The perpetrators use the SEPA direct debit system and fake a direct debit authorization or a debit order.

As our cooperation partner Watchlist Internet reports, companies that have their bank details public are falling victim to fraud in which criminals use their bank details to commit crimes. The perpetrators use the SEPA direct debit system and fake a direct debit authorization or a debit order. In other cases, they provide the company's bank details when making fraudulent purchases. There is a risk of a high loss of money.

Companies provide their bank details on their website. This public information has the disadvantage that criminals can easily find out about it. They make use of this by making payments at the company's expense. The purchases under other people's names are small so that they do not immediately recognize the fraud victims.

In other cases, the criminals fake a debit order or a direct debit authorization from the company and collect large amounts of money. The accounting department does not notice the unauthorized debits or payments immediately, but only when it checks the outgoing accounts. This gives the perpetrators a time advantage that helps them steal a lot of money.

Excursus: What is the SEPA direct debit procedure

With the SEPA direct debit scheme, customers give the payment recipients permission to withdraw or debit an agreed amount of money from their account. Consumers and companies can recall unauthorized debits from their bank within 13 months.

Case study: Fraud with fake real estate offers

A company contacted Watchlist Internet and reported the following in connection with the SEPA direct debit fraud:

Yesterday we had the case that 2 direct debits from a (…) real estate platform (—) were carried out from our company account. A criminal customer registered on (the website) with our personal and bank details (which can be read from our online shop, for example), created a fake email address and thus placed (fake) apartment advertisements.

The real estate platform recognized this too late, which is why the unwanted debits occurred. Ultimately, the company was able to work with the real estate platform to obtain a refund of the disputed amounts of money.

Have you been a victim of SEPA direct debit fraud?

In this case, contact the company that debited or collected money from your account. Explain to him that the mandate for this did not come from you and demand a refund of the disputed amounts of money. If you are unable to reach a resolution with the company, recall the unauthorized charges from your bank. They have 13 months to do this. Make use of your right to information in accordance with Article 15 EU GDPR. This will give you some information about what data the company received from the fraudsters who used your name for the crime. has saved. File a criminal complaint against someone you don't know with the police.

How do you protect yourself from SEPA direct debit fraud?

To prevent your company from becoming a victim of SEPA direct debit fraud, it is recommended that you do not provide your bank details on your website. There is no legal obligation to do this, which is often mistakenly assumed. If you offer your customers payment in advance, only give them the bank details for payment when you accept the contract.

Check with your bank to see if there is a corporate account that is designed solely for receiving money transfers and not for withdrawals. Check your money in and out at regular intervals. If you notice any suspicious debits, report it to the bank immediately and file a criminal complaint.

The Internet Watchlist recommends:

Do not publish your bank details unnecessarily on your website, as this will enable criminals to commit SEPA direct debit fraud!


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