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Pix scam: in the first half of 2022, the Central Bank registered 739,145 signs of crimes involving Pix.
And among the main scams are the fake Pix receipts.
Pix was launched in 2020 by Bacen and is currently the most used payment method by Brazilians.
Using this payment method, other services have already been launched to facilitate payments for Brazilians, such as Pix withdrawal, Pix change, and Pix installments.
Since its launch, it has already moved over R$1,4,13 trillion. Its widespread acceptance is undoubtedly due to its advantages.
However, the variety of scams involving Pix has also grown and has already claimed thousands of victims.
To protect yourself, first of all, you need to know the most common practices and approaches used by scammers.
Continue reading this text and learn about the main models of Pix scam and how to protect yourself.
What are the most common Pix scams?
Pix has reached the population and brings more convenience when receiving or paying.
However, this payment method has also become a target for scams and fraud.
Brazil registered R$1.6 billion transactions with Pix in June last year, one in every 110 thousand transfers were infractions, the data is from the Central Bank via Access to Information Law for the Poder 360 portal.
In the past, when we were robbed, the biggest concern was the device, however, now, in addition to the device, we need to worry about our bank details.
This is because, in large cities, criminals are robbing people with unlocked cell phones to gain access to their bank accounts.
Therefore, many experts recommend that people have two devices, one of which should be used to store bank account applications and stay at home whenever possible.
By having access to victims' bank details, thieves cause even greater harm to them.
Check out the most common Pix scams today below.
1. False receipt
In that Pix scam the criminal forges a false receipt.
For example, you make a sale and the prospective customer says they'll pay via Pix. They then send you proof of the transfer.
This way, you release the product, but the money takes a while to arrive and ultimately never arrives, because the receipt presented was false.
This scam is very common in online purchases, but it's easy to avoid since Pix is an instant payment method, meaning the money arrives instantly.
Until the money reaches your account, don't release the product, regardless of the "customer's" excuse.
2. Fake code or QR CODE
This scam is very similar to the boleto scam, in which criminals clone the document, replacing the recipient's details and even the transaction amount.
To receive or pay with Pix, you don't need to have a registered key; it only serves to make the process faster and more efficient.
One of the ways to receive or pay with this payment method without having a registered key is through the QR CODE, or numeric code.
When the numeric code or QR code is scanned in the app, it may have been tampered with.
Therefore, it is important to check the transaction details, especially the name of the person who will receive the payment.
3. WhatsApp Theft
This is one of the methods most used by scammers to apply the Pix scam, in fact, from there, it is possible to carry out another series of crimes using the victim's data.
Criminals transfer the victim's number to another cell phone or create an account with a person's photo and name, then send messages to the victim's contacts asking for Pix.
In addition to WhatsApp, this scam is commonly applied on Instagram, where accounts are hacked and criminals send messages to the victim's followers applying scams via Pix.
To avoid this type of fraud, whenever an acquaintance requests a Pix, especially if you are not that close, do not perform the Pix immediately.
Contact the recipient via another social network or phone call and confirm the authenticity of the message. Also, check that the recipient's information matches the requester's.
To prevent your WhatsApp from being cloned, one of the simplest measures is to activate “Two-Step Verification”.
Hey, friend! I changed my number. Can I ask you an urgent favor? Can you send me a Pix?
I changed my number + made a Pix, in the same conversation = Pix scam
4. Pix Bug
The Pix bug is yet another Pix scam model that has already claimed and continues to claim many victims in Brazil.
It works like this: criminals use videos on social media to spread the word that payments via random keys guarantee a refund of double the amount sent.
However, what happens is that victims are sending money to the accounts of criminals or front men and, obviously, they will not get the amount back, much less double.
There is a known scam that can be called the Pix bug, as well as the situation described, they are easy to avoid.
A person in a certain situation has a Pix to make, but they say they are unable to do so due to an error or bug in the app.
Then, she asks the victim to make a Pix with a small amount to test the app and check if it really has a bug.
The scammer promises to refund the money immediately, but this doesn't happen.
Both practices seem silly and obvious, but there are many naive people falling for scams like these.
So, here's our warning: both situations are scams, even if it's someone you know, be suspicious.
You won't earn double Pix by transferring money to random keys. If you think you're having trouble with the app, you should contact support and not just ask for Pix to test.
Neither situation is coherent, so be careful.
5. Pix as an investment
The target audience for this scam is people looking for profitable investments with quick returns.
Some of these criminals pose as “kings or queens of Pix” and use this method to launder money and make more.
The profiles of Pix kings publish tables with some values that can bring high returns in a short period of time.
It's like products, people transfer the desired value according to the profit they want to obtain.
However, the return does not come.
In some cases, some people receive the profit, as the scammers choose victims to serve as fronts and provide further support for the scam.
How to avoid falling for the Pix scam?
In each topic, you'll find steps to avoid falling for scams involving payment requests via Pix.
However, we still have more recommendations for you. Check out some tips below to protect yourself against Pix scam and its variants.
- Do not access suspicious links;
- Always check the recipient's details in the transaction;
- Do not click on links that direct the user to a supposed Pix key registration;
- Register Pix keys only through your bank's official channels;
- The verification code must not be shared;
- Do not provide your Pix key on unknown or dubious websites;
- Do not release any product without checking that the payment has reached your account.
- Check the receipt data to see if it is fake;
- Do not make transfers while logged into public Wi-Fi networks;
- Beware of fake call centers. If in doubt, contact your bank;
- Beware of fake pages and files to steal data;
- Be careful when sharing your data, especially over the internet.
Pix is a secure payment method, but it's important to take some precautions when using it.
Its ease of payment is an advantage for the consumer, however, it also makes life easier for the scammer.
This is because, when transferring the money, it appears in the criminal's account in moments, however, the process of reporting the infraction and getting the money back is longer and more complicated.
Speaking of which, will it be possible to get it from a Pix scam back? What to do?
Is it possible to recover money from a Pix scam?
It is possible to request a refund from the bank. To do this, as soon as you realize you have fallen for the scam, contact the financial institution and report what happened.
When calling your bank, you should request the Pix Special Refund Mechanism. This tool was created by the Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN) and aims to help victims of fraud and scams involving this payment method.
This tool is only valid for proven fraud, so it's important to file a police report.
After informing your bank, it will contact the scammer's institution about what happened, which will then freeze the funds for 72 hours and notify the customer.
Since this is a scam, he is unlikely to contact the agency to dispute it.
Both parties have up to 7 days to analyze and ensure that the situation is indeed fraudulent or not.
If the fraud is confirmed, the money from the Pix scam will be returned to the victim.
This tool does not apply to some cases, such as canceling a purchase or Pix performed by mistake.
The faster the bank is informed, the better your chances of getting your money back.
Conclusion
Continue to enjoy the benefits of Pix payments, but don't go around distributing Pix with promises of easy cash returns.
Always check the transaction details before making any transfer, this way you reduce the chances of falling into the trap. Pix scam.
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