Banks concerned, help desk fraud damage almost doubled | Money

The Dutch Banking Association (NVB) says that so-called bank help desk fraud, in contrast to phishing and theft of bank cards, is still on the rise. According to the trade association, this relatively new form of fraud, in which criminals ask consumers on behalf of the bank to transfer money to them, is more difficult to prevent.

The total damage caused by fraud in the payment system increased by almost 14 million euros in 2021 to more than €62 million, the NVB reports. And that while damage caused by other forms of fraud such as phishing and stolen cards decreased in size. “The measures that banks take to prevent damage from traditional forms of fraud are working better and better,” said the NVB.

Campaign

“But if customers are persuaded to transfer money themselves, it is more difficult for the bank to recognize fraud,” said deputy director Aleid van der Zwan in an explanation. “We are therefore launching a new public campaign later this year to help customers identify fraud earlier.” According to the NVB, banks never ask customers by telephone or text message to transfer money to another account.

Banks say they are not liable for the damage, but last year they reimbursed 92 percent of the damage caused by bank help desk fraud “out of goodwill”. “It is important that victims report fraud to the police,” according to the NVB.

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