Below are  Zelle scam approach examples you need to watch out, along with tips on how to avoid falling victim:

1. Fake Zelle Email Requesting Shipping Information or Address

• How It Works: Scammers send you a fraudulent email that looks like it’s from Zelle, claiming they need your shipping information or address to process a payment. They might say that a payment is pending until you provide this information.
• Why It’s Dangerous: By giving your address, you could be setting yourself up for identity theft or other scams. The scammers might use your address for further fraudulent activities, or they could attempt to manipulate you into providing even more personal information.
• How to Avoid It: Always verify the sender’s email address and be cautious of emails requesting personal information. Zelle will never ask for your address to process a payment.

2. Fake Zelle Email Requesting a “Refundable” Payment to Upgrade or Activate Your Account

• How It Works: You receive a fake email claiming that your Zelle account needs to be upgraded, or that you need to convert it into a business account to receive a payment. The email states that you need to send a certain amount of money (e.g., $200) to the “buyer,” and in return, you’ll receive a larger sum (e.g., $400).
• Why It’s Dangerous: This is a classic advance-fee scam. Once you send the money, the scammer disappears, and you never receive the promised payment. The email might look convincing, but it’s designed to trick you into sending money under false pretenses.
• How to Avoid It: Be skeptical of any request to send money in order to receive money. Zelle does not require any payments to upgrade accounts, and any legitimate transaction will not involve sending money first.

3. Stolen Account Scam Involving Money Laundering

• How It Works: Scammers use a stolen Zelle account to send you money, then ask you to forward most of it to other people, keeping a small fee for yourself. You might think you’re participating in a legitimate transaction, but in reality, you’re unknowingly aiding in a money laundering operation.
• Why It’s Dangerous: By participating, you’re becoming part of a criminal activity. If the authorities trace the stolen funds, you could be held responsible, and it might be difficult to prove your innocence.
• How to Avoid It: Never agree to forward money on behalf of someone else, especially if you don’t know them personally. If you receive unexpected funds, contact your bank or Zelle support immediately.

4. Fake Payment Emails from Zelle or Venmo

• How It Works: Scammers send you a fake email that looks like a payment confirmation from Zelle or Venmo. The email claims that you’ve received a payment, but when you check your account, there’s no money. The scammer hopes you’ll believe the email and proceed with whatever transaction or shipping without verifying the payment first.
• Why It’s Dangerous: If you fall for this scam, you might ship items or provide services without ever getting paid. The email is fake, and the scammer is trying to exploit your trust in the payment platform.
• How to Avoid It: Always log into your Zelle or Venmo account directly to verify that the payment has been received. Don’t trust emails alone, especially if they urge you to act quickly without verification.

Things to Look Out For to Avoid Being Scammed

1. Zelle’s Official Email Communication:

What to Watch For: Zelle will never use personal email addresses like Gmail or Yahoo for official communications. Legitimate emails from Zelle will come from their official domain (e.g., @zellepay.com).

How to Avoid It: If you receive an email from a Gmail or Yahoo account claiming to be Zelle, it’s a scam. Only trust communications that come from Zelle’s official website domain.

2. Never Share Your Password or Verification Codes:

What to Watch For: Scammers may contact you pretending to be from Zelle or your bank, claiming that there’s been unauthorized activity on your account. They’ll ask for your password, PIN, or a one-time code to “confirm” your identity.

How to Avoid It: Legitimate companies will never ask for your password, PIN, or verification codes via email, text, or phone. If you receive such a request, do not provide the information. Instead, contact your bank or Zelle directly through official channels.

3. Fake Emails Claiming You Received a Zelle Transfer:

What to Watch For: Scammers send fake emails that look like Zelle money transfer notifications. These emails trick you into believing you’ve received a payment when you haven’t, leading you to send goods or provide services without actually getting paid.

How to Avoid It: Always verify payments directly through your Zelle account or bank. Don’t rely on emails alone, especially if they look suspicious or are urging you to act quickly.