Protect your money online

• We live in an increasingly connected world, where the convenience and speed of digital commerce also poses significant risks.  Knowing the tactics used by scammers and taking protective measures is essential to avoid falling into their traps.

Online shopping fraud

We live in an increasingly connected world, where the convenience and speed of digital commerce also poses significant risks.  Knowing the tactics used by scammers and taking protective measures is essential to avoid falling into their traps.  

Online shopping fraud 

Online shopping platforms, such as Wallapop, eBay or Milananuncios make it easy to buy and sell second-hand products.  However, scammers have found an opportunity to deceive both buyers and sellers.  

What is the modus operandi of these scammers? Criminals pose as legitimate companies, requesting personal or financial information.  Through links to fake websites, asking for verification codes, or product ads with tempting offers, they gain access to information that allows them to access bank accounts and steal money. 

To protect yourself from these scams, it is important not to share personal or financial information through emails or messages, verify the authenticity of websites before making purchases, and use secure payment methods.  

How can you avoid being a victim?  

To avoid being duped and to protect your banking information on the Internet, it is important to:

• Be wary of offers that are too good to be true: If a price seems too good to be real, it probably is a scam.
• Check the user profile: A profile without photos, with little information, or recently created can be a red flag.
• Read reviews and ratings: Check other users’ comments about the seller or buyer before completing a transaction.
• Request additional product images: Scammers often use fake or stolen photos.
• Use secure payment methods: Use the platform’s own payment methods. Avoid direct payments through external methods.
• Don’t communicate outside the platform: If someone insists on talking via WhatsApp or email, it could be a scam.
• Report suspicious ads: If you detect a possible scam, report it to the platform to prevent others from falling into the trap.

Phantom Investments

In this case, cybercriminals pose as brokers or investment managers and promise high returns in a short time. They contact victims by phone, social media, or online ads, urging them to invest more money with the promise of high returns. When the victim tries to withdraw their money, they are asked for more payments under pretexts like taxes or fees. Eventually, the victim loses contact with the scammers and the money disappears.

 Recommendations to protect your money online

• Be skeptical of investments with guaranteed high returns.
• Don’t rush or let yourself be pressured by false urgencies.
• Verify that the company is regulated by official bodies, such as the CNMV in Spain.
• Don’t download programs or share banking data with strangers.
• If you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately.

The internet offers incredible opportunities, but also risks that should not be overlooked. Applying common sense, always verifying information, and not acting in haste are key to avoiding scams. CaixaBank continuously works to protect its customers by implementing advanced technologies and offering security tips to prevent fraud. Share these tips with your family and friends so they can protect themselves too. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.