Don’t let cybercrime get you: this is how you can detect phishing and fraudulent content in mobile payments

This form of fraud is called spoofing. With spoofing, scammers assume a different identity to gain your trust. 

Scammers are becoming more professional and creative in finding ways to steal payment information, leading to significant financial consequences for the victims.  

Recent research conducted by Febelfin, carried out by the IndiVille* research agency on online fraud, reveals that we are sharing less financial information and taking more action. In 2023, only 10% of the population shared financial information they felt uncomfortable about (compared to 11% in 2022). 88% of respondents took action after sharing such information, a positive trend. 

Remaining vigilant for suspicious payment requests or messages remains crucial. This way, you can safely receive and make mobile payments with the app. But how can you protect yourself against fraud? We'll provide you with some useful tips. 

 

1. How to securely receive money remotely via the app? 

If you want to sell some items through an online platform, and a buyer agrees to the price, you can create a payment request via the Payconiq by Bancontact app to receive the payment. You then share the payment link with the buyer. 

Beware of this suspicious behaviour: 

• You receive a payment link even though you are supposed to receive money yourself. In this case, you are likely dealing with fraud because, when you are the one receiving money, you should be the one creating and sharing the payment request. 
• You are asked to share your payment details: bank account number, password, or PIN. This is a form of phishing, where criminals attempt to steal your information. 

 

2. How to make remote payments worry-free via the app? 

A friend or colleague covers lunch expenses and sends you a payment request link to reimburse them.  

Avoid falling for a reimbursement scam: 

• Verify the link to ensure it is indeed a payment request via Payconiq by Bancontact. A payment request created and sent via the Payconiq by Bancontact app always starts with 'payconiq.com/payme.' 
• Check the sender of the payment request link. Is it coming from one of your contacts, or is it from an unknown sender? In the latter case, do not respond to the request and report it via Safeonweb.be.  

Tip: If you receive a payment request from one of your contacts without prior knowledge, ask your contact if the payment request is indeed from them and for what expense. 

You can find more tips and first aid for digital crime on Safeonweb.be." 
 

*Source: https://www.febelfin.be/en/node/1030