How to spot payment fraud

Payment fraud is widespread. Criminals rely on emotions, time pressure or a sense of authority to achieve their goal. Using forms of deceitful manipulation (social engineering), they try to persuade their victims to take a specific course of action and steal money from them. Several types of fraud are often combined.

Phishing

Criminals trick their victims into disclosing their login details for bank accounts, TWINT or payment cards.

Account takeover

Fraudsters steal login details and take over accounts in order to make payments.

Advance fee fraud

Criminals lure people into making payments with exaggerated promises or bargains.

Classified ad fraud

Criminals pose as buyers and steal payment or card details via fake websites.

Merchandise or services fraud

Fraudsters offer goods or services but fail to deliver them, or only deliver substandard goods or services.

Support fraud

Criminals pose as support staff in order to gain access to your data, money or control over your device.

Romance scams

Criminals pretend to be romantically involved with their intended victim online in order to obtain money.

Investment fraud

Criminals attract people with the promise of large profits and subsequently swindle them out of their money.