7 tips to avoid scams with Pix

Pix, an instant payment system developed by the Central Bank of Brazil, brought practicality and speed to everyday financial transactions. But, unfortunately, this facility also ended up attracting the attention of scammers.

Therefore, to avoid falling for scams involving Pix, it is essential to adopt some security practices. Today we are going to give you 7 essential tips to make your transactions more secure.

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1. Check the authenticity of recipient information

Before carrying out any transaction via Pix, always check the recipient’s details. Confirm that the name and other details match the person or company you are expecting. If it’s in person, you can just show the details and confirm. If it is digitally, the person simply needs to confirm their full name and bank.

This is important because scammers often pose as acquaintances or legitimate companies. Verifying your information helps ensure you’re not sending money to a fraudster.

2. Don’t make any pix without talking to the person first

Nowadays, it is very common for scammers to steal basic information from people on social media, such as their photo and name, and pretend to be asking for money from the victim’s friends and family. If someone asks you for money via WhatsApp or social media, do not make the transaction before talking to them.

If you can’t talk in person, at least talk over the phone, where you can recognize the voice and confirm that it’s the person asking and not a scammer. And even so, if you make a transaction for someone you know, always do it using the key you already know if you have already made a transfer to that person before.

3. Be wary of very attractive offers

If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of very large promotions and discounts, especially if they are conditioned on payments via Pix. Nowadays there is a very common scam that promises that if you send a Pix to an account, you will earn twice as much or even more in return.

That’s a lie, it doesn’t exist. Scammers use attractive offers to trick victims into making payments quickly without adequate verification. Never make any type of transaction hastily and without thinking too much, no matter how tempting the offer may seem.

4. If using a QR code, always check the amount and recipient

Nowadays many people and establishments use payment via pix using a QR code. If you make a payment like this, pay close attention. First, always confirm that the pix is ​​actually being sent to the right establishment or person. And second, always confirm the value, don’t do things in a hurry.

There could be an error at the establishment itself that could charge the wrong amount or even scammers who end up placing another QR code at the location so that the money goes to their account, instead of the place.

5. Never share passwords or verification codes

Passwords, verification codes (such as tokens and OTPs) and sensitive personal information should never be shared with third parties, not even supposed bank representatives. Scammers may request this information to access your account and carry out fraudulent transactions.

6. Beware of suspicious links and messages

Do not click on links received via email, SMS or social networks that request personal data or redirect to login pages. These suspicious links may lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal and financial information, be careful.

7. Use security features of banking applications

Take advantage of all the security features offered by your bank, such as two-step authentication, facial or fingerprint recognition, and additional passwords.

These additional layers of security help make it more difficult for scammers to access your accounts even if they obtain your basic credentials and increase protection against unauthorized access and fraud, providing greater peace of mind.