If your payee connects their bank account via Plaid, you might see what looks like random or incorrect account number information that does not match what your payee has on file with their financial institution. Some financial institutions, such as Chase Bank and PNC, will connect to Plaid via a secure API provided directly by the bank. This secure connection may only supply what is called a Virtual Account Number or Tokenized Account Number (VANs or TANs).
VANs are secure substitutes for the real account number. They are used to protect the real account number of your payee while still allowing you to send funds directly to your payee. The VAN serves the same function as the real account number but adds an extra layer of privacy and security.