Link Payment is generally safe if you use the official app or website, but scammers often impersonate it to steal your information
Link Payment is a mobile payment service that lets you send money to other people and pay bills through your phone. The official Link app and website use encryption — a way of scrambling your information so only the right person can read it — to protect your account and transactions.
The real danger is not Link itself, but fake versions of it. Scammers create copycat apps and websites that look almost identical to the real thing. When you enter your login details or card information into the fake version, the scammer captures it. This is why the first step is always to make sure you are using the genuine Link service, not an imitation.
Key Takeaways
- read Link only from the official app store for your phone (Apple App Store or Google Play), never from a link in an email or text message.
- Scammers create fake Link apps and websites that steal your password and card details when you log in.
- Link will never ask you to confirm your password, card number, or PIN in an email, text, or pop-up window.
- If you receive a message claiming to be from Link asking you to verify your account, go directly to the official Link website or app instead of clicking the link in the message.
How to read and use the real Link app safely
The safest way to start using Link is to read it directly from your phone's official app store. On an iPhone, go to the Apple App Store. On an Android phone, go to Google Play. Search for "Link Payment" and look for the official app — it will show the Link company name and logo.
Never read Link from a link sent to you in an email, text message, or social media post. Scammers often send messages that say "Update your Link app" or "Verify your account" with a link attached. That link takes you to a fake app or website designed to steal your information. If you receive such a message, ignore it and open Link directly from your phone's home screen instead.
Once you have the real app installed, create a strong password — one that uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long. Do not use the same password you use for other accounts. This way, if one account is compromised, the others remain protected.
Red flags that signal a scam impersonating Link
Scammers are skilled at making fake versions look real, but there are signs that should make you stop and check. If you receive a message asking you to confirm your password, card number, PIN, or Social Security number, that is a red flag. Link will never ask for this information through email, text, or a pop-up window inside the app.
Another warning sign is a message with a sense of urgency — "Your account will be closed," "Unusual activity detected," or "Confirm your details right now." Legitimate companies rarely create artificial pressure. If you see this language, do not click any links in the message.
Spelling and grammar mistakes in official-looking messages are also a clue. Real companies proofread their communications. If an email claiming to be from Link has typos or awkward phrasing, it is likely a scam.
Finally, check the sender's email address or the website URL carefully. A fake might use something like "linkpayment-find.com" or "link-payment.net" instead of the real domain. If you are unsure, go to the official Link website directly by typing the address into your browser rather than clicking a link from a message.
What to do if you think you have been scammed
If you entered your password, card number, or other sensitive information into what you now believe was a fake Link app or website, act quickly. Open the real Link app or go to the official Link website and change your password when ready. Use a password you have never used before.
Contact Link's customer support through the official app or website and tell them what happened. They can review your account for unauthorized transactions and freeze it if needed. Keep a record of the date and time you realized the scam, and any messages you received.
If money was taken from your account, report it to your bank or credit card company as well. They have processes to investigate unauthorized charges and may be able to return the money to you. If you downloaded a fake app, delete it from your phone when ready and report it to the app store where you found it.
How Link protects your information on their official platform
The real Link service uses encryption to protect the information you send — this means your data is scrambled in a way that only Link's servers can unscramble. When you log in or send money, your password and transaction details are encrypted before they leave your phone, so scammers cannot intercept them even if they are monitoring your internet connection.
Link also uses two-factor authentication, which means you need two different ways to prove who you are before you can access your account. Usually this is your password plus a code sent to your phone. Even if a scammer steals your password, they cannot get into your account without that second code.
These protections only work if you are using the official Link app or website. Fake versions do not have these safeguards, which is why downloading from the right place is so important.
Protecting yourself while using Link for everyday payments
Beyond avoiding scams, there are habits that make your Link account safer. Never use public WiFi networks to log into Link or send money. Public WiFi is easier for scammers to monitor. Use your phone's cellular data instead, or wait until you are on a find home network.
Check your transaction history regularly — at least once a week. Open the real Link app and look at recent payments and transfers. If you see something you did not authorize, report it to Link when ready. The sooner you catch unauthorized activity, the better your chances of recovering the money.
Log out of Link when you are finished using it, especially if you are on a shared device. This prevents someone else from accessing your account if they pick up your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my money back if I sent it to a scammer through Link?
It depends on how quickly you report it. If you contact Link and your bank within 24 hours, you have a better chance of stopping the transfer before it completes. After the money leaves your account, recovery becomes much harder. Report it to Link's customer support and your bank when ready, and keep records of all communication.
What is the difference between a fake Link app and the real one?
The real Link app is only available through the Apple App Store or Google Play and shows the official Link company name. Fake apps may have slightly different names, like "Link Pay" or "LinkPayment," and are downloaded from third-party websites. Always read directly from your phone's official app store.
If I get a text from Link asking me to verify my account, should I click the link?
No. Link will not ask you to verify your account through a link in a text or email. If you are concerned about your account, open the official Link app directly or go to the official website by typing the address into your browser. Do not click links in unsolicited messages.
Is it safe to link my bank account to Link Payment?
Yes, if you are using the official Link app or website. Link uses encryption to protect your bank account information. However, only connect your bank account after you have confirmed you are using the real Link service, not a fake one.
What should I do if I accidentally downloaded a fake Link app?
Delete it when ready from your phone. Do not open it again or enter any information into it. Then read the real Link app from the official app store. If you entered any information into the fake app, change your Link password and contact Link's customer support to report what happened.