Just before the start of the summer holiday period, the third episode of the FMA’s podcast, “Reden wir über Geld” (available in German only), addresses making payments – while on holiday, abroad, as well as in web shops or online. Payments using mobile phones, by a click in an online shop, or in seconds using real time transfers are quick and easy to use, but these new payment options also have new risks. The FMA’s experts Fiona Springer and Patricia Floh-Weninger explain and point out how consumers can stay safe online and while out and about.
It covers the following issues: How can you tell whether Internet payments are secure? Why are SEPA direct debits so customer-friendly? What should you be particularly careful when making real time bank transfers? What should you be aware of when making cash withdrawals in a foreign country? How can “dynamic currency conversion” prove so costly?
The podcast’s segment on “Fraud der Folge” (fraud of the episode) always addresses specific fraud methods that the FMA Consumer Information team has been informed of by victims. This time, they address advance payment fraud – a method where there are promises of incredible sums of money, but where fees needs to be paid up front to “release” the money. Of course, the promised sum never arrives and any money already transferred is lost forever.
The new episode of the “Reden wir über Geld” podcast can be downloaded on all major podcasting platforms and at https://redenwiruebergeld.fma.gv.at/podcast. The FMA’s consumer information can be found on Instagram at @redenwiruebergeld. Consumers may contact us through the FMA website with their issues, complaints or fraud notifications.
Journalists may address further enquiries to:
Boris Gröndahl (FMA Media Spokesperson)
Telephone: +43 (1) 249 59-6010
Mobile: +43 676 8824 9995
E-Mail: [email protected]