Woman Scammed Out of More Than $18,000 on Zelle App; Bank of America Warns Customers to Be Aware of Thieves

Money transferring app Zelle is warning customers to be aware of scammers’ tactics on the app: “Banks would never ask a customer to transfer funds between accounts…”

According to ABC 13, some Zelle customers have been getting bamboozled by scammers on the app who are tricking them into making electronic withdrawals that leave them open to having their money stolen. One woman named Lura Ball says a thief stole $18,500 after she fell for a scam on the app.

“I could not believe that I got scammed. I just could not believe it,” said Ball. “I was so ashamed.”

The entire situation happened after Ball received a text that appeared to be from Bank of America. “I usually just ignore those, and I get a phone call from Bank of America small business saying there are several fraud attempts,” said Ball. The text and call ended up being from a scammer who change their number so that it shows a different Caller ID.

They asked her to send money using Zelle. “All of a sudden I started getting alerts from one of my other emails saying that I had transferred money to a Chase account and I said ‘what?'” said Ball. The money was part of a loan she received to start her cookie business. She’s filed a claim with Bank of America, which issues the app, and it denied her claim twice.

ABC 13 reports Bank of America responded to the incident, saying: “Banks would not ask a customer to transfer funds between accounts or request sensitive account information. We alert clients during the transaction if they are sending money to a new recipient that they should only send to people they trust and never transfer money as a result of an unexpected call or text. We send fraud alerts to clients and regularly update a comprehensive online Security Center with information about avoiding scams. We encourage clients to contact the bank directly if they have a question about any transaction, claim or communication. We review and evaluate every claim based on the unique circumstances. Clients can request an additional review if they disagree with the initial decision.”

It also warned customers to be aware of scams.

“Don’t respond: If you’re not 100% certain of the source of the call, email or text, then hang up the phone, don’t click on the link in the email and don’t reply to the text message.”