Why was Zelle transfer for 'Cuban dinner' blocked?
Answering a reader question
The following article appeared in the August 16, 2024, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
You Ask, We Answer: Why does a Zelle money transfer for a ‘Cuban dinner’ set off red flags?
It’s time for the latest installment of “You Ask, We Answer” — the appropriately named occasional feature in which you (the reader) ask a question, and we (The Ledger) answer.
We most often get questions about development happening around town, but today’s question is a little different — but just as interesting.
It comes from reader Lisa B., who tried to send her daughter-in-law $500 through the digital payment network Zelle, with a note that said “Cuban dinner.” (They had recently had a family meal together at a local Cuban restaurant, and Lisa B. wanted to reimburse for the cost of the meal.)
Lisa B.’s bank, Bank of America, sent her an email telling her that the transfer was put on hold and that she needed to call the bank within 15 days “to avoid further delays and possible rejection or seizure of your transfer.”
She said she called Bank of America and was asked why she’d written “Cuban dinner” in the note for the transfer. Once she told them it was payment for dinner at a Charlotte Cuban restaurant (she was asked to give the restaurant’s name, she said), the bank allowed the transfer to go through.
Which leads us to Lisa B.’s question:
What is it about the words “Cuban dinner” that would cause such a commotion?
Thanks for the question, Lisa! (Or should we say “la pregunta”?)