Proof of Fake PIX: Be careful! Learn how to identify it:

Pix, launched in 2020, is considered one of the most significant innovations in the Brazilian banking system. With its ability to conduct instant and cost-free electronic transactions, its popularity has grown exponentially.

However, this surge in popularity has also caught the attention of criminals, who have been engaging in various forms of Pix-related scams. One such scam is the creation of fake Pix receipts, which has resulted in significant losses for victims.

In this article, we'll show you how to protect yourself from the fake PIX scam and be able to properly observe the receipt.

Is it possible to make a fake Pix receipt?

It's important to note that it's not possible to create a fake Pix receipt directly through the official Pix system. Pix receipts are generated by the banking system with encrypted and authenticated information to ensure their authenticity.

However, it's important to be aware that criminals may attempt to deceive people using fraudulent methods. For example, they may send fake Pix receipts via text message or email, attempting to convince the victim that a payment has been made.

In these situations, it is crucial to be vigilant and thoroughly verify the authenticity of the receipt, comparing it with real information in your bank account or contacting the sender directly to confirm the transaction.

It is always recommended to adopt security measures when handling online transactions, such as avoiding sharing confidential information, verifying the recipient's identity before making a payment, and using official and secure channels to carry out electronic transactions, such as bank apps and websites.

Additionally, it's essential to stay informed about financial institutions' recommended security practices and follow their guidelines to reduce the risk of falling for Pix-related scams.

How to identify a fake Pix receipt?

If you received a PIX receipt and are unsure whether it is fake or not, there are a few things you should look for to ensure its authenticity:

Be wary of receipts that appear to have been edited.

One way to identify potential fake Pix receipts is by looking for signs of editing. It's important to check that the financial institution's logo is correct, has appropriate proportions, and that the image details are clear.

In some cases, a genuine receipt may be edited, resulting in visible inconsistencies, such as information that is clear in some parts but poor quality in others.

These clues can raise suspicions about the document's authenticity. Therefore, when analyzing a Pix receipt, it's crucial to carefully examine the quality and consistency of the graphic elements presented to identify any signs of manipulation.

Date and time

When you receive a Pix receipt, it's important to check that the transaction date and time are correct. Make sure this information is clear and legible on the document.

By reviewing the date and time stamped on the receipt, you can confirm that it matches the transaction you made or received. This helps ensure the accuracy of the transfer details and identify any discrepancies that could indicate a forged receipt.

Check receipt

Another way to be aware of fake PIX Receipt scams is to check your bank account to see if you actually received the amount.

In general, banks notify you in real time in their apps about the receipt of PIX payments in your account. If you don't receive this notification, you should activate it in the app settings.

When accessing your account statement, you can also check whether the PIX transaction is listed in your account. This way, you can be sure you actually received the money or if it's another fake PIX receipt scam.

What are the “elements” of a PIX receipt that I always need to evaluate and check?

If you, like most Brazilians, use PIX in your daily life for various transactions, there are some key elements in the receipt that you should check, especially when the transaction is not carried out near you, or when you can check the fake or real PIX receipt.

Check out what to look out for:

• Date and time of the transaction: must match the date and time the transaction was carried out.
• Name of the person who made the PIX: must be complete and in accordance with the data sent to you.
• Amount: check if the amount is correct when you receive the PIX.
• Clarity: If your receipt has editing marks, you will see parts that are not as clear and, therefore, you may suspect a fake PIX receipt.
• Bank statement: check your statement to see if the transaction is correct and if you actually received the money from your PIX.

What PIX scams are there?

In recent years, several Pix-related scams have been reported. Below, we've listed the most common:

• Fake receipt scam: In this scam, criminals make a purchase or transfer and send a fake receipt to trick the recipient into believing the transaction was completed. If the recipient isn't careful, they can suffer significant losses.
• Pix Registration Scam: Since Pix's launch, fake registration scams have become common. Scammers send emails, text messages, WhatsApp messages, and other messages containing fake links that encourage victims to register for a fake Pix key. By entering personal data into these links, scammers use them to commit various types of fraud.
• Wrong Pix scam: This scam is even more cunning. The scammer sends a fake receipt of a Pix transfer to the victim, usually via WhatsApp or email. The scammer then contacts the victim, informing them that they made a wrong Pix transfer and requesting a refund. Since the receipt is not authentic, the victim ends up making a "refund" Pix for something they never received, resulting in financial losses.
• Scheduled Pix scam: In this type of scam, the criminal schedules a Pix transfer for the victim and then contacts them requesting a refund. However, the scheduled Pix transfer isn't actually carried out, simply scheduled for a future date. The victim ends up transferring the amount to the scammer, who, after receiving the money, cancels the scheduled transaction. Thus, the victim suffers a loss by "returning" an amount that was never credited to their account.

How to protect yourself from these scams?

Prevention is always better than prevention, especially when it comes to avoiding financial scams that can cause problems and losses. Here are some helpful tips to help you avoid falling for scams and keep your finances safe.

• Never share your data via SMS or email: If you receive suspicious links via text or email, be wary. Although banks may send notifications through these channels, it's wise not to click on them and contact the financial institution directly to verify the message. Only enter your personal data on official bank websites or apps.
• Don't share banking app passwords: As mentioned earlier, it's essential not to share personal data, especially banking passwords, unless through the bank's official app or website. Passwords are crucial for financial transactions, and scams in this area can result in significant financial losses. Therefore, never share passwords with strangers or enter them into suspicious links. In the case of Pix, it's important to remember that only the Pix key is required to receive transfers; it's not necessary to share the password to receive funds.
• Check if Pix is processed instantly: When you receive proof of payment via Pix, check if the amount is credited to your bank account immediately. Pix is an instant transaction, and the amount should be transferred within seconds. Check your bank statement in your bank's app to ensure the amount was actually deposited.

I fell for the PIX scam: what now? What can I do?

If you received a fake PIX receipt, or fell for a PIX scam, the first step is to contact your bank branch to prevent any amount from being debited from your account.

Additionally, it is necessary to file a police report to record what happened and seek legal action to get your money back or avoid losses.

However, the best thing to do is be careful enough to ensure you don't fall for a PIX scam.

Is it possible to recover money lost in a Pix scam?

To address the rise in fraud in the PIX system, the Central Bank has implemented a tool for refunding funds, especially in cases of large amounts resulting from errors or fraud.

If you're the victim of a scam, it's crucial to contact your financial institution as soon as possible and report the fraud. Each bank has its own procedures in place to handle such situations.

Additionally, as mentioned above, you should file a police report to document the crime, which will facilitate future reimbursement approval. By filing a police report, whether in person at a police station or online, you'll be providing concrete evidence of the incident, strengthening your case and increasing your chances of reimbursement.

Therefore, if you receive a fake Pix receipt and there's no response from the payer, it's essential to go to a police station or file an online police report to expedite the refund process. This will strengthen your evidence and make the process easier and more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

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