Fraud on Transferwise account
Legendary helpful member
Hi all,
I've just picked up this notification from Facebook and wanted to ask others who, like me, have a Transferwise account to be extra vigilant using their accounts:
"TRANSFER WISE WARNING..FRAUD..I have used transferwise for many years in Spain to transfer GBP to Eur and have always been very happy with rate and service. Two weeks ago I made a transfer. Logged in with password and received passcode via mobile to enter my account. Secure and normal. For first time, rather than default to my account I was asked to enter my IBAN. Did not overthink this, thought it may even be a Brexit thing. I then carried on with the transfer. Having used the service for so long I thought no more about it. Transfer completed as normal confirming money transferred to *account name*. Today I made another transfer but noticed that the target/default account (on first page), although in my name, showed last four digits which I did not recognise. My true account was in the line below and I selected this and successfully completed the transfer. I then contacted Transferwise due to my suspicion re the unknown account. I was informed that my previous transfer earlier in the month had actually been paid into this unknown, to me, account with Sabadell in Barcelona. This account had only been opened on the day of the transfer. I have only ever held one account in Spain and never with Sabadell. Hindsight is a great thing and obviously I wish I had checked my Spanish account on line to confirm money arrived, but after very many successful transfers over the years it did not cross my mind. Just a heads up for anyone using money transfer companies. Would also be very interested to hear if anyone else has been unfortunate enough to fall victim to this scam. Matter currently passed to Transferwise fraud team, but not sure when I will hear more. Would also be grateful if this post could be shared to other relevant groups, of which I am not a member, to make as many people aware as possible."
Current responses on Facebook don't suggest a wide-spread problem, but forewarned is forearmed!
Take care,
Kim