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  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , CFPB, , money glitch, , Zelle   

    TikTok’s Fake Payout Promise 

    TikTok’s Fake Payout Promise

    By Greg Collier

    Social media users are being lured by a new wave of videos that promise free money through popular peer-to-peer payment apps such as Zelle and Cash App. The pitch is presented as a simple process of filling out a government form, but the claims have no basis in reality. What is being pushed is not a legitimate way to recover lost funds. It is a misleading scheme that has already convinced many people to waste their time and money in pursuit of a payout that does not exist.

    The idea preys on those who have been victims of online payment fraud and are searching for ways to be reimbursed. Some online personalities are claiming that a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will automatically generate compensation, even for those who were never victims in the first place. This false promise has been paired with the sale of templates and financial guides that add yet another layer of exploitation.

    Consumer advocates have made clear that the tactic has no legitimacy. Zelle has stated that consumers were misled into filing complaints based on a fabricated settlement, while Cash App has said it has improved how it identifies and responds to customer issues. Reports also note that with reduced oversight of federal consumer protection agencies, opportunists are taking advantage of the situation to target those who are already financially strained.

    There is also a legal risk that has gone largely unspoken in the videos encouraging people to try this method. Filing a false complaint with a government agency can rise to the level of fraud. While many viewers may see it as a harmless trick, in reality submitting knowingly inaccurate claims could have criminal consequences.

    The situation echoes a familiar pattern on TikTok and other platforms where so-called “money glitches” are promoted as a quick and easy path to financial gain. Not long ago, similar videos circulated claiming that hidden glitches in Cash App or other services could be exploited to receive free transfers. Those claims, too, were proven false and left behind a trail of disappointed users. The latest version of this scam follows the same formula. It dangles the promise of effortless money before viewers who are encouraged to act quickly before the supposed opportunity disappears.

    Consumer protection experts urge anyone who has been defrauded through a payment app to pursue legitimate channels of recourse. Filing a proper complaint with full documentation can help build a case, but there is no shortcut to a payout and certainly no promise of free money for those who were never affected. In the end, the only people profiting from these social media claims are those selling false hope.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 4, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , Zelle   

    Families Warned of Rising Jail Scams 

    By Greg Collier

    Law enforcement agencies in different states are warning the public about scams that specifically target families of individuals who have recently been arrested or are being held in jail. These schemes are designed to exploit the stress and urgency that families feel when dealing with an arrest.

    In Burke County, Georgia, authorities reported that scammers have been monitoring law enforcement websites for recent arrests. Once they identify someone who has been detained, they contact the individual’s relatives while pretending to be a bondsman. The callers then demand money over the phone, insisting that payment is required to secure release. After money is sent, the scammer disappears. Local officials emphasize that legitimate bonding companies do not operate in this way and that payments should only be arranged directly with licensed professionals or through the detention center.

    A similar warning has been issued in Peoria County, Illinois. In this case, the fraudulent calls come from individuals pretending to be ranking members of the sheriff’s office. Family members of detainees are told that bail can be secured through payment applications such as Zelle, with promises of home detention and eventual dismissal of charges. Scammers attempt to build credibility by claiming that computer systems are unavailable and that cash payments cannot be accepted. Authorities in Peoria County have clarified that they do not contact families to demand bail money and have urged residents to report any such calls.

    These cases highlight how scammers are exploiting the availability of public arrest information and the confusion that often surrounds the bonding process. By inserting themselves between families and the justice system, they can take advantage of situations where people are most vulnerable. Officials in both states are reminding the public that all financial transactions related to bonding should be verified directly with licensed companies or detention centers. Families who receive suspicious calls are encouraged to contact law enforcement to confirm the legitimacy of any claims.

    What is striking about these cases is how they reflect the evolution of older forms of bail bond fraud. Scams involving promises of quick release or special arrangements have existed for years, but the ability to instantly access arrest records online has given fraudsters new opportunities. Families are now being contacted almost immediately after an arrest becomes public information, allowing criminals to strike when emotions are at their highest.

    Another concerning element is the shift toward digital payment systems. The use of applications like Zelle allows money to move instantly and makes it difficult for victims to recover funds once a transaction is complete. Unlike traditional methods of fraud that might involve face-to-face contact, these scams rely on the speed and convenience of digital transfers to eliminate traceable interactions. This not only reduces the risk of exposure for the scammer but also increases the likelihood that victims will lose their money permanently.

    Together, these factors show how technology is being leveraged to give old scams new life. Families already under pressure to navigate the criminal justice system are being placed in even more difficult positions by criminals who rely on fear and urgency to succeed.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 3, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , house arrest scam, , , , Zelle   

    Fake Jail Release Scams Spreading 

    Fake Jail Release Scams Spreading

    By Greg Collier

    Authorities in multiple jurisdictions are alerting the public to a growing trend of scams that exploit families of recently arrested individuals. These schemes have been reported in both Jones County, Mississippi and Essex County, New Jersey, with scammers attempting to extract large sums of money by offering fraudulent release options.

    In Mississippi, the scam involves callers reaching out to relatives of inmates at the county’s adult detention facility. The callers claim the inmate can be released on house arrest in exchange for a payment. The requested amounts vary but have reportedly ranged from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. Payment is typically demanded through debit cards or digital cash transfer services.

    In New Jersey, a similar approach is being used, but with a different narrative. Scammers are posing as law enforcement officers or court personnel, contacting families and demanding bail payments through mobile apps such as Apple Pay or Zelle. One report indicated a victim sent thousands of dollars after being convinced the money was required to secure a loved one’s release.

    Officials have emphasized that these claims are entirely false. Under current legal frameworks, particularly in jurisdictions that have adopted criminal justice reforms, cash bail is often no longer required in the manner suggested by these scams. No legitimate release process involves unsolicited requests for money through digital platforms.

    Residents are advised to remain cautious and report any suspicious calls or messages. Families of incarcerated individuals are encouraged to verify any claims directly with the appropriate legal or correctional authorities before taking action.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 3, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Zelle   

    Zelle App Shuts Down, Scams Persist 

    Zelle App Shuts Down, Scams Persist

    By Greg Collier

    One of the most widely used names in digital banking has officially ended a major chapter of its service. As of this week, Zelle’s stand-alone app no longer allows users to send or receive payments, pushing millions of customers to rely exclusively on their banks’ apps to access the platform.

    Zelle had warned last year that its app would be decommissioned for payments on October 31, 2024. That plan quietly went into effect on Tuesday, with little disruption to most users. The standalone app, used by only a small fraction of Zelle’s total customer base, now serves a different purpose. It remains accessible, but it has shifted focus to consumer education, offering resources on how to avoid scams and directing users to the more than 2,200 banks and credit unions that support Zelle.

    Although the platform has 150 million users in the United States, only around two percent of its transactions occurred through the app itself. The overwhelming majority of payments are made directly through bank apps. That reality led Zelle’s parent company to shutter the underused platform and reinforce its role as a bank-integrated service.

    Since launching in 2017 with backing from major financial institutions including Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, Zelle has become the default peer-to-peer payment system for millions of Americans. Last year alone, it processed over $1 trillion in payments, far outpacing rivals like Venmo and Cash App. Unlike those competitors, Zelle does not hold transferred money in a separate wallet. Instead, it moves funds directly between bank accounts without charging users additional fees for instant transfers.

    While Zelle’s standalone app may be gone, that does not mean scams involving the service are going away. Fraudsters have long exploited the convenience and speed of peer-to-peer platforms, and Zelle is no exception. Consumers should remain cautious of unsolicited requests or calls urging them to move money, even if those instructions involve using their legitimate bank app. The closure of Zelle’s own app might shift how the platform is used, but it has not made scammers disappear.

    Bank officials and cybersecurity experts continue to warn that digital payment platforms are a favored tool for criminals posing as trusted sources. Just because Zelle now operates entirely through banking apps does not mean users are immune from manipulation. As Zelle pivots its public-facing platform toward fraud education, its success may depend as much on consumer awareness as on the technology itself.

     

  • Geebo 9:17 am on February 28, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: chickens, , egg prices, eggs, livestock scam, , , Zelle   

    Backyard Chicken Scam Exploits Egg Crisis 

    Backyard Chicken Scam Exploits Egg Crisis

    By Greg Collier

    As egg prices continue to rise and shortages grow due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak, scammers have found yet another way to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. An Oregon woman is now warning others about an online scam preying on people eager to raise their own backyard chickens.

    With grocery store shelves often bare and prices soaring, many have turned to social media and online marketplaces, searching for hens to provide a steady supply of fresh eggs. Unfortunately, scammers are fully aware of this trend and have adapted their tactics to exploit it.

    One Oregon woman, eager to secure her own flock, recently fell victim to a fraudulent seller while searching for hens online. The seller, like many operating this scheme, insisted on payment through cash apps such as Zelle, Venmo, or Chime. These platforms offer little to no buyer protection, making it easy for scammers to disappear with the money. As the transaction progressed, additional fees for shipping crates and other hidden costs were suddenly introduced, further draining the victim’s funds before she realized it was all a scam.

    The scam bears a striking resemblance to pet scams, where fraudsters post fake listings for animals, collect payment, and then never deliver the promised pet. In both cases, the scam plays on the buyer’s emotions and urgency, whether it’s the excitement of getting a new puppy or the pressing need to secure a reliable food source during a shortage.

    This scam demonstrates how quickly fraudsters adapt to current events. They capitalize on public concerns, adapting their scams to match whatever is in high demand, whether it be pandemic-era puppies, scarce baby formula, or, in this case, backyard chickens.

    To avoid falling victim, experts recommend sticking to reputable local sellers when looking to purchase hens. Buying in person allows buyers to inspect the birds and ensures the transaction is legitimate. While the appeal of finding a deal online is strong, the risk of being scammed far outweighs any potential savings.

    As more people consider raising chickens due to fluctuating egg prices, awareness is key. Scammers are quick to evolve, but with a cautious approach, buyers can protect themselves from losing money to these fraudulent schemes.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 19, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , Zelle   

    Chase Blocks Zelle Payments to Social Media 

    Chase Blocks Zelle Payments to Social Media

    By Greg Collier

    JPMorgan Chase Bank (Chase) is making a significant change to its Zelle payment policies in an effort to curb the growing number of online scams exploiting the service. Beginning March 23, Chase will start blocking or delaying Zelle payments to accounts identified as originating from social media contacts, a move designed to protect customers from fraudulent transactions.

    As reported by Bleeping Computer, this decision comes in response to alarming trends in scam reports from Chase customers between June and December 2024. Nearly half of all fraud cases involving Zelle were traced back to social media interactions. Many of these scams involve bad actors posing as legitimate sellers, tricking unsuspecting users into sending money through Zelle under the assumption that they are making a secure purchase. However, since Zelle transactions lack purchase protection, victims often have no recourse once the money is sent.

    Chase is now reinforcing its stance that Zelle should only be used to transfer money to known and trusted recipients. Customers will receive warnings and may even be required to provide additional details when adding new recipients or setting up transactions that appear to carry a high risk of fraud.

    This policy shift also aligns with a broader regulatory push. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been scrutinizing Zelle’s operator, Early Warning Services, along with major banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. A lawsuit filed by the CFPB in December alleges that these banks rushed Zelle into the market without adequate consumer safeguards, leading to massive financial losses for users. Since its launch, Zelle-related scams and fraud have reportedly cost customers over $870 million, with many victims left to recover their lost funds on their own due to a lack of bank intervention.

    While Chase’s new policy marks a step in the right direction in tackling scams linked to social media, it does not fully address a major issue plaguing Zelle users, bank impersonation fraud. Scammers posing as bank representatives continue to deceive customers into moving their own money under the false pretense of protecting it. Victims are often led to believe they are securing their accounts when, in reality, they are transferring their savings directly into the hands of fraudsters.

    The changes introduced by Chase will likely help reduce fraud originating from social media platforms, but consumers must remain cautious. Scammers continuously evolve their tactics, and as long as payment services like Zelle lack built-in fraud protection, users must exercise extreme caution when transferring money online.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 17, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Zelle   

    New Zelle Protections Haven’t Changed Anything 

    New Zelle Protections Haven't Changed Anything

    By Greg Collier

    For years, consumers have been targeted by a common and deceptive scheme: scammers posing as bank representatives convincing victims to use Zelle to ‘protect’ or recover their money. Despite growing awareness of this tactic, the outcome for victims has often been devastating, leaving them with little recourse and significant financial loss.

    Zelle and the banks behind it have long faced criticism for not doing enough to protect consumers. In response to mounting pressure, Zelle announced a new policy in late 2023 that banks would be required to reimburse customers for certain types of scams. The wording of this policy included an important caveat. Banks would refund consumers for “qualifying imposter scams”.

    The intent of the new policy was to create stronger protections for victims of fraud. However, recent cases suggest these so-called new guidelines are not much different from the old ones. Banks continue to deny reimbursements based on the familiar rationale that customers ‘authorized’ the transactions. This remains the linchpin argument banks use to place responsibility on consumers, even when the authorization occurred under false pretenses orchestrated by scammers.

    A recent incident illustrates how easily someone can fall victim to this type of fraud. A couple was contacted by someone claiming to be from Wells Fargo’s fraud department. The phone number even appeared to belong to the bank, thanks to modern spoofing technology. The caller asked about supposed fraudulent activity, reassured the couple that their funds would be safe, and then walked them through a series of Zelle transactions. Only later did they realize it was all a scam, and they had lost thousands of dollars.

    Despite reporting the incident to their bank, their request for reimbursement was denied. The bank cited the fact that the transactions were ‘authorized’. This reasoning aligns with the longstanding defense that if customers themselves approve the transfer, even under pressure or misinformation, the responsibility remains with them.

    Zelle’s official stance highlights a crucial ambiguity in their policy. The company has stated that not all scams involving imposters qualify for reimbursement, but they refuse to share the criteria for ‘qualifying’ cases. According to Zelle, disclosing this information would give criminals a playbook for avoiding detection. This lack of transparency leaves consumers frustrated and uncertain about whether they can expect any protection at all.

    The central issue remains that scammers have become increasingly adept at manipulating technology to exploit consumer trust. Policies promising reimbursement offer a glimmer of hope, but the reality for many victims has not improved. While Zelle and participating banks claim they are addressing the problem, their actions suggest otherwise. Until clearer and stronger protections are implemented, consumers must remain vigilant and cautious with unsolicited calls and Zelle transactions.

    For now, the lesson remains the same: don’t trust caller ID, don’t act under pressure, and always verify directly with your bank.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 28, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , dumpsters, home remodeling, , , Zelle   

    Even a Dumpster Can Become a Tool for Fraud 

    Even a Dumpster Can Become a Tool for Fraud

    By Greg Collier

    In San Antonio, Texas, a new scam is taking shape, one that initially seems harmless but has serious financial consequences for unsuspecting consumers and businesses. The scheme revolves around something as seemingly innocuous as a dumpster rental. A service most people associate with home improvement, not fraud. Yet, this scam reveals how even the most mundane services can become avenues for financial deception.

    The scam preys on homeowners looking for affordable solutions for remodeling or debris removal. Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor provide the setting, where criminals advertise low-cost dumpster rentals. Eager to secure a good deal, homeowners send payments through apps like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App, unaware that the transaction is part of a more elaborate scam.

    The scammer, posing as a legitimate business, orders the dumpster from an actual rental company using stolen credit card information. When the company delivers the dumpster, the homeowner assumes everything is in order. This act of delivery adds a deceptive layer of trust, leading many victims to believe they are dealing with a legitimate service.

    The fraud doesn’t end with the dumpster’s arrival. Soon, the dumpster rental company realizes the payment it received through the stolen card has been reversed, leaving the business without compensation. Banks recover the funds for the cardholder, and the business is left holding the loss.

    The homeowner, who believed they had paid for the service, now faces the possibility of additional charges. They may either need to cover the unpaid balance to avoid further issues or deal with an unexpected dispute over the service they received.

    This scam highlights how criminals can weaponize ordinary services. A dumpster, often seen as just a tool for home projects, becomes an anchor for fraudulent activity, pulling multiple victims into the deception. The scam touches every link in the chain: the person whose card is stolen, the business losing revenue, and the homeowner who is left with a service that wasn’t properly paid for.

    What makes this scam particularly deceptive is the ease with which it unfolds. Payment apps like Venmo or Zelle allow quick transfers, and the physical delivery of the dumpster creates a convincing facade of legitimacy. Once the service is delivered, it becomes more challenging for victims to recognize the fraud in time to act. The scenario demonstrates how criminals adapt familiar tools, whether it’s a payment app or a dumpster, into schemes that are difficult to detect and resolve.

    Homeowners are advised to thoroughly verify the legitimacy of any service before making a payment, while companies must remain alert to suspicious transactions that could signal fraudulent behavior. Something as routine as a dumpster rental can become the core of an elaborate scam.

    As both individuals and businesses adapt to these emerging threats, proactive measures can help limit the damage caused by schemes that use everyday services as a vehicle for fraud.

     

  • Geebo 8:01 am on August 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Zelle   

    Zelle wouldn’t help until the media got involved 

    By Greg Collier

    When digital payments are becoming the norm, it’s easy to assume that services like Zelle offer the same protections as credit cards. But one Tucson resident learned the hard way that this isn’t always the case.

    It all started with a text message from a recruiter claiming to represent a prominent international technology company. The offer seemed legitimate, with a formal interview conducted via text. But there was a catch. The jobseeker was asked to send $950 for remote work equipment. Trusting the process, he transferred the money through Zelle, expecting to start his new job soon after.

    However, as the days passed, it became clear that the job wasn’t real. He had fallen victim to a scam, losing nearly a thousand dollars in the process.

    Realizing he had been scammed, the man contacted his bank, hoping they could help him reverse the transaction. To his dismay, the bank declined his request. Their reasoning? The payment had been authorized, meaning it was processed exactly as he intended. Because he had willingly sent the money through Zelle, they claimed there was nothing they could do.

    Feeling frustrated and out of options, the man decided to reach out to a local news station. He shared his story, hoping that public attention might help his case. The news team took up the challenge and contacted the bank on his behalf, pushing for a resolution.

    The involvement of the media made a difference. After further review, the bank reconsidered its position. They reversed the transaction and credited the man’s account with the full $950 he had lost.

    To protect yourself, always be wary of any situation that involves sending money to someone you don’t personally know. If something feels off, trust your instincts. And if you find yourself in a similar situation, remember that persistence, and sometimes public attention, can be key to resolving the issue.

    This story underscores a troubling reality. It shouldn’t take the involvement of the media or public pressure to get Zelle or a bank to take action in cases of fraud. Digital payment services should prioritize protecting their users and have mechanisms in place to address scams swiftly and fairly. While this Tucson man was fortunate to recover his funds, it’s a reminder that more robust consumer protections are needed to ensure that others don’t have to fight so hard to reclaim what was wrongfully taken from them.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Zelle   

    Zelle scams hit seniors the hardest 

    Zelle scams hit seniors the hardest

    By Greg Collier

    For nearly two years, Zelle-related scams have persisted, affecting countless users who rely on this popular peer-to-peer payment app. Despite its widespread adoption and backing by major banks, the platform has become a fertile ground for fraudsters, exploiting vulnerabilities and leaving victims with little recourse. As the financial toll mounts, concerns about the app’s security and consumer protection measures continue to grow.

    A senior citizen living in Western Pennsylvania, with a disability and on a fixed income, was recently swindled out of over $1,400 through unauthorized transactions on Zelle, a cash app backed by America’s largest banks. As his financial stability is threatened, he echoes a sentiment that many fraud victims share, accountability should not fall on the victim.

    The issue of digital payment fraud has caught the attention of Congress as Americans report losing a staggering $10 billion through Zelle fraud in 2023 alone. One senator has described Zelle as the “dirty little secret” of American banks.

    The victim shared his frustration, revealing his bank statements and detailing the five unauthorized Zelle transactions from May. These transactions, ranging from $95 to $639, were debited from his account without his consent. For him, who relies on a fixed monthly income from Social Security Disability, losing over $1,400 is devastating.

    Despite disputing these transactions twice with his bank, he was told they were valid. His former bank insists he is liable for the transactions, and the amount has been sent to collections. This burden is nearly as much as his entire monthly disability check.

    Zelle, operated by the nation’s seven largest banks, is the most used peer-to-peer payment app, with transactions that are fast and, unfortunately for victims like him, permanent. Some lawmakers have criticized the banks for not doing enough to protect consumers.

    When approached about this case, the bank declined to comment on individual accounts but reiterated their efforts to educate customers on avoiding fraud. Their recommendations included only using Zelle for trusted contacts and safeguarding account login information.

    The issue highlights a critical need for better consumer protections in digital finance, especially for vulnerable individuals like this victim. As Congress and federal agencies scrutinize these practices, victims hope for accountability and change in the system that has left them unprotected.

     

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