Consumer complaint received 2025-01-10 00:00:00
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service — Mobile or digital wallet
Issue: Fraud or scam — 
Company: Early Warning Services, LLC
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
My friend posted on her social media page ( XXXX ) her father was moving to an assisted facility because he could no longer care for his home since her moms passing. The money raised from the items sold will be used toward the expenses of the facility. There were pictures of random house items included such as a bed, couch, fridge and other items. She posted her uncle was point of contact and listed his number to call and inquire. I trust this individual and had no hesitation or concern about her post. I had called the number and inquired about the fridge and he said it was still available. I asked if he had Zelle because that is what I use and he said he didnt but his niece did. Sent me the number to send payment to the fridge to his niece. I proceeded to send payment over, which was {$600.00}. He said his niece received it and would mark it as sold. Asked how old the fridge was and a good time for pick up which he responded and provided answers to my questions. I carried on with my day. Hours later o texted my friend asking her if she was able to sell all of the items for her dad. She then proceeded to tell me her XXXX account had been compromised. 
I filed a fraud claim with the FTC with Texas, notified and filed fraud report with my bank and filed fraud report with Zelle. As a side note, Zelles customer service number that claims on their website to provide support, is also not accurate. The number provided on their website explains the customer has to speak with their bank provider because they dont have customer information and are unable to assist. 
I was emailed by Zelle, the following day after my fraud report, that since it was an authorized transaction they would not be able to assist with getting a refund. Requested an alternative number to speak with a representative to further dispute because the false identity of my friends uncle does not make the transaction an accurate statement, its deceptive because their account was compromised and therefore I was scammed into an authorized transaction. There was no further response from Zelle via email ( which has been the only point of contact is via Email ). 
XXXX XXXX  is of no assistance although I have banked with them for years and their customer service support team is always available over the phone and via email. Response over the phone has been the same because it was an authorized transaction. They gave me an email to dispute my fraud claim and did not hear back from them. 
I hold Zelle accountable because they allowed an ill intended and fraudulent person to open and access a Zelle account without any repercussions. I provided the information in their fraud report with the individuals phone number, name and transaction number with still no response or resolution. I also hold XXXX accountable for not standing by their bank customers even after pictures were submitted to show proof of both my friends account being compromised and my transaction with the individuals involved whos names and numbers were also provided in my fraud reports.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation