Cybersecurity experts warn of evolving digital scams and payment risks

Experts are highlighting the evolving nature of cyber scams, noting that many attacks target human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities in banking systems. Joaquín Alfieri, an asset protection specialist at Banco Provincia del Neuquén, stated that criminals often use digital channels to perform classic scams, manipulating individuals into surrendering sensitive credentials or tokens rather than hacking the platforms themselves.

Regarding recovery, Jordi Nebot, CEO of PaynoPain, explained that the ability to reclaim stolen funds depends heavily on the payment method used. Credit card transactions offer a standardized dispute process that can result in fund recovery within approximately 45 days. Conversely, payments made via bank transfers, certain instant payment apps, or person-to-person PayPal transactions are much harder to reverse, often requiring legal action against the perpetrator to recover money.

Security warnings also include physical risks, such as card cloning. Nebot advised caution when using physical terminals in unreliable locations, warning against practices where merchants take a card away from the customer to process a payment, as this provides an opportunity for duplication.