CORONAVIRUS The number of fake e-shops offering face masks is rising. Here is your Bank’s advice how to not lose money

The number of complaints addressed to Slovenská sporiteľňa by clients who became victims of e-commerce fraud has risen recently. Scammers are tricking people into sending money through fake e-shops. Most frequently, these shops sell face masks, respirators, disinfectants or other goods. At the same time, the Bank warns clients of scam e-mails hackers use to obtain clients’ access passwords to their internet banking accounts and payment card numbers. The Bank warns its clients of the fake website that pretends to be a genuine George log-in website by Slovenská sporiteľňa.

“In current crisis, on-line scammers are more and more active. That is why we recommend our clients to be cautious and careful about fake e-shops when making purchases. At the same time, we suggest that our clients use payment card to make payment on-line instead of transferring money to a bank account. This way they are protected, if their goods fail to be delivered,” Marta Cesnaková, the spokesperson of Slovenská sporiteľňa explained.

What to do when I have been scammed?

“At our Bank, we will do our best to get the scammed money back to the client if the payment card was used. The rules of card companies make it possible. They protect a card holder if their goods fail to be delivered or services are not provided. Based on these rules, the sellers receiving card payments are obliged to refund or compensate the card holder in any other way. These rules apply equally to debit and credit cards with only slight differences in time periods of respective card companies. The applications are received at branch offices or via phone at the Customer Centre,” Marta Cesnaková, the spokesperson of Slovenská sporiteľňa clarifies.

Applications for refunds are governed by rules of card companies. The client may file an application with the Bank once the period of time for delivery of goods expires. All you have to do is to provide a description of the goods or service, the date of the goods or service supposed delivery and a proof of an effort to settle the failed delivery of goods or service with the seller, e. g. e-mail communication.

Five tips for safe on-line shopping:

1. If you are using e-shop for the first time, try contacting the seller (e.g. for product availability or parameters) by e-mail or via phone before you pay. Reputable e-shops do communicate with their clients. If there are no contact data on the website, be cautious.
2. Read reviews. Currently, it is possible to find seller reviews easily using social media or internet browsers. At the same time, there are websites providing information on fake e-shops.
3. Naturally, customers should only use secured e-shops. Look for an icon of the padlock and https certificate in the address line.
4. Use only secured networks for on-line shopping; do not use public Wi-Fi networks.
5. Follow transactions or push notifications in George and contact the Bank’s call centre as soon as any unauthorized payment is made.

Beware of scam e-mails and fake websites

At the time of the coronavirus pandemic, scammers are trying to take advantage of the situation. Slovenská sporiteľňa warns its clients about scam e-mails hackers use to obtain clients’ access passwords to their internet banking accounts and payment card numbers. It also warns its clients of the fake website that pretends to be a genuine George log-in website by Slovenská sporiteľňa. Please, be careful and do not click on the links in scam e-mails. The Bank never requires the information on accounts, phone numbers, log-in data, electronic banking codes or payment cards.

Although the name of the sender of the scam e-mail pretends to be Slovenská sporiteľňa, with a better look the client can find that the address is fake. The subject is “Slovenska Sporitelna” or “Payment returned”. The body of the message is in Slovak language and encourages the client to click on the link and fill in sensitive data. Our clients are recommended to delete such e-mail (without opening). However, e-mail address of the sender and e-mail subject may vary. At the same time, scam e-mails refer to the fake website that pretends to be a genuine George log-in website by Slovenská sporiteľňa. When you look at the address line, however, it is obvious that the address is fake.

All fraud attempts are investigated by the bank and if any suspicious activity is detected, the steps are taken to prevent any damages.