WASHINGTON – Early Warning Services, LLC., a trusted national leader in the payments industry, submitted a comment letter today responding to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Request for Information regarding the transition to electronic payments for all federal disbursements and receipts.

Early Warning is the company behind Zelle®, the go-to peer-to-peer payment network. In 2024, American consumers and small businesses used Zelle to send over $1 trillion.

“Early Warning is known for delivering fast, secure and reliable payments for Americans and we strongly support the move away from paper checks,” said Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle. “Our payments infrastructure is deeply integrated within the banking system, widely available and can scale quickly, making us uniquely positioned to support Treasury’s push to modernize government disbursements.”

Early Warning’s comment letter detailed the critical benefits it can provide Treasury through Zelle, including:

• Scale: Zelle reaches more than 150 million enrolled user accounts, which is equal to more than the combined population of California, Texas and Florida.
• Security: Zelle removes a risk vector that paper checks present. There is no need to collect or store sensitive account and routing information because Zelle is already embedded within U.S. bank accounts.
• Safe: Today, more than 99.95 percent of all Zelle transactions are completed without any report of scam or fraud. Treasury checks are 16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered than digital payments.
• Speed: Reliance on paper checks slows access to funds and burdens recipients, especially those with limited mobility or transportation. With disbursements using Zelle, funds can be delivered in minutes to an enrolled recipient’s verified bank account.

Early Warning has also engaged Treasury on the President’s Executive Order 14249 related to strengthening the government’s capabilities to identify improper payments and prevent fraud within the U.S. General Fund. The company started working with Treasury in 2021, partnering with the agency to leverage its Verify Account solution to prevent an estimated 179,000 improper payments from Economic Impact Payment, Advance Child Tax Credit and Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) disbursements totaling $209.5 million in fraud prevention. In 2024, Early Warning helped the U.S. financial sector screen $10.8 trillion in payments and stop $3 billion in potential fraud.

For more than 35 years, Early Warning has been a cutting-edge fraud prevention and technology partner to thousands of financial institutions, including community banks, credit unions, government agencies and private sector clients across the country. The company’s risk and fraud prevention solutions help protect American consumers and small businesses, screening millions of transactions daily using advanced, data-driven technology to help pinpoint potentially high-risk behavior within the U.S. banking sector.

About Zelle®

Zelle® powers fast, reliable person-to-person digital payments, moving more than $1 trillion between millions of consumer and small business accounts at United States banks and credit unions. Available through a network of more than 2,300 financial institutions, Zelle® enables people to send and receive money directly – without cash, checks or third-party apps. Zelle® is owned and operated by Early Warning Services, LLC, which works with America’s banks, credit unions and government agencies to drive prosperity, deliver bold innovation and improve how payments are made. Learn more at www.zelle.com.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – During Q3 2018 (July – September), 116 million transactions took place on the Zelle Network for a total of $32 billion in payments. Transaction volume increased 16% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ), and total money moved increased 13%. Financial Institution (FI) participants contributed to an enrollment increase of 10% QoQ, resulting in more than 75 million tokens—mobile numbers or email addresses—across the entire Zelle Network to date.

Zelle® is for all U.S. Financial Institutions

Since June 2017, a diverse set of financial institutions (FI) have joined the Zelle Network, including national banks, credit unions, and regional and community banks. Fifty-seven (57%) of participants list assets less than or equal to $10 billion while 34% of participants list assets less than or equal to $1 billion.

“As we strive for ubiquity, we are working closely with banks and credit unions of all sizes in offering a fast and consistent payments experience,” said Paul Finch, CEO, Early Warning. “Zelle is one of the fastest growing consumer financial brands in history and we are proud of our momentum, especially this quarter as we signed more than 40 financial institutions to our network through partnerships with our processors CO-OP, FIS, Fiserv, and Jack Henry & Associates. These partnerships are helping financial institutions stay at the center of their customer’s financial lives.”

Year-Over-Year Momentum

Since Q3 2017, transaction volume across the Zelle Network increased 83% while transaction value increased 67%.

“In the last 12 months, Zelle has processed more than 375 million transactions valued at $106 billion,” said Lou Anne Alexander, Group President of Payments, Early Warning. “Zelle is continuing to be at the forefront of consumers’ lives, as they look to move money in the moment, whether it be paying rent, sending money for emergencies or sharing the cost of utilities, meals and everyday experiences.”

Using only an e-mail address or a U.S. mobile phone number, Zelle allows consumers to send money directly from one deposit account to another with funds available for use typically within minutes when both parties are already enrolled.

About Zelle®

Brought to you by Early Warning Services, LLC, an innovator in payment and risk management solutions, Zelle makes it fast, safe and easy for money to move. The Zelle Network® connects the nation’s leading financial institutions, enabling consumers to send fast person-to-person payments to friends and family with a bank account in the U.S. Funds are available directly in consumer bank accounts generally within minutes when the recipient is already enrolled with Zelle. To learn more about Zelle and its participating financial institutions, visit www.zelle.com.

About Early Warning Services, LLC

Creating the Future of Payments®, Early Warning delivers innovative payment and risk solutions to financial institutions nationwide. For over 25 years, Early Warning has been a leader in technology that helps money move fast, safe and easy. Learn more at www.earlywarning.com.

Zelle, Zelle Network, and the Zelle-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC.

NEW YORK – Zelle® today announced that at least 178 new financial institutions from communities in all parts of the country have gone live with or signed up to bring the popular money transfer service to their customers during Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. With the addition of these new banks and credit unions, there will be more than 2,300 financial institutions on the Zelle Network® – 95% of which are community banks and credit unions.

“Zelle serves banks and credit unions of all sizes, providing their customers and members a fast and reliable way to send money within the regulated banking industry. Our partnership with community banks and credit unions is deeply valuable to us and helps banks and credit unions do what they do best — stay close to their customers and members, and continue to deliver value, even in uncertain times. From rural towns to urban neighborhoods, we are meeting people where they bank and putting financial power in more hands,” said Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle.

Combined, the 178 new financial institutions represent at least another 7.5 million bank and credit union accounts in 38 states around the country. As consumers and small businesses demand faster, flexible ways to send and receive money, financial institutions of all sizes are represented in these new additions to the network.

Key Facts:

• In 2024, Zelle helped American consumers and small businesses send over $1 trillion – the most money ever sent by a person-to-person payments service in a single year.
• Zelle is available from financial institutions in all 50 states — from South Carolina to Michigan, from New Hampshire to Iowa, and from Wisconsin to Nevada.
• Nearly 50% of Minority Depository Institution (MDI) banks are on the Zelle Network and Zelle recently launched a program to help expand access to Zelle to more MDI credit unions.

About Zelle®

Zelle® powers fast, reliable person-to-person digital payments, moving more than $1 trillion between millions of consumer and small business accounts at United States banks and credit unions. Available through a network of more than 2,300 financial institutions, Zelle® enables people to send and receive money directly – without cash, checks or third-party apps. Zelle® is owned and operated by Early Warning Services, LLC, which works with America’s banks, credit unions and government agencies to drive prosperity, deliver bold innovation and improve how payments are made. Learn more at www.zelle.com.

NEW YORK – Main Street makes the American economy move, and Zelle® today released never-before published data that provides new insight into when, where, and how U.S. small businesses rely on the payment tool’s unique features to help boost growth and unlock opportunities.

The new data, released ahead of National Small Business Month in May, underscores the growing role Zelle plays in helping reduce uncertainty for America’s Main Street economy:

• Almost seven million small businesses are enrolled to use Zelle and use of Zelle to pay small businesses has tripled in the past three years. Zelle also plays a meaningful role in the financial lives of an additional estimated 3-4 million individuals who use it to receive payments tied to independent or self-directed work.
• Zelle is most popular with small businesses in critical commercial markets across the country. In these areas, small businesses are getting paid with Zelle in ways as unique as the cities they’re in — like surf lessons in Los Angeles, local souvenirs in Orlando, livestock grooming during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo or grabbing a hot dog from a cart in New York City. On average, small businesses received about $465 per transaction in 2024.
• Zelle is used by small businesses owners to send payments in key moments when speed and reliability matter most — like ensuring payroll is met and vendors are paid. In fact, the average payment sent by a small business was around $630 in 2024 — that's about the monthly cost of vendor space at the Ft. Myers Beach Market in Florida or a bi-weekly space at the Union Square Farmers Market in Massachusetts.

What They're Saying: 

• "Small businesses power the U.S. economy — and Zelle helps them thrive," said Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle. “By enabling fast, reliable payments, Zelle helps lower costs and builds confidence. It’s a game-changer for how small businesses run and stimulate growth in local economies nationwide.”
• "I've been using Zelle for about seven years to accept payments from clients on a weekly and monthly basis. I find it's pretty seamless—easier than some of the other services out there," said Michael B., who owns a dog walking service in New York. "It's just really easy to set up. Payments go right into my bank account. I don't have to go through a third party. I have access to the money immediately."

Where Small Businesses Rely on Zelle¹

Zelle is available from financial institutions in all 50 states — from South Carolina to Michigan, from New Hampshire to Iowa, and from Wisconsin to Nevada. In fact, 95% of the banks and credit unions that offer Zelle are community financial institutions — and according to a recent survey of Zelle users, 3 out of 5 small businesses say Zelle helps them build a deeper and more trusted relationship with their bank or credit union.²

Small businesses in economic centers across the country are also relying on Zelle to help them succeed. Below are the top areas of the country where small businesses are using Zelle: 

1. Los Angeles, Calif.
2. Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
3. New York, N.Y.
4. Chicago, Ill.
5. Houston, Texas
6. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
7. Atlanta, Ga.
8. Washington, D.C.
9. Phoenix, Ariz.
10. Orlando, Fla.

When Small Businesses Use Zelle³ 

Whether paying contractors, managing overhead, or receiving customer payments, Zelle supports economic empowerment and enables real-time cash flow. The Zelle network is built for reliability around the clock — and while small businesses count on it every day, the data reveals key moments when speed and dependability matter most: 

• March Momentum: March is the busiest month for payments received by small businesses on Zelle. Why? March is typically tied to increased consumer spending from bonuses and tax refunds.
• Summer Surge: May through August have a high volume of payments sent by small businesses. This is typically when seasonal industries ramp up staffing and there is an increase in tourism, food service, recreation, landscaping and construction.
• From Payday to Rent Pay: Fridays and the first of each month are consistently the busiest days for transactions. Both are days where businesses are often paying their employees and sending rent payments to landlords.

These patterns reflect the real-time nature of small business operations and the growing reliance on trusted payment tools like Zelle. 

The benefits of Zelle to small businesses are clear and the increasing use of Zelle by small business owners reflects a broader digital shift as entrepreneurs seek payment tools that are more flexible and immediate. Zelle helps reduce uncertainty and helps small business owners focus on what matters most: running and growing their business.

About Zelle®

Zelle® powers fast, reliable person-to-person digital payments, moving more than $1 trillion between millions of consumer and small business accounts at United States banks and credit unions. Available through a network of more than 2,300 financial institutions, Zelle® enables people to send and receive money directly – without cash, checks or third-party apps. Zelle® is owned and operated by Early Warning Services, LLC, which works with America’s banks, credit unions and government agencies to drive prosperity, deliver bold innovation and improve how payments are made. Learn more at https://www.zelle.com.
 

1. Based on 2024 enrollment and 90-day use data.

2. This consumer research was conducted by Nonfiction Research in partnership with Early Warning Services, LLC and Pereira O'Dell. The data and quotes featured were obtained via Qualitative Interviews (N=24) and Quantitative Surveys (N=1007) from July 2024 through August 2024. Participants were compensated for their time.

3. Based on limited available and self-reported 2024 memo field data.

We’re pleased to welcome Denise Leonhard to Early Warning as Zelle® general manager. 

Denise brings two decades of leadership experience focused on using technology to make financial services more accessible to consumers and small businesses. Most recently, she served as general manager and chief commercial officer at Venmo. Prior to Venmo, she held senior leadership roles at PayPal and American Express.  

In her role as general manager, Denise will continue to grow Zelle and ensure it remains the platform of choice for people to send money to those they know and trust. Zelle stays ahead of criminals with multi-layered security efforts and has proactively taken steps to go above legal requirements by providing reimbursement for fraud, and certain qualifying imposter scams. The countermeasures Zelle uses to stop fraud and scams are highly effective, as demonstrated by more than 99.95% of transactions being completed without any reports of fraud or scams in 2023.  

Zelle is committed to educating consumers about the evolving risks of fraud and scams across the U.S. Zelle provides in-app safety messages and alerts to consumers during the payment initiation flow. In fact, 700 million of these alerts were sent in 2023 alone. In the same year, Zelle educated nearly 40 million consumers of all ages through our website and partnerships with the Better Business Bureau, National Council on Aging (NCOA), Utilities United Against Scams, and Vox Media (The Science Behind Scams and S.A.F.E. Squad) to help them identify and avoid potential scams. 

NEW YORK – Early Warning Services, LLC., the network operator of Zelle®, today announced that in the first half of 2024 the person-to-person payments network reached 143 million enrolled users and helped consumers and small businesses move nearly half a trillion dollars -- $481 billion, up 28% year-over-year. Transaction volume on Zelle increased by 27% year-over-year to over 1.7 billion transactions sent by individuals and small businesses across the network.

Highlights:

• Zelle helped consumers and small businesses move nearly half a trillion dollars in the first half of 2024.
• Consumers and small businesses sent money 1.7 billion times, a 27% increase from the first half of 2023.
• As of June 2024, 143 million consumer and small business user accounts were enrolled to use Zelle, up 17 million from the first half of 2023.
• Zelle users sent $1.8 million per minute, $110 million per hour, and $2.6 billion per day in the first half of 2024.

“Alongside our network of more than 2,200 banks and credit unions, we operate a leading network for easy and secure digital payments and do so while providing unparalleled protection to those who rely on our platform,” said Cameron Fowler, CEO of Early Warning. “Simply put, Zelle fills a vital need for millions of Americans. Consumers and small businesses alike benefit from the reliability, speed, and security that Zelle offers when paying people they know and trust.”

Americans use Zelle in their everyday lives to easily and quickly pay their bills, send money to friends to cover their share of the tab, or tip a service provider.

Scaling transactions, while thwarting scams

The record period comes as the Zelle network continues its efforts to fight scams and fraud on the platform through new technology, consumer education, and user interface updates.

Zelle utilizes a multilayered security approach to create healthy friction in the system, which includes in-app messaging to validate the name of the intended recipient and to remind users to only pay people they know and trust. Zelle also provides data-driven insights for participating financial institutions to help them identify potentially suspicious payments.

Zelle has strategically partnered with key organizations to face fraud head-on. For example, it recently launched campaigns in partnership with the Better Business Bureau Institute for Marketplace Trust and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to help users better identify and avoid potential scams and fraud. As a result of the NCOA work, a national network of 11,000 senior centers and 90 benefit enrollment centers utilized Zelle co-branded materials within their own campaigns to help spread awareness and safety messaging.

Zelle efforts have been effective. In 2023, despite an increase in transaction volume, reports of scams and fraud decreased by nearly 50%, resulting in 99.95% of payments being sent without a report of fraud or scams.  

Looking ahead, Zelle is a member of the National Task Force for Fraud & Scam Prevention, a cross-industry partnership that will develop recommendations for a national strategy to prevent fraud and scams. The task force will address different aspects of the fraud and scam lifecycle by sharing intelligence across industry, government, and law enforcement to increase prevention and detection; exposing and prosecuting criminals; and educating consumers on how to spot and report scams.

NEW YORK – With the holiday season in full swing, Zelle® today announced the return of its Scam and Fraud Elimination (S.A.F.E.) Squad campaign featuring actor and producer, Christina Ricci. In its second year, S.A.F.E. Squad is a content series developed in partnership with Vox Creative, Vox Media’s award-winning branded content studio.

Ricci stars as the leader of a group of detectives fighting financial crime thanks to her seasoned background spotlighting sinister stories.

The new campaign comes as Americans are facing an increasing threat of scam and fraud from tech-savvy financial criminals. But just as criminals are evolving, so are Christina Ricci’s advocacy and the S.A.F.E. Squad campaign. While last year’s campaign found the detectives fighting imposter scams, this year they are unravelling more complex crimes perpetrated by sophisticated and organized offenders.

With the support of their new Fin-Crime Lab, the S.A.F.E. Squad takes down criminal syndicates weaponizing tools like generative AI to commit fraud at a previously unimaginable scale. As technology evolves and criminals find new ways to exploit Americans’ good intentions, here are top tips to stay one step ahead:

• Steer clear of any phishing scams or emails. If you see spelling errors, broken links, or a faulty website or email encouraging you to instantly send your money – that’s a sign that something isn’t right.
• Update your security settings to enable multi-factor authentication which is a second step to verify that you are who you say you are.
• If you’re feeling pressure to act urgently, consider that a red flag!

“As an actor and producer, I’ve been drawn to the true crime genre. People love examining why criminals take certain actions and want to learn as much as possible to stay one step ahead,” Ricci said. “That’s why I’m proud to continue to be the face of the S.A.F.E. Squad content series with Zelle®, and to spotlight stories that showcase the financial crime ecosystem and to educate people about better spotting red flags and to help keep their money safe.”

Zelle® is passionate about educating consumers through the S.A.F.E. Squad content series as it showcases the breadth of financial scams and how they are constantly evolving. Often pressured to move quickly, or guilt-ridden that there is an emergency related to a loved one, victims end up falling prey to criminals. Because of this, Zelle® is constantly innovating and evolving to outsmart the scammers. For example, in 2023, 99.95% of Zelle® payments were sent without a report of scam or fraud.

“Zelle® fills a vital need for millions of Americans,” said Andrea Gilman, chief marketing officer, Early Warning Services. “Consumers and small businesses alike benefit from the reliability, speed, and security that Zelle® offers when paying people they know and trust. By teaming up with the incredible talent of Christina Ricci we hope to educate as many people as possible about payment safety during the holidays and beyond.

About Zelle®

Zelle® is transforming how money moves, with more than five billion digital payments sent since its launch in 2017. The Zelle® network connects over 2,200 banks and credit unions of all sizes, enabling consumers and businesses to send digital payments to people and businesses they know and trust with an eligible bank account in the U.S. Money is available directly in bank accounts generally within minutes when the recipient is already enrolled with Zelle®. To learn more about Zelle® and participating financial institutions in the Zelle® network, visit www.zelle.com.

Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

LOS ANGELES – Zelle® and Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) today announced that the LAFC “Saves for the Community” program raised $102,000 this year for Latinos for Education. As a partner in LAFC’s 2024 regular season, and as part of its ongoing commitment to furthering education and empowering communities, Zelle committed to donate $1,000 to Latinos for Education for every save made by an LAFC goalkeeper.

The beneficiary of the “Saves for the Community” program, Latinos for Education is the first Latino-founded national organization solely dedicated to creating leadership pathways for Latinos in education. The $102,000 charitable donation was made by Zelle during halftime of LAFC’s regular season finale on October 19 against the San Jose Earthquakes, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

“We truly appreciate Zelle and LAFC working with us as part of the “Saves for the Community” initiative," said Latinos for Education Founder and CEO Amanda Fernandez. "This support will help us expand opportunities for Latino educators, build pathways to leadership, and ensure students see themselves reflected in their classrooms. Together, we are taking critical steps toward a more equitable education system. Thanks to Zelle for believing in our community.”

The LAFC “Saves for the Community” charitable donation will fund programs such as the Aspiring Latino Leaders Fellowship (ALLF), which provides eight months of leadership development sessions for Latino education leaders in K-12 organizations in campus or district leadership roles, and the Latinx Teachers Fellowship (LTF), which helps develop and retain Latino teachers, 43% of whom typically leave the teaching profession by year four.

“We are proud to support Latinos for Education and their vital mission to empower Latino educators at all stages of their careers,” said Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle. “The opportunity to invest in the community is a major goal of our partnership with LAFC. Watching the total saves tally tick up throughout the season was even more exciting knowing that every save meant more funds were being dedicated to support such a worthy cause.”

This season, Zelle helped improve the fan experience as an LAFC Golden Boot Club Partner. At every home game at BMO Stadium this year, “Settle up in the 70th" signage encouraged fans to use Zelle to easily pay their friends and family back for tickets, food, and other costs during the match after concession stands closed in the 70th minute.

“Our investment in the Los Angeles community is at the core of our mission as a football club,” said Larry Freedman, LAFC Co-President and CBO. “I want to thank Zelle for partnering with us on the “Saves for the Community” initiative and ensuring that every time one of our goalkeepers kept the ball out of our net, the impact went far beyond the scoreboard.”

About Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC)

The 2022 MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Football Club has represented the greater Los Angeles area in Major League Soccer since 2018. The two-time Supporters’ Shield Champions, LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer Club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing and developing the 22,000 seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles.

About Zelle®

Zelle® is transforming how money moves, with more than five billion digital payments sent since its launch in 2017. The Zelle® Network connects more than 2,200 bank and credit union brands of all sizes, enabling consumers and businesses to send digital payments to people and businesses they know and trust with an eligible bank account in the U.S. Money is available directly in bank accounts generally within minutes when the recipient is already enrolled with Zelle®. To learn more about Zelle® and participating financial institutions in the Zelle® Network, visit www.zelle.com. Zelle® is brought to you by Early Warning Services, LLC, an innovator in payment and risk management solutions.

NEW YORK – Zelle® today announced that in 2024 the network reached 151 million enrolled users and helped American consumers and small businesses send over $1 trillion—the most money ever sent by a person-to-person payments service in a single year. The total dollar amount sent on the platform increased 27% from 2023, while transaction volume on Zelle totaled 3.6 billion, a 25% increase from the prior year. 

2024 highlights include:

• 151 million consumer and small business accounts are enrolled to use Zelle, an increase of 16 million from 135 million in 2023.
• Zelle transactions grew 25% from 2023 to a total of 3.6 billion, exceeding $1 trillion in annual payments volume for the first time. This is a 27% increase year-over-year in total dollars sent on the platform.
• The fourth quarter was the best in the history of Zelle in terms of total money sent driven by user growth and popular use cases like paying rent and holiday gifting.

“Zelle is not just a popular way to send money, it’s a vital tool that’s transforming how money moves across America,” said Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle. “It is the go-to peer-to-peer payment method for millions of hardworking Americans, and this milestone is a testament to the trust they place in us every day. We remain intently focused on expanding access to Zelle because it unlocks opportunity for individuals, small businesses, community banks, and credit unions.”

Zelle is a valuable and needed tool for small businesses—the backbone of the American economy

Small business owners across the U.S. continue to rely on the unique features of Zelle to provide their customers with flexible ways to pay, to settle with a local vendor, or to reward their employees with an on-the-spot bonus that goes directly into their bank account.

In 2024, small businesses continued to be a significant driver of Zelle growth:

• Almost one in four Zelle senders sent a payment to a small business in Q4, totaling 23 million
• Small businesses sent or received more than 500 million transactions in 2024, a 32% increase from 2023.
• These transactions totaled $283 billion, a 32% increase from the previous year.

From farmers markets to the local handyperson, Zelle empowers small business owners with a secure and reliable way to get paid and access their funds immediately – so they can reinvest in new supplies, pay their employees, or put food on the table for their families.

Helping community banks and credit unions compete for customers

There are more than 2,200 financial institutions on the Zelle network, 95% of which are community banks and credit unions. Many of these are rural, community, and minority-owned or -led banks in areas of the country where people have fewer banking options. Zelle is an important offering for these financial institutions, helping them to compete and retain customers by providing access to the same technology available to larger banks.

In fact, according to a survey of American consumers and small businesses that use Zelle¹, 74% of surveyed users said Zelle has positively affected the way they feel about their personal bank and one in three Zelle users would open a new account at a financial institution that offers Zelle if their current financial institution stopped providing it.

Helping to protect Americans from scams

In 2024, Zelle empowered over 73 million consumers with information about the risks of fraud and scams. Zelle will continue to lead the way in the fight against scams as a founding member of the Aspen Institute National Task Force for Fraud & Scam Prevention, an effort launched last year to bring together stakeholders across industry, government, and law enforcement to share intelligence and help society stay one step ahead of scammers. To help combat scams and fraud, Zelle has also partnered with organizations like the Better Business Bureau Institute for Marketplace Trust and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) on critical consumer education campaigns.

About Zelle®

Zelle® powers fast, reliable person-to-person digital payments, moving more than $1 trillion between millions of consumer and small business accounts at United States banks and credit unions. Available through a network of more than 2,300 financial institutions, Zelle® enables people to send and receive money directly – without cash, checks or third-party apps. Zelle® is owned and operated by Early Warning Services, LLC, which works with America’s banks, credit unions and government agencies to drive prosperity, deliver bold innovation and improve how payments are made. Learn more at www.zelle.com.
 

¹ This consumer research was conducted by Nonfiction Research in partnership with Early Warning Services, LLC and Pereira O'Dell. The data and quotes featured were obtained via Qualitative Interviews (N=24) and Quantitative Surveys (N=1007) from July 2024 through August 2024. Participants were compensated for their time.

NEW YORK – The Zelle® network earlier this week launched a new multi-city financial education training roadshow in partnership with Consumer Action, a national non-profit dedicated to consumer protection and financial empowerment for more than 50 years.

“Financial education is foundational to economic empowerment,” said Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle. “This effort between Zelle and Consumer Action brings together financial education experts, local leaders, and community members to have real conversations about fraud and identity theft. It’s part of our broader commitment at Zelle to ensure that all Americans can spot and avoid fraud and scams.”

The multi-city effort kicked off with an inaugural “train-the-trainer” event in New York City on July 22, aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of how fraud and scams are evolving.

“Empowering consumers with scam and fraud prevention education is essential in today’s digital world, where deception is more sophisticated than ever," said Anna Flores, executive director at Consumer Action. "Knowledge is the first line of defense, helping individuals protect their finances, personal information, and peace of mind. We are delighted to partner with Zelle to bring this scam and fraud prevention program to communities across the country."

The New York event featured:

• An interactive workshop on how to prevent fraud and scams and financial education
• A presentation from the Federal Trade Commission
• Opportunities for participants to ask questions and share experiences

Additional workshops will take place in Los Angeles on September 25 and Phoenix on November 6. Zelle and Consumer Action will work closely with local organizations to tailor each event to the unique needs of its community.

About Zelle®

Zelle® powers fast, reliable person-to-person digital payments, moving more than $1 trillion between millions of consumer and small business accounts at United States banks and credit unions. Available through a network of more than 2,300 financial institutions, Zelle® enables people to send and receive money directly – without cash, checks or third-party apps. Zelle® is owned and operated by Early Warning Services, LLC, which works with America’s banks, credit unions and government agencies to drive prosperity, deliver bold innovation and improve how payments are made. Learn more at www.zelle.com.