TITLE: Utah Division of Consumer Protection Secures $45 Million Multistate Settlement with Block Inc. Over Cash App Deceptive Practices
BODY:
On July 8, 2026, the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, represented by the Office of the Utah Attorney General, announced a $45 million multistate settlement with Block, Inc., the company operating the peer-to-peer payments application Cash App. The settlement resolves allegations that Block misled consumers about Cash App's safety, failed to protect users from fraud on the platform, and did not provide the fraud protection and resolution required by law.
Block engaged in deceptive practices that exposed vulnerable consumers to fraud without adequate recourse. The company promoted Cash App as safe and bank-like while knowing fraud was rising sharply on its platform. Block's minimal identity verification during sign-up enabled fraudsters to create accounts easily. For years, Cash App lacked phone support, forcing users to contact the app through messaging or social media, where scammers impersonating Cash App representatives stole account credentials and drained users' financial accounts. Block continued running the "Cash App Fridays" social media promotion—which encouraged users to publicly post their unique Cash App identifiers—despite knowing fraudsters exploited it to target winners. Users who experienced account locks faced weeks without access to their money, and fraud victims received no recourse due to delayed investigations and missing refunds.
Under the settlement, Block must implement responsible practices including 24-hour customer support with live phone assistance at least 13.5 hours daily and live chat support at least 18 hours daily. Block must cease making false claims about Cash App's safety, discontinue marketing practices that increase fraud, educate consumers about fraud types, and fulfill legal obligations to investigate fraud claims and reimburse unauthorised transactions. Utah will receive $482,183 from the settlement. Oregon and Texas led the investigation, with all 46 participating states securing relief. The Utah Attorney General's Office, including Public Protection Deputy Attorney General Douglas Crapo and Assistant Attorney General Peishen Zhou, represented the state throughout the settlement process.