Unfortunately, there are many scammers in the world looking to profit from your hard-earned money by tricking you with a clever scam or financial fraud. Although all banks have fraud protection measures in place that are continuously evolving and becoming more sophisticated, users can also take certain steps to avoid bank transfer scams.
Common Bank Transfer Scams
Before discussing how to avoid scams, it is important to first understand some of the most common scams that users fall victim to.
- Impersonation scams: Scammers pretend to be someone trustworthy, like a bank representative or government official, claiming there is an urgent issue (like unpaid bills). Victims are encouraged to transfer funds to an account belonging to the scammer.
- Romance scams: For weeks or months, scammers pretend to build a romantic relationship with the victim and request money for travel costs or emergencies.
- Invoice fraud: Targeting businesses, scammers pretend to be a service provider and send fake invoices notifying the business of a change in bank details. The business then transfers money to the fraudster’s bank account.
- Investment scams: Scammer promotes a false investment opportunity which promises high returns. Victims then transfer money to the investment scam.
- Purchase scams: Victims pay for goods or services that never arrive, often found via online marketplaces.
- Rental scams: Fraudsters pose as rental agents or landlords, advertising non-existent properties and demanding a deposit, only to disappear.
8 Ways To Prevent Bank Transfer Scams
Here are eight ways in which users can avoid these common transfer scams and protect their finances.
1. Research who you’re dealing with
The first step when transferring any amount of money is to double-check exactly who you’re sending the money to. For example, gamblers who frequent online casinos and make deposits using bank transfers need to check the casino’s reputation. According to Makoto Fukae (深江 真琴), editor at ReadWrite, gamblers need to online play on reliable casino platforms, double-check the information they enter, read the terms and conditions, and check transfer fees (Source: https://readwrite.com/jp/gambling/bank-transfer).
It is important to do an online search of the individual or company requesting the transfer, and also pay mind to any reviews.
2. Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails
Many people fall victim to scams by clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts. Scammers often pretend to be legitimate companies and manage to trick victims into revealing personal information or transferring funds. It is safest to not click on any links or download attachments if the email or message doesn’t come from a trusted source.
3. Only purchase from secure websites
When shopping online, ensure that the website is secure. Check that the URL starts with “https://” and has a padlock system which indicates the site uses secure encryption methods to protect user data. It is also safest to only shop from reputable online retailers or on platforms with verified security measures.
4. Pay with secure and traceable transactions
Avoid making payments via wire transfer or bank transfers with people or companies you’re not familiar with. In these cases, it is best to opt for traceable and secure payment methods, like credit cards or payment platforms like PayPal which is registered with the Financial Services Agency of Japan.
5. Verify all payment requests
Scammers are known to create a sense of urgency, spurring victims to act fast. Before you transfer any money to a new recipient, first take time to verify the request. Contact the recipient using a verified phone number or email to confirm all payment details, especially if you’re a business that received an invoice.
6. Be cautious of unexpected messages
If you receive an unexpected email or text asking for payments, be wary. Many scammers pose as legitimate businesses or agencies and are experts at manipulating victims. Always contact the organization directly from publically available contact details.
7. Educate yourself on the latest scams
Scammers are continuously evolving their tactics, so it is important to stay informed about the latest scams so you can avoid being tricked. Government sources and banks often provide information on fraud trends.
8. Report suspicious activity
If you suspect you’re involved in a potential scam, immediately report it to your bank and local authorities to prevent further losses.