Understanding Fraud & Scams
It’s important to understand the differences between fraud and scams because there may be differences in the protections available to you.
PAYING IT SAFE
Digital Payment Education
We’re here to empower you with knowledge on using Zelle® safely and avoiding common scams. Explore resources, test your knowledge and get new tips on how to keep your money safe in a digital world.
Zelle® Safety 101
Only Send Money to Those You Trust:
With Zelle®, you can send money from your account to someone else’s within minutes1. It’s a great way to pay friends, family, your co-workers and others you trust, even if they bank somewhere different than you do1.
Beware of Payment Scams
While using Zelle® is a fast way to send money, it’s important to slow down and keep an eye out for signs of a scam. If you detect suspicious activity, contact your financial institution directly.
Treat Zelle® Like Cash
Money moves fast - directly into the enrolled recipient’s bank account. Always double check you have the recipient’s correct U.S. mobile number, email address, or Zelle® Tag so the money goes to the right person or small business.
Looking for quick tips on how to spot scams?
Scroll through the topics below to explore quick videos on how to spot common tactics.
Ticket Scams
That amazing last-minute deal on tickets might be too good to be true after all... learn how to help identify potential ticket scams.
Money Mule Scams
Gain an understanding of what money mules are and how they can act as a layer of distance between victims and scammers.
Marketplace Scams
Know what red flags to pay attention to when browsing online marketplaces and learn how to help avoid falling for a scam.
Social Engineering
Understand the process of social engineering and how basic psychological tactics are used to gain your trust.
S.A.F.E. Squad
Meet S.A.F.E. Squad, a top-notch team of private investigators dedicated to taking down the criminals behind imposter scams. Ready to join the squad? Visit S.A.F.E. Squad HQ to dive deep into the dark underworld of digital fraud and test your knowledge of how to avoid financial crimes.