Banks warn for fraud involving fake bank employees
19 November 2024 - 4 min Reading time
In recent months, we have observed a further rise in cases of fraud involving fake bank employees. This is a form of scam where criminals impersonate bank employees. In this context, banks are jointly warning about fraud involving fake bank employees and explaining customers how to recognise what does not come from their bank.
What is fraud with fake bank employees?
In this type of fraud, scammers pretend to be employees of your bank and supposedly want to help you protect yourself from fraud. For example, they ask to share your computer screen and pass on personal codes because suspicious transactions have supposedly been found on your bank account. The scammers want you to believe that they are willing to help you ‘cancel’ these transactions, but in reality you are giving them permission to carry out these transactions. This is how they manage to make transfers with your account and get their hands on your money.
How does it work?
You receive a phone call, email or text message. A fake bank employee warns about fraud on your bank accounts and asks you to take action to stop the fraud. For example, the scammer may try to access your computer. First, he/she asks you to connect to the internet, and then to install software such as Teamviewer or Anydesk. On top of that, your personal codes are also asked for. While you carry out the instructions and think the ‘bank employee’ is helping you, the scammer can actually perform online transfers through your account.
The scammer may also ask you to secure your money yourself by transferring it to a so-called ‘secured’ account.
In some cases, the fraudster even proposes to come to your home to collect and secure all valuables (such as your bank card and codes, money, computer, jewellery, etc.).
Tips to avoid this form of fraud
- Get a call, email or text from your bank asking you to share your screen and personal codes or to make a transfer? Never carry out these instructions! A bank will never ask you to share your personal codes and bank card, transfer money to an account that is not yours to supposedly ‘secure’ your money or install software so that they can remotely take over your screen.
- Inform your colleagues, friends or employees so fraudsters don't get a chance to create more victims.
Still fallen victim?
If you still got caught in the trap, take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Cut the connection immediately
- Contact your bank. Via dedicated fraud numbers, banks can be reached 24/7 to report online fraud. A list of all contact points can be found on the Card Stop page (only in Dutch/French).
- Block your cards via Card Stop (078 170 170)
- File a complaint with the police
