Erste Bank warns of rising fraudulent tactics and NFC-based scams

Erste Bank has issued warnings regarding evolving fraudulent tactics used to target customers. In a new method, scammers contact victims via telephone, promising prizes or investment returns to manipulate them into downloading malicious applications. Once installed, these apps can grant criminals access to the device. Scammers then instruct victims to touch their bank cards to the phone, utilizing the mobile NFC function to capture and transmit card data through the fraudulent app. They may also attempt to obtain PIN codes or instruct victims to increase their transaction limits.

Data from the bank reveals a significant surge in fraudulent activity. In the first half of the year, criminals attempted to steal nearly 7 billion HUF through approximately 21,000 cases, representing over 80 percent of the previous year's total amount. While card-related fraud is more frequent, transfer-based fraud typically involves higher average amounts and relies heavily on psychological manipulation.

Erste Bank reported that it successfully blocked approximately 80 percent of these fraudulent attempts in the first six months, saving customers nearly 6 billion HUF. The bank advises customers never to download applications at the request of unknown individuals and to terminate suspicious calls immediately.