Scam pattern
Zelle / bank “refund” scam
“We accidentally refunded you — send it back”
A fake bank fraud alert (text, call, or email) says there was suspicious activity, then walks you into “reversing” it by sending money to yourself via Zelle — which actually sends it to the scammer.
How it’s usually worded
- “Bank fraud alert: did you authorize a $500 Zelle? Reply NO.”
- “To reverse the charge, send a Zelle to your own number we'll provide.”
- “We accidentally sent you a refund — please send it back.”
Red-flag signals
- “Send to yourself”
Banks never fix fraud by having you Zelle money anywhere. This is the core trick.
- Caller-ID spoofing
The call may show your bank's real number — spoofing is trivial.
- Pressure + secrecy
“Stay on the line, don't tell anyone” to prevent verification.
- Irreversible rail
Zelle is instant and effectively final — ideal for scammers.
What to do
Hang up and call the number on the back of your card. Banks never ask you to Zelle money to fix fraud. Never send a payment to “reverse” or “verify” anything.
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FAQ
Will my bank ask me to send a Zelle to undo fraud?
Never. Moving money via Zelle to “reverse” a charge is always the scam, not the fix.
The number matched my bank — doesn't that prove it?
No. Caller ID is easily spoofed. Always hang up and call the number on your card.