Note, new form of fraud underway: “vault account fraud”

The new phishing method has come over from the Netherlands. Everything starts with a phishing message, allowing the scammers to access the victim’s account. So they ask in an email or text message to click on a link. This allows them to steal bank codes. Then they call the victim and pretend to be a real bank clerk. They say that suspicious transactions have been detected in the account, and recommend transferring the money to a “safe” account. But that’s the “vault bill”. That account is used to channel the money to the fraudsters.

The fraudsters appear credible because they have a lot of information about the account and the bank details, because the victim has already revealed a lot of information via the phishing message. They also copy the bank’s phone number. They refer to the balance of the account or to a transaction that they made themselves.

This way they can convince people to transfer all their money, the savings or the money in the current account, to that safe account.

Seniors are targeted

The fraudsters mainly approach seniors. In many cases, those people have already built up a fair amount of capital. And the scammers assume that they are less familiar with online banking and phone scams.

Tips to avoid falling into a trap

A bank NEVER asks you to provide or enter your codes. A bank will never call you to ask to transfer money to another account.

• NEVER give your bank codes (from your card or your bank app) via email, text message, social media or telephone.
• Never link to your bank’s payment site or mobile app. Always type the address of your bank website in your browser yourself. For example: www.kbc.be
• So don’t just type ‘KBC’ in Google.
• Never blindly believe every email or message. Scammers can quickly fake a bank logo.

Got trapped after all?

• As soon as you realize that something is wrong, stop what you are doing! Call your bank if you want more information.
• Call Card Stop on 070 344 344.
• Contact your bank as soon as possible.
• File a complaint with the police.