A Houston TikToker, @ogpdub, is warning others about the risks of accepting Zelle payments from strangers after a recent incident left him without access to his account.
The TikToker explained that he had received a Zelle payment for a service he provided. However, the customer later reported the transaction as fraudulent, prompting Zelle to shut down his account. He shared the experience in a video filmed from a Chase bank branch, calling the situation “so embarrassing.”
“Be careful who you Zelle, and careful who you allow to Zelle you… once that person reports fraud—even if you provided the service—they can get your account shut down,” he said.
He emphasized the vulnerability sellers face: while Zelle offers some protection for buyers, those receiving payments have little recourse if a customer falsely claims fraud to reverse a payment.
“I’d rather Zelle you before you Zelle me,” he said, “because people will use your account, finesse you, report fraud, and get their money back, and now you’re Zelle-less.”
Why Zelle Can Be Risky for Sellers
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No chargebacks or formal dispute process: Unlike credit cards, Zelle does not provide seller protections for unauthorized or disputed payments.
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Limited legal protections: Transactions are not covered under the Fair Credit Billing Act or Regulation E of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act.
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Friendly fraud risk: A large portion of chargebacks—about 44% according to chargeback.io—occur when a buyer claims fraud to avoid payment.
Experts recommend that Zelle be used only for transactions with people you know and trust, such as personal peer-to-peer payments. For business or service transactions, paper trails like checks or money orders are safer alternatives.
Community Reactions
Commenters on @ogpdub’s video shared similar experiences:
“Yes, someone Zelle’d me and reported it fraud. My whole account got shut down. Never again!”
Bankers echoed the warning:
“Please never Zelle or accept Zelle from someone you don’t know! I recommend money orders and cashier’s checks,” one wrote.
During investigations, Zelle accounts may remain completely blocked, even if users attempt to open new accounts, as social security numbers are tied to the claim.
The TikToker’s warning highlights a growing vulnerability in the gig economy, where sellers providing services can be exploited by dishonest customers using Zelle’s limited protections.
ChatGPT said:
Massachusetts Man Arrested in Steuben County for Exploitation of Minors
CANISTEO, N.Y. — A 29-year-old Massachusetts man, Estefan Henriquez, has been arrested by New York State Police following an investigation into the online sexual exploitation of minors in Steuben County.
Authorities say Henriquez engaged in sexually explicit communications with a 14-year-old girl from Steuben County and planned to travel from Massachusetts to meet her.
Just before 3 a.m. Thursday, troopers observed Henriquez’s vehicle at a prearranged location in the Village of Canisteo. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Steuben County Jail.
Henriquez faces multiple charges, including:
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Kidnapping in the second degree (sexually motivated)
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Rape in the second degree (vaginal sexual contact with a person under 15)
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Rape in the second degree (oral sexual contact with a person under 15)
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Endangering the welfare of a child
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Attempted kidnapping in the second degree (sexually motivated)
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Attempted rape in the second degree (vaginal and oral sexual contact with a person under 15)
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Attempted endangering the welfare of a child
Investigators said Henriquez previously met the victim in person and sent multiple sexually explicit messages via social media prior to his arrest.
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