Online Payment have taken the market by storm. The positives of digital payment have compelled most businesses to add this method as a mode of payment. Doesn’t everything sound too good to be true? Well, digital payments have downsides to it too, and with more and more people becoming aware of the risks of data breaches, banks, and payment gateways are finding better ways to secure customer data.
Studies suggest that there is a strong correlation between the rise in the adoption of mobile applications, and online payments and an increase in financial fraud. As per a global survey conducted by FIS in 2019, statistics state that Indians are amongst the most frequent victims of online banking frauds so much so that the rate has doubled to 37% this year against 18% last year.
The rapid pace of digitization has created a competitive situation in the market wherein banks and payment wallets have developed apps for customers along with websites to complete quick and hassle-free transactions. Yet, around 96% of people who chose mobile apps over traditional modes of payment were affected by online payment fraud.
As per the data released by RBI for the financial year 2017-18, banks lost around Rs 32,000 crores of public money to online payment fraud. This showed a three-fold rise in digital scams in the last 5 years.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the different types of payment fraud and what steps have been taken by financial institutes to curb the repetition of such cases.
What are the common types of online payment fraud?
Even after banks repeatedly send out notices and warnings about the types of payment frauds and how to be wary of them, hackers find a way to pose as authorized personnel to commit the crime. The most common types of payment fraud in India are:
Phishing:
Phishing is the process of accessing the target’s personal information and financial credentials through e-mails, text messages, or over calls. This sensitive information obtained by hackers is then used by them to their benefit.
Friendly Fraud:
Also known as a Chargeback Fraud, Friendly Fraud is when a customer (fraudster) completes the payment process with his own credit card. On receiving the goods or service, he then requests the issuing bank for a chargeback stating that his card was lost.
Unsafe apps and websites:
While casually browsing on the internet, we come across a number of pop-ups and are rerouted to unknown websites or app links that turn out to be fraudulent. People who are unaware of the pitfalls of such scenarios tend to give away sensitive information that is later misused against them.
Why is there a rise in online payment fraud in India?
After businesses bore the blow of demonetization, close to 1/3rd of India’s population resorted to online payment systems. It then became fairly easy for hackers to obtain confidential data. Some of the reason why there was a hike in the rate of fraud is:
• Lack of prosecution for such crimes.
• Low priority of digital payment frauds.
• Frequent calls from people pretending to be from banks and asking you for your personal details.
• Difficulty in nabbing the fraudster due to fake accounts created by him.
To know what is online fraud and how to prevent it click here.
Who is affected the most by online payment fraud?
A number of factors drove the younger generation to move to online modes of payment from their traditional counterparts. Low cost of mobile data connectivity, user-friendly interface of apps and websites, and convenience on-the-go form the top three tiers that contribute to the growth of digital payments. The age group of 18-37 is the prime audience that is affected by such online frauds as they are the working class and it is convenient for them to make transactions while traveling because of their busy schedules.
How are payment gateways securing customer data and preventing online fraud?
Since a large chunk of people is opting for payment gateway integrations, it goes without saying that data security becomes a major concern. Many steps are taken by such gateways to ensure the customer’s information is safe and secure. Some of the basic but important methods of securing data are:
• SSL Protocol
• PCI DSS Compliance
• Tokenization
• Encryption of data
Such steps create a sense of security in the minds of the customers so they complete transactions without giving it a second thought.
We, at Digital Payment Guru, partner with payment gateways that are leading in the market. We understand your concern about online payment fraud and ensure all transactions are secured under PCI DSS Level 1 compliant technology and fraud scrub. This allows customers to go ahead and make payments without worrying about the threats of data leaks. Head on to Digital Payment Guru to know more!
