Consumer complaint received 2025-09-09 00:00:00
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service — Domestic (US) money transfer
Issue: Fraud or scam — 
Company: Early Warning Services, LLC
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
Approximately a month ago, I began searching for commercial insurance for the first XXXX  XXXX I purchased for my newly formed company, XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX  XXXX XXXX. At the same time, I was also looking for a dispatching company to start operations. During this process, I came across a company called XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. 

Initially, I contacted them regarding their dispatching services, which they promote through their website and XXXX page ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. I must say that I don't know if they are falsely using his name, because I sent a message and never got a reply. They claim to be based in Montana and to operate XXXX. During our communication, they informed me that they also offer insurance services for commercial vehicles, which they said I could obtain directly through them. 

I was very happy with this, as it seemed like a good opportunity to start a business relationship not only to get insurance, but also to potentially continue working with them for dispatching services. They sent me the necessary documents, which I reviewed with my accountant, and everything appeared legitimate. 

Following this, I proceeded to make a payment of {$1400.00} via Zelle to XXXX XXXX XXXX, who I was told is the owner of the company. At the time, I saw no reason to doubt the legitimacy of this transaction I have previously used Zelle for sensitive transactions, including payments to attorneys, and had never experienced any problems. 

The issue began when I started requesting a specific insurance number required to obtain the vehicles plates. At that point, the representative I had been in contact with XXXX stopped responding. Soon after, I discovered that I had been blocked entirely. 

I found an address in XXXX XXXX listed as a supposed operational location for them in New York, but this turned out to be false. To further confirm this, a friend of mine contacted them through XXXX, pretending to be a new customer. As soon as she mentioned she was representing XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, they immediately blocked her too. 

I submitted a claim with XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, who initially told me they would investigate. However, I was later informed that there was nothing they could do, as the payment was made through Zelle. I then attempted to file a complaint with Zelle, but I have not received any response from them either. 

This situation goes beyond the loss of my money. It highlights the ease with which scammers like these are able to use legitimate platforms such as Zelle to commit fraud, and the difficulty victims face in getting justice or even having the fraudsters held accountable. The person I paid still has a functioning Zelle account and bank access, and is continuing to use them to scam others with no apparent consequences. 

I am submitting this complaint to the CFPB in the hope that you will investigate this matter and take action. It is unacceptable that scammers are allowed to exploit financial platforms in this way, with little to no oversight or recourse for the victims. I need my money back to keep going with my company. 

I am attaching all the supporting documentation, including conversations, payment confirmation, and any other relevant material.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation