Zelle scams rising: How to avoid losing thousands of dollars

[spocksvulcanbrain]

Another absolutely imperative must know tip: If anyone ever sends a text, e-mail, phone message or phone call that says something is wrong with your account and gives a website, link or number to call NEVER EVER DO IT! Instead, go to the back of your credit card and call that number, or call the bank directly. That way you know who you've called and are talking to. If the initial contact was legit, then no harm done, but if it wasn't (most likely) then you've avoided losing your money. ALWAYS ALWAYS initiate contact with the bank separately and you should be OK.

[kpsher]

"Slow down, take a step back and THINK if it makes sense" that lady said it all.

[parisattic]

#1 - Don't Panic
#2 - Hang up
#3 - Call your bank, using the telephone number from your bank statement
#4 - Report

[mohamedali]

Never do banking transactions over the phone. If someone calls you tell them that you’ll go to the bank and you don’t have time to talk over the phone. I never talk about my finances over the phone with anyone.

[jimedwards]

That special agent looks like she could do undercover work at a middle school.

[timothyfitz]

Easy fix. If you get a call from your bank, hang up, call the bank or visit your local branch.

[ArtTheSinger]

Another scam out is when you order online. You’ll receive a text alert from “usps” (and it look just like the website) saying your package address need to be updated and you have to pay $1 for the update. Once the payment info is submitted the next screen is blank. Now whomever has your debit or credit card info and your address. So immediately they can use your card.

[thehulk]

The bank one I would have went into the nearest branch. I treat all emails and phone calls like their tell-a-marketers.

[VirginiaEaston]

Beware of PayPal as well. Someone tried to scam me through Facebook marketplace as well, but catch on, and reported the page. SMH

[WTFVIDSok]

The real problem is that the banks will not step in to help. All Zelle money goes into SOME BANK SOMEWHERE. All they need to do is create a mandate that any scam money MUST be returned from the bank if it is a scam.

[jkwjcwify]

They almost got me. I tried calling the bank, no one answers they are shorthanded these days. The scammers were very nice in the beginning but as soon as i began to doubt them they started threatening if I didn't do what they said, they were going to take all my money. I immediately started closing them out and they tried to block me from being successful, but I kept closing their page and logged out before they could succeed. I had to go to bank and close my 30 year account and open a whole new one. But Thank God I was safe.

[robertbright]

This is where the F.B.I or other government law enforcement agencies including the government itself, should be involved. If these agencies and the government can get involved in foreign affairs and pull out all stops, why can’t they do the same for the citizens of this country.

[chrismiller]

I use zelle all the time absolutely no problem but I can spot a scammer coming a mile away don't make no difference how good they are I love messing with scammers I live for it

[cajbaf]

My mom is 88 yrs old and got scammed. They wiped her account clean. This is devistating to someone her age who is on a very limited income. They don't understand technology and/or have a hard time believing someone could do this. We have tried to explain it to her but they make it sound so real ( her words). Hopefully she learned.

[Nanobits]

Lesson number one, if someone calls you claiming to be your bank, IRS, or anything, get as much information as possible from them, then tell them you will call back and contact the real bank or IRS and check to see if what the caller was saying was correct, if not then turn over all the information you got the toe authorities.

[CaraMarie]

People also need to activate their bank apps so that everytime there is a transaction, you get an alert. Another thing that helps is not keeping so many accounts. I closed all my credit cards and am only using one for everything. I note on my budget everything i know will be getting charged to that card that month. And if someone does call "from your bank" ask what's it about and hang up and call the banks customer service number and make an inquiry.

[easygamingwwiigamingchanne]

Blames zelle. Proceeds to explain what essentially amounts to bank security breach. Someone at the banks is selling personal contact information to foreign organized scammers.

[luiggimondoli]

This is why I stay old school. Cash or CC.
At least the CCs reimburse you every time there is fraud, even PayPal is better than all those trashy pay apps.

[bernieudo]

I never answer the phone. If it's that important they'll mail a letter. Why? Because legally that's notice. Signed. Sealed. Delivered. No guarantee they can reach you. Don't answer the phone unless your expecting & the number is familiar.

[TarotsApprentice]

Never buy gift cards to "pay" anyone you don't know. Ever!