In the time of COVID-19, peer-to-peer payment apps have become more popular than ever.

According to a recent AARP survey on online holiday shopping, more than half of U.S. adults plan to use a peer-to-peer payment app for gift purchases. It’s important to know that some apps are safer than others.

PayPal, for example, is set up for users to make purchases with businesses where it’s offered.

But other popular payment apps like Venmo, Zelle and Cash App, are intended for use among friends and family - to split a dinner bill or pay the babysitter. Fraud losses using these apps to pay for a product that never comes are generally not recoverable.

To protect your assets remember the old fashioned ways of using cash or a credit card, which comes with fraud protections, are still your best bets.

Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to report a scam or get help if you’ve fallen victim.