The Great Zelle Pool Scam

[ajw22]

A commentary about bank fraud and the sketchiness of Pool Builders…

All I wanted was a status symbol. What I got was a $31,000 lesson in the downside of payment apps.

All I wanted was a swimming pool. What I got was a $31,000 lesson in Zelle fraud.

In search of a status symbol, I wound up getting ripped off big-time. But the real scam is how America's payment apps treat their customers.

www.businessinsider.com

 

[HermanTX]

I almost got scammed when I was selling some furniture on FB. The person offered full price and said he would send via Zelle if I would send the contact info. Then person said he had to send more then what I listed the product for - like $1000. I had it listed for $650. So if I would send him/her back $350 he would send $1000. Sounded a little fishy and said only after I rec’d $1000. Got no reply and then I sent a note that it sounded like a scam and I was reporting it to FB market. Never heard back from that person and FB market never replied back so we dropped it. Always be cautious.

I did sell a vehicle to a reputable used car dealer and they paid via Zelle. It came within 15 mins of confirming my Zelle details. I was sitting in theright office so was not leaving until it was paid. So there are benefits to Zelle if dealing with reputable people or firms.

 

[kimkats]

how scary!! One of the big things I do in my new job as an activity director in a Senior home is advise them what NOT to do when they get a phone call or email. I have finally convinced them to come see me BEFORE they do anything. I have gone so far as to give them note pads and tell them to write the person's name, phone number, company name down on so they can call them back IF they are legit. Funny thing is that almost NONE of the people on the other end of the line will give out that info...........proving they are up to no good.

 

[Mdragger88]

The writing was great & the guy sounds really smart so it makes it a little hard to believe they actually fell for what they did. I am quite certain if I were giving someone a $30k deposit to build me a pool I wouldn’t be using zelle but instead cutting a check & delivering it.
While their pb sucked and may or may not have ever gotten around to actually building their pool (we’ll never know), what happened to them isn’t really his fault- could’ve easily been someone else for something else.
Key takeaway- don’t let being impatient & googly eyed distract you from doing your due diligence when spending your cheddar - no matter what it’s for.

 

[Hootz]

There will always be someone willing to separate you and your cash. It would seem that technology has only made it easier. We all have to stay aware and consider any transaction suspicious until proven otherwise. I keep wondering how people can fall for spam telephone calls but then I am reminded that if it wasn't worth the effort the calls would quickly stop. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Newdude]

I keep wondering how people can fall for spam telephone calls

It's really easy. If someone is willing to help you, it a scam.

If they put you on hold for 3 hours, transfer you around the system 8 times and give YOU attitude that you have to tell your story again.......... then yeah. You owe taxes and better pay up.