ScamGuard

🏦 Zelle Scam Checker — Avoid Bank Transfer Fraud

Zelle is instant and irreversible — perfect for scammers. Paste the message or screenshot here and ScamGuard checks it against bank impersonation, overpayment, and fake-refund scripts.

What ScamGuard checks for

  • Detects bank-impersonation 'send to yourself' scams
  • Flags fake Zelle payment screenshots
  • Spots overpayment / refund traps
  • Checks phone numbers against scam database
  • Free verdict, no signup

⚠️ Red flags and warning signs

  • 'Your bank' calls asking you to Zelle yourself
  • Buyer pays more than the price and wants the difference
  • Screenshot 'proof' you can't see in your activity
  • Pressure to send within minutes
  • Seller insists on Zelle for marketplace purchase

Real scam examples

Bank fraud impersonation

Caller spoofs your bank's number: 'Fraud detected — Zelle $400 to yourself to reverse it.' The contact 'yourself' was added by them earlier via phishing.

Marketplace overpayment

Buyer sends fake $600 screenshot for a $400 item, asks for $200 back via Cash App. Original Zelle never arrives.

How to protect yourself

  • Only Zelle people you know in person
  • Hang up on any 'bank fraud' call — call back on the number on your card
  • Verify payments in your Zelle activity, not screenshots
  • Refuse Zelle for online marketplace deals
  • Never refund a 'mistaken' payment in a different app

ScamGuard tools you can use right now

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a Zelle payment back?

Almost never. Zelle transfers are treated like cash — once sent to a real account, your bank usually won't refund. Authorisation by you = no fraud claim. That's why scammers love it.

What is the Zelle bank impersonation scam?

You get a call/text saying 'fraud detected on your account — send a Zelle to yourself to cancel'. The 'yourself' contact is actually the scammer. Banks never tell you to Zelle money to anyone.

What's the overpayment scam?

A 'buyer' sends a fake Zelle screenshot showing more than the agreed price and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment never arrives.

Is the Zelle scam checker free?

Yes — first check is free.

What if I already paid?

Call your bank's fraud line immediately and file a Reg E claim. Save every screenshot.

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1 free check, no signup needed. Then create an account for unlimited investigations.

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