Customer Requested PIX on Behalf of a Third Party: Is This Possible?

PIX on Behalf of a Third Party?

With the popularization of PIX, which already accounts for more than 40% of financial transactions in Brazil, according to 2024 Central Bank data, it is natural that new challenges will arise.

Thus, understanding the implications of undertaking or accepting a PIX on behalf of a third party is essential for consumers, merchants and even financial institutions.

Why would someone ask to send a payment to someone else?

What are the risks involved?

Let's explore these questions clearly and in depth.

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Legal Aspects of PIX on Behalf of a Third Party

THE Pix on behalf of a third party is not, in itself, illegal.

The Central Bank, responsible for regulating the PIX system, does not explicitly prohibit a transaction from being made to an account other than that of the requester.

However, legality depends on the context.

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For example, a company can use a partner's account to receive payments, as long as this is contractually agreed and does not violate laws, such as those on money laundering (Law No. 9,613/1998).

Therefore, the problem is not in the mechanics of PIX, but in the intentions behind the request.

However, the absence of prohibition does not equate to safety.

The General Data Protection Law (LGPD) and the Consumer Protection Code (CDC) reinforce the need for transparency in transactions.

If a seller requests a Pix on behalf of a third party without justifying, he may be violating the principle of good faith, provided for in article 4 of the CDC.

Furthermore, the Central Bank requires financial institutions to monitor suspicious transactions.

Therefore, a PIX transfer to a third-party account can trigger alerts at the bank, especially if the amount is high or the transaction pattern is unusual.

It is worth noting that, in the event of fraud, the responsibility falls primarily on the person making the payment.

The Central Bank clarifies that PIX does not have automatic refund mechanisms, unlike credit cards.

So if you send a Pix on behalf of a third party and discovering that you have been deceived, recovering the money can be a long and uncertain process.

This reinforces the importance of verifying the recipient's identity before confirming the transaction.

Risks Involved in PIX on Behalf of a Third Party

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The main concern with the Pix on behalf of a third party is the risk of fraud. Scammers often use third-party accounts known as "shell accounts" to make it difficult to trace the funds.

For example, in 2023, the Federal Police reported a 43% increase in scams involving PIX, many of them using third-party accounts to hide the criminals' identity.

This alarming figure highlights the need for caution when handling this type of request.

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Additionally, there is the risk of contractual issues. Imagine you hire a service and the provider asks for a Pix on behalf of a third party.

If the service is not delivered, you may face difficulties in proving payment, since the account is not linked to the contractor.

This can complicate legal action or complaints on platforms like Procon.

So, the Pix on behalf of a third party can turn a simple transaction into a legal maze.

Finally, there is the reputational aspect.

For companies, accept or request Pix on behalf of a third party without transparency can undermine customer trust.

In a competitive market, where credibility is a differentiator, this practice can alienate consumers and harm the business's image.

The question is: is it worth taking that risk for a momentary convenience?

Practical Examples of PIX on Behalf of a Third Party

To illustrate, consider the case of Mariana, who bought a sofa from an online store.

The seller, claiming “problems with the business account”, asked for a Pix on behalf of a third party.

Confident, Mariana made the payment, but the sofa never arrived.

When trying to contact him, he discovered that the seller had disappeared, and the account belonged to an unknown person.

Without direct proof that the payment was for the purchase, Mariana faced difficulties in filing a police report.

This example shows how a lack of verification can lead to financial losses.

On the other hand, there are legitimate situations.

João, a freelancer, works for an agency that uses a partner's account to receive payments.

The agency informed João in advance, sent a contract specifying the procedure and provided proof.

In this case, the Pix on behalf of a third party It was transparent and secure. The difference lies in the clear communication and documentation, which protected both parties.

These examples reveal a simple truth: the Pix on behalf of a third party is not inherently problematic, but requires care.

The lesson? Always ask for clear justification, preferably in writing, and verify the requester's suitability before transferring any funds.

Analogy: PIX on Behalf of a Third Party is Like Delivering a Package

Think about the Pix on behalf of a third party how to deliver a package to someone who is not the final recipient.

You trust the person to forward the package correctly, but if they disappear, you lose the contents and have no way to prove delivery.

PIX works the same way: when you send money to a third-party account, you trust that the intermediary will act correctly.

If something goes wrong, tracking the package or money becomes a daunting task.

Just as you would check the address before sending a valuable package, verify the legitimacy of the Pix on behalf of third parties before confirming the transaction.

This analogy highlights the importance of trust and verification.

In an ideal world, everyone would act in good faith, but reality demands caution.

Just as you wouldn't deliver a package without confirming the recipient, don't make a PIX payment without knowing who is behind the account.

Furthermore, the analogy reinforces the idea that the responsibility lies with the sender.

In the case of packages, you choose the carrier; with PIX, you decide whether to trust the destination account.

The choice is yours, but so are the consequences.

Best Practices for Handling PIX on Behalf of a Third Party

Before performing a Pix on behalf of a third party, demand transparency.

Ask the applicant to explain in writing why the account is not in their name.

A signed email, contract, or message can serve as evidence in the event of a dispute.

Additionally, verify the account holder's identity using official documents, such as a national ID or CNPJ. This simple step can prevent many problems.

Furthermore, another tip is to use reliable platforms.

In marketplaces like Mercado Livre or Shopee, payments are handled through intermediaries, reducing the risk of fraud.

If the transaction is direct, choose methods that offer traceability, such as digital contracts or receipts.

Additionally, limit the amount of transactions on third-party accounts, especially if this is your first time dealing with the requester.

Finally, consult your bank.

Many institutions offer tools to verify the authenticity of PIX accounts.

Some even allow you to pause suspicious transactions.

By adopting these practices, you minimize risks and maintain control over your finances.

Good Practices	Description	Benefit
Require written justification	Request a document explaining the reason for the Pix on behalf of a third party.	Protects against fraud and serves as legal evidence.
Verify the identity of the holder	Confirm who owns the account with official documents.	Reduces the risk of sending money to scammers.
Use trusted platforms	Prefer marketplaces or systems with intermediation.	Ensures greater security and traceability.
Consult the bank	Use bank tools to validate your PIX account.	Prevent transactions to suspicious accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Response
It is illegal to make a Pix on behalf of a third party?	No, as long as the transaction is legitimate and does not violate laws, such as those on money laundering.
What to do if the seller asks Pix on behalf of a third party?	Require written justification and verify the account holder's identity before paying.
Can I get my money back if it's a scam?	It's difficult, as PIX doesn't have automatic refunds. Contact your bank immediately and file a police report.
Can companies use third-party accounts?	Yes, as long as it is transparent, with clear contracts and no intention of fraud.
How do I know if my account is secure?	Consult the bank, check the holder's documents, and choose reliable platforms.

Conclusion: Caution is Key

THE Pix on behalf of a third party He's not a villain, but he's not harmless either.

Like any financial tool, its use requires responsibility and attention.

PIX's speed is an advantage, but also a risk, especially when the recipient isn't who you expect. Why risk your money without guarantees?

Adopt safe practices, demand transparency, and, above all, trust your instincts. If something seems off, pause and investigate.

As PIX grows, situations like this will continue to arise.

Protecting yourself requires knowledge and proactivity.

Use the tips in this article, consult the tables, and be prepared to make informed decisions.

After all, in the world of instant transactions, caution is your best ally.

By: Andre Neri updated ago 7 months back