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Q&A: When using payment apps, confirm before hitting send

July 1, 2024 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: You’ve recently written about Zelle and other payment apps. I had a neighbor pay an amount to the wrong phone number. Uh-oh. When I needed to pay someone recently, I asked them to request the amount using my phone number on Zelle. In this way, granting their request would assure that my payment would go to the correct person.

Answer: That’s excellent practice. People new to the apps often don’t realize there are options for users to request payment as well as send money. A user request can help ensure the money gets to the right place — as long as the sender knows the person and is expecting the request.

Requests for money out of the blue should always be regarded with suspicion. If you don’t know the person, report the potentially fraudulent request to your bank. If the request seems to be coming from someone you know, pick up the phone and confirm they made the request before sending any money.

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Filed Under: Banking, Q&A Tagged With: payment apps, Zelle, Zelle scams

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeanmarie L says

    July 5, 2024 at 11:16 am

    Hi Liz: I feel I know you from reading all your money tips and wise insights!
    My question: is it better to pay off a purchase of an auto with saved money or finance the $25K needed? In my case I will have to sell stocks! Maybe this is a good time to do that since things look like they are taking a turn in the stock market due to world advances!!! Would appreciate hearing your thought! Thank you so much

  2. John says

    July 7, 2024 at 10:08 am

    Liz,

    I suggest people send a test payment when using these payment apps to send money to someone new. Send a dollar or two first and confirm directly with the recipient that they received it. After that, send the remainder. This is also a good practice with wire transfers.

  3. Roxanne Walton says

    July 11, 2024 at 2:42 am

    Hello!
    Seeking information on how to chose a financial advisor. Will be retiring next year and need counsel on how to manage retirement income payouts.
    Thank you

    • Liz Weston says

      July 12, 2024 at 11:05 am

      Good for you! Here’s a place to start: https://asklizweston.com/qa-finding-a-financial-planner/

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