Florida Senior Defrauded of Nearly $4,000 in Zelle Scam

A Florida senior has lost nearly $4,000 to a bank imposter scam involving Zelle transfers after receiving a fraudulent call.

Alida Sinatra was contacted by someone posing as her bank representative warning of fraud. She provided information believing it was legitimate. The next day, she noticed nearly $4,000 missing, sent to strangers via Zelle.

“They took advantage of me. My mind is not like what it used to be. I might have given them information that was wrong. But I don’t know… That’s my life savings. What else do I have?”

Sinatra filed complaints with the FBI and her bank but was initially not reimbursed. After reaching out to news outlet WINK, the money was promptly refunded. Typically, banks do not refund Zelle transfers deemed authorized by the customer.

Florida seniors have lost over $700 million to similar scams last year according to FBI numbers.