Belgium launch ‘check the call’ fraud feature
A feature on ING’s Dutch app that saw helpdesk fraud reduced by 43 percent in 2024, will this week be introduced in Belgium.
Called ‘check the call’, the feature allows customers to instantly verify whether someone claiming to be an ING employee is legitimate.
The tool, a first for the Belgian market, is designed to combat the growing threat of bank helpdesk fraud, in which scammers impersonate bank representatives over the phone to deceive victims.
Belgian CEO, Peter Adams said bank helpdesk fraud is a common and harmful form of crime that causes both emotional and financial damage.
“Sadly, an increasing number of Belgians are being targeted by criminals pretending to be bank employees.”
“I’m proud that with check the call, we can help customers recognise and prevent fraud,” said Peter.
The feature has also been introduced for Italian customers.
The Belgian launch coincides with research by iVOX that as many as 61 percent of Belgians say they have already been confronted with attempted fraud, with phishing via SMS and telephone being the most common forms. The impact is significant, with 40 percent of Belgians that came into contact with fraud losing money.
In the Netherlands, over 10,000 customers use the tool each month with 78 percent of users saying they feel more resilient against fraudsters.
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