The National Police have focused on a new type of scam that is generating a lot of buzz, especially among those who sell second-hand goods online. It's known as 'reverse Bizum,' a scam that takes advantage of the confusion surrounding the payment app itself, tricking victims into sending money instead of receiving it. The alert, issued from La Rioja, comes after at least two recent cases were detected in which criminals posed as legitimate buyers.
The method is simple but effective: the scammer contacts someone who has posted an ad, either for rent or sale, and after gaining their trust, manipulates the situation so the victim unknowingly authorizes a payment. According to police sources, these criminals exploit the normalcy of online transactions, where people are accustomed to making deals with strangers. Two cases have come to light, and both share the same pattern: the victim expects to be paid and ends up making the payment.
This is how the 'reverse Bizum' scam works
The first case involved the rental of a parking space. The owner received a call from a supposed interested party who, after a brief negotiation, stated they would make an initial payment of €200. Shortly after, a pending transaction appeared in the seller's banking app. Confused, they thought it was the promised payment and accepted it, unaware that they were authorizing a money request. This "reverse Bizum" scam reverses the flow of the transaction , causing the person expecting to receive the money to end up sending the amount and, in this case, two more payments that the scammer subsequently requested. This method exploits a common flaw: not all users can distinguish between receiving a Bizum payment and accepting a payment request, similar to what happened with the " penny scam" on Bizum.
The fake email from the buying and selling platform
The second case involved the sale of a motorcycle. After contacting a prospective buyer, the seller moved the conversation to WhatsApp, a common practice. An email then arrived that appeared to be from the official website where the ad had been posted. The message stated that the buyer had already paid for the vehicle, but that the money was being held and that to release it, some supposed shipping costs needed to be paid. The victim, convinced this was a necessary step, made the payment . The police emphasize that these fraudulent emails often mimic the logos, colors, and formats of legitimate companies to appear legitimate, so it's crucial to always check the sender's address and identify any fake or fraudulent e-commerce websites .
Recommendations to avoid falling victim to fraud
Agents emphasize that prevention is the best defense. Keeping all negotiations within the platform itself, without switching to external applications, is a crucial first step. When the conversation moves to WhatsApp or email, the protection offered by official systems is lost. Furthermore, it's essential to remember that receiving money does not imply accepting a payment request : these are two separate actions, and it's advisable to carefully review what you're pressing at each step. Haste, the buyer's insistence, or excuses about payment problems are all red flags.
If you receive a notification that looks like a transfer but asks for confirmation, it's best to contact your bank directly before clicking anything. In the case of emails, double-check the sender's exact address and avoid clicking on suspicious links. The police advise stopping any transaction that seems suspicious and verifying with the bank or platform before proceeding. They also remind the public that reporting the matter to the authorities promptly can help recover some of the money or identify the perpetrators.
In short, 'reverse Bizum' scams and fraudulent payments exploit the immediacy and trust inherent in digital transactions. The key is to pause, think carefully, review each step, and not be swayed by appearances. With a little caution, these unpleasant surprises can be avoided, which, in addition to leaving victims without money, generate unnecessary distrust in e-commerce. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation, but the responsibility also lies with each user to protect themselves.
