Direct debit fraud

Under certain conditions, businesses can automatically invoke a payment transaction from the checking account. The European law has changed on 1 October 2014. Since then it allows all SEPA direct debit transactions, only controlled by the supplier. Because organisations have the obligation to publish their bank account number publicly on their website, this becomes an open door for financial fraud.

Fraud

• At once, in August 2022 the bank performed a direct debit transaction, from an unknown company, without any offer, invoice or previous contact for more than 3000 €.

Defence

Via the bank, using the "old Internet Banking interface":

• You have 8 weeks to reverse the fraudulent transaction via your banking application (refund) without the need for a formal interaction with the bank, or further motivation.
• You can block third party bank account numbers (the minimum amount is set to 1 €c)

Via the government:

• You can register a complaint with the government

Government information

Contact Center van de FOD Economie
Tel. : 0800 120 33 (gratis nr.)
E-mail: info.eco@economie.fgov.be
Website: www.economie.fgov.be

See also

• Single Euro Payments Area (wp.en)
• https://economie.fgov.be/nl/over-de-fod/waar-en-hoe-een-probleem
• https://meldpunt.belgie.be/meldpunt/nl/welkom