It's a troubling situation for Netto customers who utilize the discount store's mobile payment feature. Recently, there have been reports of scams involving PayPal transactions. This scam appears to impact users who link their PayPal account to the Netto app for purchases.
Netto customers have two options when using the mobile payment feature: they can top up their bank account within the app using a direct debit mandate or connect their PayPal account. It seems that the latter option has led to more instances of fraud. Unauthorized third parties have allegedly accessed the app, making purchases and subsequently issuing invoices to customers.
Netto customers have discovered purchases they didn't make, with invoiced amounts ranging from hundreds to thousands of euros. In some cases, the customer's location was far from the store where the purchase was made, suggesting a mismatch between the buyer and the purchase location.
A concerned Netto customer shared their experience on the PayPal community forum, stating that they received an email thanking them for a purchase of over €100, which they didn't make. Similar accounts have been shared by other forum users.
In response to these incidents, a PayPal representative noted that the unauthorized payment had been reviewed and rejected by the specialized department. However, no customer has reported receiving any refunds from PayPal. In some cases, refunds were issued by Netto.
To protect yourself from unauthorized transactions in the context of the Netto app scam, consider the following steps:
- Verify transactions: Always check the authenticity of emails and invoices before processing any payments. Be wary of subtle misspellings or variations in the sender's email address.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your PayPal account by enabling 2FA.
- Monitor account activity: Regularly check your PayPal transactions and account settings for any unusual activity. Enable real-time notifications for all account activity.
- Be cautious with links and downloads: Avoid clicking links or downloading files from unknown senders. Scammers often use fake invoices to trick victims into installing malware or granting unauthorized access to their devices.
- Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to PayPal through their Resolution Center and change your password immediately.
- Use antivirus software: Install and maintain up-to-date antivirus software on your devices to catch and block viruses.
- Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about common scam tactics and educate your staff about identifying signs of invoice fraud.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of unauthorized transactions in the context of the Netto app scam.
