Scammer Uses Fake Zelle Payments to Steal Thousands; Reaches Boro Park Area

By Y.M. Lowy

A man is wanted by police after scamming several people across Brooklyn out of thousands of dollars in online sales using fake Zelle payments to walk away with cameras and collectibles.

The suspect met his victims through Facebook Marketplace, arranging to buy expensive items and showing what looked like a completed Zelle transfer before taking off with the goods. By the time the sellers realized the payment was fake, he was gone.

The thefts happened over a little more than a week across multiple neighborhoods including Flatbush, Bensonhurst, and Bay Ridge. In one case, a seller met the buyer outside 2520 Flatbush Avenue to sell a camera worth over $4,000. A few days later, another victim on 86th Street and 21st Avenue lost a similar amount. The final reported case happened near 74th Street and 5th Avenue, where a 21-year-old was tricked into handing over valuable Pokémon cards.

Investigators believe the same person may be behind all three thefts. The NYPD is reminding residents to be extra cautious when selling items online and to confirm payments have cleared before handing over anything valuable.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.