How Can I Avoid Zelle and Payment App Scams?

Zelle (and similar payment apps like Venmo or Cash App) lets you send money instantly – which is convenient, but also what scammers exploit. Treat money sent through these apps like cash: if you wouldn’t hand someone $100 in person, you shouldn’t send them $100 on Zelle.

Only Pay People You Know and Trust

Scammers often pose as someone you recognize – they might pretend to be a family member in an emergency or even a bank employee urging you to transfer money.

What to do:

• Always double-check the person’s identity
• If you get an unexpected request for money (especially with an urgent story), call the person or bank directly using a number you know is real
• Don’t reply to the message or call you received – reach out independently

Be Wary of Unsolicited Payment Requests

If a stranger or new contact asks for money via Zelle (for example, for an online purchase or “fee”), consider it a red flag.

Warning signs:

• Legitimate sellers or companies won’t insist on Zelle or similar apps as the only form of payment
• Never send money to claim a “prize”
• Never send money to someone you’ve never met in person
• Scammers often create urgent stories to make you act fast
• Important: Banks will never ask you to send money to yourself or anyone else to “prevent fraud” or fix an issue

Verify Before You Send

Take a moment to confirm the recipient’s details for any Zelle payment.

Best practices:

• If you’re paying a business, make sure it’s a well-known, legitimate business
• If a “company” only accepts Zelle, that’s a warning sign
• Be aware of fake sales (like a nonexistent item on a marketplace) – once you Zelle the money, it’s gone
• When in doubt, don’t send the money until you’re sure it’s going to the right person for a legitimate reason

Remember

Payment apps are designed for sending money to people you trust. Once money is sent, it’s extremely difficult or impossible to get back. Take your time, verify the recipient, and never let anyone pressure you into sending money quickly.

Need Help?

If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, contact us immediately at (866) 626-6004.