In Wake of Multiple Zelle Robberies Targeting LGBTQ Community, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal Urges Chase to Change Fraud Policy, Reimburse Victims, and Tighten Safeguards

NEW YORK — In light of at least eight individuals being robbed through online payment apps after being drugged and abducted following visits to LGBTQ establishments in his district, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal sent a letter today to JPMorgan Chase (“Chase”) Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon urging the company to immediately change their fraud policy, reimburse victims, and implement stringent safeguards in connection with e-pay platforms. 

In one instance, 25-year old Julio Ramirez died on April 21, 2022 after being drugged and robbed following a visit to an LGBTQ bar in Senator Hoylman-Sigal’s district. To the Senator’s knowledge, his family has not been reimbursed. In fact, a recent government study found that major banks reimburse less than half (47 percent) of funds stolen from customers through Zelle. 

As many of the robberies occurred using iPhone’s facial identification technology, Senator Hoylman-Sigal urged Chase to institute additional precautions for e-pay platforms, such as mandatory two-factor identification for large transfers, which the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes has recently recommended. 

Senator Hoylman-Sigal said: “Chase should immediately change its fraud policy and implement stringent safeguards in connection with e-pay platforms, particularly in light of the series of shocking incidents at LGBTQ bars and nightclubs in my Senate district where individuals apparently have been preyed upon, incapacitated against their will, and robbed through fraudulent transfers on Zelle.”

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