At this point, we’ve probably all heard that iDeal is gradually switching to Wero. But what you may not know, is that criminals are trying to cash in on it.
How? By sending iDeal users fake emails about the switch.
Here’s what you need to know (and avoid.)
Wait, what’s happening with iDeal?
For years, iDeal has been the online payment system used by almost everyone in the Netherlands. If you go to Bol.com and order your cat a pumpkin costume, you’ll then be given the option to pay through iDeal.
The same goes for basically every other online store in the Netherlands.
However, iDeal is currently in the process of switching over to Wero — which is essentially the iDeal of Europe. Over the next few months, you may notice that the two logos show together when you go to make a payment online.
By 2027, we should all be using Wero and waving goodbye to iDeal completely. However, we shouldn’t have to take any action for this transition to happen.
But that’s not what the criminals will tell you
Unfortunately, online criminals are taking advantage of this transitionary period and sending fake emails to customers.
In the emails, they usually claim that iDeal is transitioning to Wero and in order for you to receive your refund (which they claim you are due), you must follow a link and enter your information.
Of course, there is no refund — and they’re trying to take your money.
Hundreds of reports
Daniël van Delft, director of Currence (the company behind iDeal and Wero), acknowledges that this is an issue to NOS, explaining that criminals have been trying to steal people’s data ever since they announced the change.
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“Ever since we announced that this rebranding would take place, we have seen attempts to do so.”
The phishing attempts really amped up during the summer months, with the Fraud Help Desk receiving about 100 reports of the fraudulent emails per day in July.
In the words of Van Delft, the advice is simple: “Do not click on emails that urge you to click on links. Check with your bank what the email means.”
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