The Civil Police is warning about a new PIX scam involving fake banking apps. Discover how criminals operate!
Scammers are innovating their tactics and now applying a new variation of the PIX scam using fake banking apps. The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro has issued an alert to the entire population, especially merchants, about this new threat that can cause significant losses.
Therefore, find out more information about how the scam works and what measures to take to protect yourself.
Keep reading! The Evolution of the PIX ScamThe PIX scam, a fraud known for its simplicity and effectiveness, has taken on a new dimension with the creation of fake banking apps.
The main target of this new variation of the scam is merchants, who frequently deal with daily financial transactions and are therefore more susceptible to fraud during the payment process.
Anatel announces anti-scam and ‘antiperturbação’ tool; learn moreHow the PIX Scam with Fake Apps. Scammers have been creating apps that closely mimic the interfaces of legitimate banking apps. Here is a detailed description of how the scam is carried out:1.
Creation of the Fake AppCriminals develop fake apps that visually resemble legitimate bank apps. These imitations are created to deceive users, making them believe they are using their bank’s true app.2.
Simulating the TransferDuring a payment transaction, the scammer opens the fake app and simulates a PIX transfer to the merchant.
The transfer process, including generating a receipt, is done in a way that appears authentic to the recipient.3. Delivery of the Goods.
Confident that the payment has been made, the merchant releases the goods to the scammer, who often uses app drivers to collect the product.
However, the money is never transferred to the merchant’s account.4. Merchant’s LossSince the amount does not land in the merchant’s account, they end up bearing a financial loss. In one reported case, a merchant lost R$ 19,000 due to this fraud.
The Civil Police AlertThe 12th DP (Copacabana) was one of the first to identify this criminal practice and act against it. Recently, a receiver involved in the scheme was arrested.
The Civil Police emphasized that this scam is a growing threat, and merchants must be especially vigilant to avoid becoming victims.The attention-grabbing case involved a scammer posing as an engineer and making online purchases.
After sending a fake payment receipt to a construction materials store owner, the merchant released the goods to app drivers, resulting in a significant loss.
Prevention and quick action are crucial to avoiding significant financial losses. Here are some measures you can take to protect yourself against the PIX scam with fake apps:1.
Verify the Authenticity of the AppBefore making any financial transactions, verify if the banking app you are using is official.
Download apps only from trusted sources like the official app stores (Google Play Store and Apple App Store), and be suspicious of any app requesting unnecessary permissions.2.
Confirm the Transaction with the CustomerWhen receiving a PIX payment, confirm directly with the customer if the amount was actually transferred.
Check the bank account where the payment should be received and, if possible, request an additional payment receipt.3. Use Additional Verification MethodsSome banks and payment platforms offer additional verification methods for transactions.
Use these tools whenever possible to ensure that the payment has indeed been made.4. Stay Informed About New Frauds.
The world of financial fraud is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest tactics used by criminals and adopt additional security measures as needed.5. Report Frauds ImmediatelyIf you fall victim to a scam, report it to the police immediately.
Gather all evidence, such as fake payment receipts, and file a fraud report. Quick reporting can help minimize losses and contribute to the arrest of those responsible.
The PIX scam involving fake banking apps poses a new and sophisticated threat in the landscape of financial fraud.
Merchants and consumers must be vigilant to identify signs of potential fraud and protect their finances.Swift detection and reporting of scams are crucial to preventing financial losses and helping authorities combat these criminal practices.
