ShooFlyZelle “Payment on Hold” Scam
A text says a Zelle payment to you is on hold until you verify your account. Zelle payments aren't held like that: it's after your bank login, or to get you to send money back.
What It Looks Like
Zelle: A payment of $500 to you is on hold. Verify your account to release the funds immediately: [link removed]
The wording, amounts and company change, but the pattern stays the same.
How to Tell It's Fake
- Zelle payments don't get “held” waiting for you to verify.
- Unexpected money is a common hook.
- Check your bank's own app instead.
How to Check for Real
Open your own bank's app and look at your Zelle activity. Never use the link or phone number in the message.
If You Already Tapped or Paid
- Call your bank right away and ask them to stop or recall the payment. The sooner, the better the chance.
- Don't send any more money, whatever they say.
- If you gave your bank login, change your password and turn on two-step verification.
Acting in the first hour gives you the best chance of stopping charges.
Report It
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). It goes to your phone carrier, who uses it to block the sender.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Then delete it, and block the number.
Not Sure About a Text?
ShooFly checks any text, letter, link or caller in seconds, right on your phone, and tells you what to do next. It also sends scam texts like this one to Junk before you see them. Free.