Consumer complaint received 2022-10-26
Company: Early Warning Services, LLC
State: PA
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
Sub-product: Virtual currency
Issue: Fraud or scam

Complaint:
Here is everything from the beginning : I do XXXX  jobs in my spare time. An event coordinator reached out as a liaison between myself and another company XXXX XXXX XXXX ) to book a catering event - original date of contact : XX/XX/XXXX. I received an e-check from XXXX ( XX/XX/XXXX ) in the amount of {$1800.00} ( 75 % of the quote given for catering ; the remaining 25 % would be given closer to the event date in early XXXX ). I researched that company on the check ( XXXX XXXX ) and was happy to be considered for an event. The company is an out-of-state non-profit, but they hold events and conferences to spread awareness. I also researched the event coordinator - by email, not just by her name! - and she seemed legit as well. I let my guard down even further when she stated the location of the venue for the event as a local, family-run banquet hall that I am very familiar with ( I literally pass by it every day! ). 

The check cleared ( XX/XX/XXXX ) and then the event coordinator informed me that the event was cancelled due to XXXX within the company and a fear of it spreading in the meantime. I obviously reimbursed the deposit, which was recommended through Zelle, since I do not have checks on hand. I assumed Zelle was a safer option than XXXX, since it's linked through XXXX. I did this in, what was supposed to be, two {$900.00} transactions through the app, since there are daily limits on how much a person may send and receive. After the first deposit ( XX/XX/XXXX ), the next day, I checked my account and the original e-check for {$1800.00} was pending for withdrawal from my account ( XX/XX/XXXX ). Luckily, I checked on this prior to making the second {$900.00} reimbursement. I contacted the event coordinator and informed her of the situation- to which, she replied that she'd contact the accountant at the hiring company to get me reimbursed. I have not heard from her since. I spoke with a representative from XXXX that same day ( XX/XX/XXXX ), but they were unable to offer help, because using Zelle is " like handing over cash, '' she said. I also filed a report through Zelle that afternoon ( XX/XX/XXXX ) ; I am still waiting on a response. I am informing you of this issue to, hopefully, prevent it from happening to someone else. {$900.00} is a lot to lose for someone like myself- especially, if it's given/taken under false pretenses. It's completely unfortunate, and stomach turning, that representatives from a banking institution can listen to this story, identify it as fraudulent, but only offer the advice of " be hopeful and don't give them any more money. '' A have also reached out to XXXX XXXX to inform them that someone is likely using their non-profit to scam people out of money. 

Here is the information that I have for the " event coordinator '' : XXXX XXXX XXXX Here are the different Zelle accounts she wanted me to deposit to : XXXX Name : XXXX XXXX XXXX. Last XXXX digits : XXXX XXXX. Name XXXX XXXX XXXX Name : XXXX XXXX .Last XXXX digits : XXXX I want to note that I'm aware that the accounts she gave me are clearly personal accounts, but so many people AND companies use these payment apps now that I was, unfortunately, able to make it make sense at the time. I didn't want the company to come after me for withholding money!

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation