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Staying Protected Against Digital Payment Scams with Zelle

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3 MIN. READ

Enjoy the safety and convenience of making payments with Zelle® by knowing how to identify and avoid common scams.

As technology advances to make our lives easier, it also creates new ways for scammers to try stealing your sensitive information and money.

Zelle® is a fast, safe and easy way to send money to people you know, and it is best to think of using Zelle® the same as you do when using cash. To protect yourself and your money, always make sure you know the person and confirm their contact information before you send them money using Zelle®.

These are some of the common digital payment scams.

 
  • A common scam involves an email or text message asking a user to confirm a fake Zelle® payment. When the user replies that they didn't authorize the transfer, the scammer calls pretending to represent the bank or credit union. Then they walk the user through bogus instructions on how to reverse the unauthorized transaction that instead transfers money to the scammers.
  • Most popular during times of stress or catastrophe, scammers will pose as a fake charity or falsely represent themselves as a reputable charity while asking for donations for fundraisers, community events, natural disasters, or national crises.
  • Another example of a payment scam is buying an item like concert tickets from a stranger online or on social media and never receiving them. If a seller asks you to use Zelle® to purchase something, you should refuse unless the seller is someone you personally know.
Tips to ensure your money is sent safely
 
  • Only use Zelle® to send money to friends, family, and other people you trust.
  • Treat Zelle® like cash. Once you authorize a payment to be sent, you can't cancel it if the recipient is already enrolled.
  • Make sure your recipient's name, DE mobile phone number, and email address are correct before sending money.
  • If a payment situation feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut and investigate.
  • Contact us at 800-548-5465 to verify the legitimacy of a request. 
  • Never share account passwords, PINs, one-time passcodes, Social Security numbers, or credit and debit card numbers.
If you suspect you might be a victim of identity theft or account fraud, or that your account/profile has been compromised, please call us at 800-548-5465.