Has anyone reported any instances of fraudulent Zelle transactions?

It seems like someone accessed our bank account using my spouse’s credentials, possibly through a compromised Apple ID, gaining access to their phone and banking apps. They used the in-app Zelle function to transfer money to themselves. I promptly contacted the bank and reported the fraud on the same day. They initiated an investigation and filed a dispute with Zelle. However, I’m concerned because they mentioned that if Zelle denies the claim, I might not get my money back, which doesn’t align with what I’ve read in Regulation E. Another issue is that the perpetrator used my spouse’s name on the transfer but a different email address, potentially complicating the refund process.

When you transfer funds using Zelle, simply hacking into your phone won’t suffice. Scammers would also require the verification code sent to you via text. A prevalent scam involves fraudsters posing as bank representatives to trick you into divulging that code.

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It’s likely that they won’t accept it and will find a way out that I disagree with.

They’ll say that you authorized the hack, so it’s your fault that you were hacked.

While many financial organizations may, the bank I work with does not usually treat our customers badly.

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It’s possible that someone got into our bank account using my spouse’s information (their Apple ID was stolen, letting them into their phone and banking apps) and sent money to themselves using the Zelle feature in our bank app. I called the bank right away and told them about the scam the same day.

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It’s crucial to continue working closely with your bank to resolve this fraud incident involving unauthorized access to your bank account via compromised credentials and the misuse of Zelle for transfers. Regulation E provides protections for consumers in cases of unauthorized electronic transactions, including those involving online banking services like Zelle. Normally, if you report the unauthorized transaction promptly, which you did, you should be protected under Regulation E, and the bank is obligated to investigate and provide provisional credit while the investigation is ongoing. However, the process can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the bank’s policies. Regarding the use of a different email address, this could indeed complicate the refund process, but it shouldn’t necessarily prevent you from receiving protection under Regulation E if you can demonstrate that the transfer was unauthorized. Keep all communication and documentation related to the incident, including any correspondence with your bank and Zelle. If necessary, consider seeking guidance from a consumer protection agency or legal advisor to ensure your rights are upheld throughout the investigation and dispute process.

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