Scams & phishing
Bank and Zelle impersonation fraud
Protect Forsyth County residents from fake bank calls and Zelle scams that trick people into sending money that cannot be reversed.
Updated 2026-07-20 · 5 min read · CyberForsyth
The call that sounds exactly like your bank
Impersonation fraud often starts with a caller ID that looks local or like your bank. The story is urgent: fraud on your account, need to “move money to a safe account,” or verify a Zelle payment.
Real banks do not ask you to Zelle money to yourself to “protect” funds. Once peer-to-peer payments leave your account, recovery is difficult.
Rules that prevent most losses
- Hang up and call the number on the back of your debit card
- Never share one-time passcodes with callers
- Treat unexpected Zelle requests as hostile until proven otherwise
- Enable bank app alerts for every transaction
- Discuss large transfers with a second trusted person if you feel pressured
Marketplace and “friends and family” tricks
Local buy/sell groups around metro Atlanta sometimes push Zelle or cash apps for deposits. For strangers, use platform-protected payments or meet safely with cash — never send a deposit to claim an item you have not seen.
If money already moved
Call your bank immediately. File a police report for larger losses. Report at IC3 and ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Document every call and reference number.
Need hands-on help?
We can help secure devices and email after a banking scam. Get help.
Sources
Public resources referenced in this guide. We are not affiliated with these organizations unless stated elsewhere.