A Hatfield Township, Pennsylvania, resident lost $23,500 after a fraudulent wire transfer moved money from his account to a Texas man, according to The Reporter.
The case began May 7, when the victim received a bank fraud alert asking whether he had authorized a $23,500 wire transfer to Baez.
Police allege Baez opened an account to receive the fraudulent wire transfer, then moved the money through Zelle after the transfer was completed.
Search warrant returns from Zelle later became part of the investigation, with police saying those records contradicted Baez’s account of what happened to the money.
The Fraud Alert Flagged Transfer
The victim told investigators he first learned something was wrong when a bank fraud alert asked about a wire transfer he did not recognize. The alert referenced a $23,500 transfer to Baez, giving investigators a name and transaction trail to review.
Police described the transfer as fraudulent. The public report does not say the victim personally approved or initiated the payment.
Police Say an Account Was Opened to Receive the Money
Investigators allege the suspect opened an account that was used to receive the wire transfer.
Zelle Records Became Part of the Investigation
After the wire transfer was received, police said the money was moved through Zelle. Search warrant returns from Zelle reportedly contradicted Baez’s account, according to the report.
The report did not list every Zelle transaction or say whether the money has been recovered.
A Bank Fraud Alert Should Start a Direct Call to the Bank
Customers who receive bank fraud alert should contact the bank directly using the number on the back of the card, a bank statement, or the bank’s official website. They should not reply to the text, click a link, or call a number included in the alert unless they can verify it independently.
Anyone who sees an unfamiliar wire, Zelle transfer, or newly added recipient should save the alert, transaction number, recipient name, phone number, email address, Zelle record, bank messages, and account activity screenshots. Reports can also be filed with local police, the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.