Here is my dilemma: if a “friend” lied about not getting the Zelle payment, how can I trust a stranger not playing the same trick? Just imagine that after I send the payment, he claims that he did not get it and ask me to send it again. It can get really awkward really fast.
I used cash app and Zelle with my regulars before without any hesitation. If there is a level of trust, preference for online payment is fine.