How to Safely Use Zelle®
January 3, 2024
Zelle®and other digital payment platforms offer a convenient way to send and receive money. As more individuals start using these services, it is important to know how to protect yourself from scammers and others with bad intentions. Two rules of thumb are to treat Zelle®like cash and to only send money to people you know and trust. Verify you have entered the recipient’s information correctly before sending money so you are completely sure it will end up in the right hands. Below is a list of other ways you can protect yourself.
- Make sure your security settings are up to date – Set up multifactor authentication if you have not already done so. This adds an extra layer of protection when you log in on the platform. Those who access Zelle® through the MVB app are already required to use multifactor authentication.
- Sign up for text and email alerts – Ask your bank to notify you if they believe there is suspicious activity on your account. Customers who use Zelle® through the MVB app receive an alert whenever money is sent or received.
- Stay current on the newest phishing tactics – Be cautious when receiving emails and texts with links. If you ever answer a call from a business asking for personal information, hang up and call the number listed on the company’s website.
- Do not share personal information online – Avoid sharing any details you would not want a scammer to know, especially on social media.
- Use strong passwords – If you have trouble remembering passwords, try using a website or tool that will safely store them for you.
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi – Avoid logging into websites that contain sensitive personal information when you are using public Wi-Fi, such as your bank's website.