More and more people are falling for scammers when buying or selling on online platforms. There is no “typical” victim – rather, all customer groups are affected. But there are precautionary measures that can prevent unpleasant surprises.

“Even enlightened, technology-savvy people can fall for fraud when they pay for their online purchases or expect payments as a seller.” It should be noted: “All payment methods are fundamentally safe as long as they are carried out with care by the account holder. Banks have permanent protection mechanisms running in the background to prevent fraud. However, there is no such thing as 100% security; the security gap is usually the person themselves.”

Alexandra Schiefer, Head of Fraud Prevention at ING Germany, wants to raise awareness that fraud can affect anyone

Which scams fraudsters use most often:

  • They disguise themselves as employees of reputable companies and suggest technical support. The goal: to obtain sensitive information through skillful conversation
  • They build fake websites that now look as realistic as the original, providing a place to presumably interact with victims in a legitimate manner. They conduct fake customer support live chats with real people, tricking victims into entering personal information and approving transactions
  • Fake classified ads for seemingly insignificant, inexpensive consumer goods lure victims to the fake pages of the supposed sellers or buyers
  • The classics are links sent via messenger service or email that lead to fake websites and trick victims into releasing data

Two cardinal errors

According to Alexandra Schiefer, two cardinal errors can be identified in the fraud cases: “On the one hand, victims give out sensitive data such as login details, passwords and credit card details. In doing so, they usually leave the protected area of ​​sales platforms. In addition, victims often mistakenly release payment transactions at their expense. It becomes particularly critical when third-party devices are authorized. If this happens, fraudsters may be able to take control of the entire account.”

Psychological tricks

Alexandra Schiefer explains why even enlightened, technology-savvy people fall for the scams using psychological tricks:

  • Fraudsters like to use the “principle of small steps” because people strive to act consistently and without contradiction. According to the motto: Anyone who says A also wants to say B. So if someone has agreed to a purchase on a classifieds portal, for example, you don't want to back out
  • The trick to masquerading as a technical support representative is based on the “principle of reciprocity.” I help you, so you have to do something for me, such as revealing data or approving actions. The trust in people, as opposed to technology, is also exploited here
  • Another psychological trick is to refer to what you know and have learned, for example logos of reputable companies
  • In addition, artificial pressure is often created to persuade victims to commit rash acts

Banks continually work to prevent fraud. The spectrum ranges from complex processes in the background to eye-catching simple texts with which people can make sure at first glance whether they really want to carry out one or another transaction. In addition, awareness campaigns play an important role.


Related to the topic: This is how fraudsters exploit people! [ Continue reading ]


Tips on how to recognize a fake shop:

  • Web address: the web address of the shop often does not match the product range at all. The web address of an alleged clothing shop is psychodiagnostik-duesseldorf.de, which indicates a lack of seriousness, because no reputable online clothing shop would sell products under a contradictory web address.
  • Lack of encryption: In many cases, counterfeit shops are not encrypted.
    You can recognize this by the warning in the address line. Tip: An encrypted website is marked with a green lock in the address bar, indicating secure transmission of your data.
  • Price: the entire range is offered at ridiculous prices.
  • Imprint and general terms and conditions are missing or incomplete
  • Products that are already out of stock everywhere are still in stock in fraudulent shops.

Consumers can find further information and tips on secure online banking on ING’s “WissensWert” blog


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