I dont have or use any of these apps, but it seems the gist of what you guys are saying is, that transactions can be reversed? I thought they worked almost like a wire transfer?

I guess Zelle etc. is their account to collect and make payments, so I assume they've collected $200 and figure to spend it on the couch if you'll take it. None-withstanding, isn't the current stat that 80%'ish of the population doesn't have $500 for an emergency and 60-70% living paycheck to paycheck? Fiscal responsibility isn't an American strong suit and the real cost of life should be taught by parents and dare I say "schools".

Zelle and Cash app are simply money transfer devices. If you pay for a truck center console, as stated in my example and it never shows up you have no recourse, so you just made a donation. Furthermore, I'm not putting my banking info. all over the internet, shell account or not to appease a seller. I have paypal, will gladly pay the fee when buying a good and if a seller won't agree they're up to something! BTW Paypal friends and family doesn't allow for recourse neither which is why most sellers suggest that route.

I ony take Zelle or paypal if the person is onsite picking it up....wont ship anything unless its through a site like ebay etc...

I struggle with this as well trying to buy a pair of motors and at some point had to trust the seller. I figured if they paid for leak down check, sent me tons of pictures, probably 30+ texts over months probably not a scammer.