SECURITY CENTER
Payment choices matter
Understanding how payments work is key to avoiding scams.
Always remember:
Scammers often insist money be sent with Zelle®, wire and account-to-account transfers, ACH or crypto because it’s:
Fast to send
Money can move in seconds
Almost impossible to get back
Recovery not guaranteed
If money goes to a scammer, here’s why it’s hard to get it back
Help protect yourself from scammers when using Zelle®, wire and account-to-account transfers
Zelle
Tip:
Only send money with Zelle® to people or businesses you know and trust. Before you pay, ask yourself: How certain am I that I’ll receive what I’m paying for if something goes wrong?
What to watch out for:
Scammers often pressure you to use Zelle® because it’s fast and convenient. They create urgency, like limited-time deals, or use fear saying there is fraud on your account and telling you to move money to a “safe” account — but it's really theirs. Reputable banks won’t ask you to move money to resolve fraud. Once a Zelle® payment is sent, it’s usually final, and you most likely will not get it back.
Wire transfers
Tip:
Always confirm the identity and account details before sending money. To confirm, use a phone number you already know to validate the recipient information and wire instructions. Caller ID can be spoofed; social media and email accounts can be hacked. If something feels off, don't send it, and contact us using the number on the back of your card.
What to watch out for:
Scammers will often insist that a wire transfer is the best way to send a large amount of money, like making an investment or paying for a car. They engineer sophisticated counterfeit websites and apps that look legitimate. Once you authorize the wire and it’s sent, your bank will probably not be able to recover the payment if anything goes wrong.
Account-to-account transfers
Tip:
If you get a call about “fraud,” pause and verify. Hang up, open your bank’s app to see if there is an issue or call the number on the back of your card and ask if there are any concerns with your account.
What to watch out for:
Watch out for phone calls pretending to be from your bank telling you there is fraud on your account, and you need to move money to another account. Scammers will tell you not to talk to bank or branch employees, saying the employees may be the problem. No legitimate bank would ever communicate that to you.
Help avoid ACH and check fraud — reporting promptly matters
Checks
Tip:
If you don’t report check fraud promptly, you may not get your money back, so be sure to regularly check your account transaction history, including check images, to ensure all information is as intended. If you must write a check, use permanent ink and mail it from inside a post office. Fraudsters can steal checks from mailboxes and “wash” them; your account number on the check can also be used to create counterfeit checks.
What to watch out for:
Beware of overpayment scams — if someone sends you a check and asks you to send money back, don’t do it. The check may be counterfeit or stolen and can bounce later, leaving you responsible. If you send money back, recovery may not be possible.
ACH payments
Tip:
Before giving your routing and account numbers or setting up recurring payments, verify the business and its website independently. Fraudsters create fake businesses, and if you authorize debits in the fine print, they are able to pull funds from your account.
What to watch out for:
Fraudsters may start with small, unauthorized debits that accumulate. Report any unauthorized activity right away — delays can reduce your chances of getting funds back.
Built-in payment protections can make credit, debit and Chase Online℠ Bill Pay a better choice
Chase credit and debit cards
Tip:
Chase credit and debit cards offer Zero Liability Protection®or fraud and the ability to lock and unlock your card if you suspect fraudulent activity. Other payment methods may not have these protections.
What to watch out for:
Be cautious of fake websites and social ads with “too good to be true” deals; entering your card details on a fraudulent site can lead to unauthorized charges. Don’t trust a link — navigate to the retailer’s official website to confirm the offer.
Chase Online℠ Bill Pay
Tip:
If a biller accepts electronic payments, Chase Online℠ Bill Pay sends funds directly; if not, Chase mails a check on your behalf. Your bank account and routing numbers don’t appear on the mailed check, helping protect your account information even if it’s intercepted.
What to watch out for:
Always verify that a bill you are paying is legitimate. Ensure you are entering the correct payment information, such as the account number and payment amount. If you enter this incorrectly, an unintended recipient may receive your payment, and you may not be able to get it back. You may also miss your bill deadline and late fees may apply.
How real scams happen
Always treat Zelle®, checks, wires, cashier’s checks, account-to-account transfers, gift cards and crypto like cash. Once scammers get the money, you probably won’t get it back.
ALERT
For your protection, Chase will not allow you to send Zelle® payments identified as originating from contact through social media
Scammers try luring you in on social media with the promise of great concert tickets, adorable puppies or steep discounts for items. Zelle® is meant to pay friends, family and other trusted recipients you know, not for others you meet on social media.
Explore the Chase Security Center
Business security tools
Resources and tools to help protect your business from fraud and scams.
We’re here to help
When in doubt, contact us before you share your account information or send money. Call us using the number on the back of your card or account statement.