Anyone who has been scammed by criminals should act quickly – because only then will there be a chance to get the money back. The “Krone” asked what options the victims have.
Alleged arrears with the tax authorities, the daughter with the lost mobile phone, the “investment professional” with the promise of profit or non-delivery of a paid item – the goal of all these scams: to transfer large sums of money, preferably in real time.
Chance only intact for a few hours
Because the criminals know exactly: the faster they get the money, the smaller the chance that the victims will get it back. “Only if you contact the bank within a few hours of approving a transfer, you sometimes manage to stop it. But once it has already been carried out, you can’t get the money back,” emphasizes Isabella Mittelstrasser, Chamber of Commerce expert. Therefore, in the case of professional phishing attacks, the unauthorized transfers are also executed as real-time transfers. Good to know: Banks only charge for an attempted chargeback.
Advantage credit card
Things are a little better when paying by credit card: credit card companies must immediately refund a payment that you have not approved yourself. However, if you act grossly negligently and authorize payment using 2-factor authentication (e.g. with PIN code and facial recognition), a refund may be refused. However, such payments can also be recovered via the so-called chargeback procedure, for example if you have become a victim of fraud.
Buyer protection does not always apply
Buyer protection comes into effect in such cases with many internet payment services such as Paypal. “However, only for the sale of goods, not for sweepstakes,” Mittelstrasser advises to always pay attention to the terms of use. Sepa direct debits can be reversed within a minimum of eight weeks, and in the case of fraud even up to 13 months: “That is why this method is also uninteresting for fraudsters,” says the expert.
„You know the tricks“
It is different again with a money transfer service such as Western Union or Moneygram. According to Mittelstrasser, these services allow calls back until the money is collected personally by the recipient at the branch. “Unfortunately, the criminals who use this usually wait for the money immediately. Of course you know that too.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
