Recently, scams involving “mistaken transfers” to personal bank accounts have become increasingly common. Fraudsters take advantage of victims’ lack of awareness and understanding to carry out these schemes.

They often use social engineering techniques to convince victims that a transaction error has occurred and request the return of funds that are claimed to have been transferred improperly.

This seemingly simple scam often goes unnoticed because it is highly effective at stealing money. To avoid falling into this trap, it is important for you to recognize how this scam works and understand the preventive steps you can take.

How Does the Mistaken Transfer Scam Work?

1. The fraudster contacts the victim via phone calls, text messages, or social media, claiming that they mistakenly transferred a certain amount of money to the victim’s account. They usually send fake transfer receipts to convince the victim that the mistaken transfer actually happened.
2. The fraudster urges the victim to immediately return the money. They often use urgent reasons such as family needs, business matters, or other emergencies to pressure the victim into acting quickly.
3. The money received may indeed appear in the victim’s account, but it often comes from criminal activities such as fraud, theft, or fake online loans. Victims who return the money without realizing this risk may unknowingly become involved in money laundering and face legal consequences. In some cases, the victim’s identity may also be misused by fraudsters for fictitious online loans.
4. Fraudsters also use image editing applications to falsify transfer receipts so they appear authentic. These may be screenshots from mobile banking apps or manipulated transfer proofs that make victims believe the money has truly been sent.

Signs of a Mistaken Transfer Scam

1. Urgent requests for refunds
   Fraudsters typically pressure victims with urgent demands so they have no time to think or verify the transaction.

2. Unusually large or unreasonable amounts
   The transferred amount is often significant or uncommon, causing confusion and doubt for the victim.

3. Fake transfer receipts
   Fraudsters send fake proof of transfer to strengthen their claims, even when the funds have not actually been credited to the victim’s account.

How to Avoid a Mistaken Transfer Scam

1. Check your account transaction history carefully
   Before returning any money, always review your account mutation or transaction history through your neobank app or an ATM to confirm whether the funds actually entered your account. Do not rely solely on transfer receipts sent by the fraudster.

2. Contact Bank Neo Commerce customer complaint services for verification
   If you receive messages claiming a mistaken transfer, notice suspicious transactions or activities, receive emails related to your personal account, or get suspicious text messages, immediately contact Bank Neo Commerce customer services for verification.
   BNC agents can help confirm whether a transaction has actually been credited to your account. Official Bank Neo Commerce channels include:
   • Phone: 1500 190
   • Email: customercare@bankneo.co.id
   • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bankneocommerce
   • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bankneocommerce/
   • Twitter: https://twitter.com/bankneocommerce
   • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg299vJCx1tqEv4vMoMIv3g
   • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pt-bank-neo-commerce-tbk
   • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bankneocommerce

3. Do not rush to return the money
   Never return funds without proper verification. Fraudsters often exploit urgency and lack of verification.

4. Report the case to authorities
   If you believe you are a victim of fraud, report the incident to Bank Neo Commerce customer support and to the authorities, such as the police or the Financial Services Authority (OJK). This helps protect you from potential legal issues in the future.

5. Do not give in to pressure
   Fraudsters frequently apply psychological pressure to force victims into sending money back quickly. Stay calm and take time before making any decision.

What Should You Do If You Have Already Returned the Money?

If you have already transferred the money back to a fraudster, immediately report the incident to Bank Neo Commerce and the police. The sooner you report it, the higher the chances of tracking down the fraudster and stopping the crime. Provide all communication records and transaction evidence to support the investigation.

The mistaken transfer scam to personal bank accounts is one of the methods increasingly used by fraudsters. With proper awareness and preventive measures, you can avoid becoming a victim.

Do not easily trust claims of mistaken transfers. Always check and verify the information, and report any suspected fraud immediately. Stay alert and always protect your personal data.

Visit the official website of Bank Neo Commerce for complete information about neobank and Bank Neo Commerce.

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PT Bank Neo Commerce Tbk is licensed and supervised by the Indonesia Financial Service Authority (OJK) and Bank Indonesia (BI), and an insured member of Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).