Important Info Regarding Zelle® Payment Scams

Zelle® is a person-to-person (P2P) payment system that is a fast and easy way to send and receive money with people you know and trust using only an email address or phone number.

As always, our clients' security is a top priority, and we want to make sure you know the red flags that signal scams so you can stay protected.

How Zelle® Works

Funds transferred via Zelle® move quickly, typically appearing directly into the recipient’s bank account within minutes. Because Zelle® transfers are so quick and easy, there are a number of risks and scams that you need to be aware of when utilizing the app.

Zelle® should be used to transfer funds to your friends, family members, and individuals you know and trust. As a rule of thumb when it comes to using Zelle® for transactions with strangers, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Common Zelle® Scams

In addition to fake online sales, fraudsters will also use Zelle® for overpayment scams – sending “too much” or “accidental” payments (often with a fraudulent account or stolen credit card) and then demanding that you send money to them in return. Once you click submit, your funds are transferred. The transaction cannot be cancelled, and it is unlikely that the funds can be recovered.

Another scam that is popular with fraudsters is the “pay yourself” scam. Here are the details.

• You receive a text message that looks like a fraud alert from your bank about unusual activity. The text may look something like "Did you make a purchase of $100.00 at ABC merchant?".
• If you respond to the text, you have now engaged the scammer and will receive a call from a number that appears to be from a bank.
• They'll appear to be a representative from a bank and will offer to help stop the alleged fraud by asking you to send money to yourself with Zelle®.
• The scammer will ask you for a one-time code you just received from a bank.
• If you give them the code, they will use it to enroll their bank account with Zelle® using your email or phone number.
• The scammer now has the ability to receive your money into their account.

Tips for Using Zelle® Safely

• Zelle® is meant for person-to-person (P2P) transactions, not business use. Only send money via Zelle® to individuals that you know.
• Don't share codes based on a call you receive.
• Confirm your recipient’s contact information before sending funds. If possible, contact them by phone at a known good number to double check and send a small amount first to make sure you have the correct account before transferring large amounts.
• Don't trust caller ID — it's not always who it says it is.
• Don't be pressured to act immediately.
• Set up your app to require a passcode, PIN, or biometrics (fingerprint or face id) before making a payment. That way if someone gains access to your phone, they will not be able to send payments.
• Do not share your PIN, password, or one-time passcodes with anyone.

While Enterprise Bank may send you a text to validate unusual activity, we will never contact you to request that you send money using Zelle® to anyone, including yourself, or to share a code to resolve fraud. If you receive a request like this, it is likely a scammer trying to trick you.

If you have questions regarding your account or any other fraud-related matters or think you have been the victim of fraud related to your Enterprise Bank account, please contact the Enterprise Bank Call Center at 877-671-2265 or speak with your local Enterprise Banker.

Additional Resources:

For more recommendations, visit https://www.zellepay.com/security.

To learn more about the trending “Pay Yourself” scam, please watch this educational video from Zelle®.

Visit EnterpriseBanking.com/security for additional information on ways to prevent, detect, and respond to threats to your accounts.