Educate me on the security of Zelle or Venmo

[MillCreek]

I bought some bicycling equipment from a private party.  I went to pick it up and pay for it, and he refused to take payment via Zelle or Venmo, on the basis that I could take the money back after transferring payment to him.  I had to go to an ATM and withdraw some cash.

I don't use Zelle or Venmo that much, but I was under the impression that once you paid someone, it was a done deal.  I myself have taken Zelle or Venmo payments.  Does the Collective have an opinion on this?

[Hawkmoon]

You are the first real person (assuming you are a real person) I've ever heard of who used Venmo, and I've never heard of Zelle. Everything I've heard about Venmo is that it's used only by scammers, so I steer very well clear of anything involving Venmo/

[Nick1911]

You are the first real person (assuming you are a real person) I've ever heard of who used Venmo, and I've never heard of Zelle. Everything I've heard about Venmo is that it's used only by scammers, so I steer very well clear of anything involving Venmo/

Wow, really?  Both are fairly common platforms around here.  I've used both without trouble, but I'll admit I haven't looked into the security ramifications of dealing with a bad actor.

[dogmush]

No, along with Cashapp, Venmo and Zelle are pretty much like handing someone cash.  No takey-backsey's.

I do lots of transactions that way, but I try and do it only with people I trust.  I got scammed out of a couple hundred on FB marketplace this summer and Venmo told me to sit on it and rotate when I tried to get my money back.

Like your area those apps are pretty common around here. My pet sitter, barber and favorite taco truck all take venmo.

[HeroHog]

We mostly use CashApp or PayPal around here.

[BobR]

My credit union, Navy Federal, uses Zelle so if it good enough for them it is good enough for me. I think I have used it once.

bob

[HeroHog]

Our bank uses it as well.

[MillCreek]

We pay our landscaper and our housecleaner via Zelle.  The local Girl Scouts this year in front of Safeway were accepting Zelle during the cookie sales.  One of the hospitals that I do consulting for pays me via Venmo.

[Tuco]

I've got this cool tattoo on the back of my hand.  I use it for all my transactions, and for all my interactions with the state.  If I dont follow the use agreement they'll take it away from me.

[grampster]

Cash is king in my view...but now you have to look closely to make sure they are not paying you with Hollywood movie dollars.

[Northwoods]

You are the first real person (assuming you are a real person) I've ever heard of who used Venmo, and I've never heard of Zelle. Everything I've heard about Venmo is that it's used only by scammers, so I steer very well clear of anything involving Venmo/

You must not get out much.

[K Frame]

I've heard of the various payment apps, but I've never used any of them.

But I, too, was under the impression that once you hit the send button that money was gone unless the recipient sent it back to you.

Come to think of it, though, I MAY have used Zelle once to send someone money. Not 100% sure. A few weeks ago we were registering for our high school class reunion. The organizer was accepting Venmo. I just sent her a check via Navy Federal's bill pay service.