity, as well.

Log Out of the Apps

Once you send a payment, don't just swipe out of the app. Take an extra moment to officially sign out of your account.

"Logging out is as important as having a strong password," says Glassberg. Until you log out, your session is still active and someone could potentially steal your information."

Sure, it's a little tedious to sign in every time you want to send a friend some money, but that extra step could prevent a would-be hacker from stealing your hard-earned cash.

Triple-Check the Details

When you send a payment, the money instantly leaves your account and you can't reverse it. Triple check all of the details to make sure the money's going to the right place.

Fraudsters can impersonate your contacts by creating an account that looks nearly identical to a friend's account, with perhaps just one number or character off, warns Glassberg. If you have any uncertainties about the person you're trying to send money to, give them a call to confirm the details.

Consider Using a Dedicated Payment Device

If you've ever experienced the headache of a hacked account, you might be looking for extra ways to boost your security. Consider using a separate smartphone exclusively for payments and online shopping, says Glassberg.

"If you're not running other software, playing games and going to lots of websites, you're less likely to get malware that can steal your info," he explained. "The couple of hundred bucks another device might cost seems like a worthwhile trade-off for the protection."

Don't want to spend the money on a new device just for payments? Bring one of your old phones out of retirement. Just wipe off all the data, install the latest operating system and updated payment apps, and use that whenever you want to send money.

Taking steps to protect your accounts might make money-sharing apps less streamlined. But think of it this way: A little extra effort now can save you a major financial headache down the road—and keep your money where it belongs.