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Q&A: Should I be afraid of payment apps?

June 24, 2024 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I pay rent via check (yes, I am aware of the risks). My landlord would prefer that I use Zelle, which has drawbacks. People have had their bank accounts drained. Also, I heard that peer-to-peer money transfer apps should only be used by friends and family, not for business, and not for large sums of money.

Answer: As you may know, Zelle payments are made instantly. If you send the money to the wrong party, you could be out of luck. Federal law protects you if your account was hacked, but not if you make a mistake or have been duped into sending money to a scam artist. (Zelle does investigate allegations of fraud, however, and may return the money if you’ve been deceived.)

Many people are comfortable using Zelle and other payment systems to send money to people and businesses they know well, while others aren’t. If you continue to use checks, make sure to mail them directly at the post office or use a shipping service that offers a tracking number, such as Fedex. Monitor your account closely and set up alerts that notify you when checks over a certain amount are cashed. Fraud related to check theft has soared, so you’ll need to be extra vigilant if you continue sending paper checks.

Filed Under: Identity Theft, Q&A, Scams Tagged With: check fraud, checks, fraud, mail theft, mobile payment apps, paper check fraud, payment apps, Zelle, Zelle scams

Monday’s need-to-know money news

December 5, 2016 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: NerdWallet’s best credit card tips for December. Also in the news: How to tell if a Roth 401(k) is for you, why postdating checks is a waste of time, and how many credit cards you should have.

NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for December 2016
Just in time for holiday spending.

How to Tell If a Roth 401(k) Is for You
Choosing the right retirement savings.

Postdating Checks Is a Waste of Time — Here’s Why
Not worth the risk.

How many credit cards should you have?
What’s the magic number?

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 401(k), checks, credit card tips, Credit Cards, retirement savings, Roth 401(k), tips

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

November 25, 2015 By Liz Weston

giftcardsToday’s top story: How to protect your gift cards this holiday season. Also in the news: Getting the most out of your credit cards over the holidays, where to cash a check without paying high fees, and personal finance mythbusting.

Why Gift Cards Aren’t As Secure As Your Credit Cards
Protecting your presents.

How to get the most out of your credit cards over the holidays
Making your credit cards work for you.

Where to Cash a Check Without Paying High Fees
Keeping as much of your money as possible.

5 personal finance myths you probably still believe
Mythbusting!

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: check cashing, checks, credit card perks, Credit Cards, gift card fraud, gift cards, personal finance myths

Old check is probably worthless

January 14, 2013 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: Twelve years ago I hired a moving company. I must have overpaid them, because in January 2001 I received a refund check for $235. I misplaced the check and didn’t find it until 2003. Ever since then I have made a number of phone calls asking for a replacement. All my calls were to no avail. Can you help?

Answer: No. You typically have six months to cash a check. If you miss that time frame, you can ask the issuer for a new check, but it is usually under no obligation to accommodate you. Trying to deposit an old check can often result in a “returned check” fee from your bank when the check is stopped or returned unpaid.

Filed Under: Banking, Q&A Tagged With: banking, checking, checks

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