BLIK fraud in Poland: methods of scams and how to protect yourself
One in four attempts to extort a BLIK code ends in success for the fraudster, according to a 2024 BIK report. CERT Orange identifies the most common schemes and methods of defence.
BLIK as a target for criminals: scale of the problem and known methods of operation
According to Google News PL — Crime, CERT Orange continuously detects and blocks campaigns targeted at users of the BLIK mobile payment system. In accordance with the 2024 BIK report, nearly one in four attempts to extort money using social engineering succeeds on the perpetrator's side.
BLIK is based on a one-time, six-digit code valid for two minutes. This code can be entered at a payment terminal in a shop, an ATM keypad, or in an online payment window. It is precisely this simplicity of operation that makes the system particularly attractive to fraudsters.
One of the most frequently used variants is extortion via SMS — the message contains a request to share a BLIK code under the pretext of urgent financial need. Another scheme involves criminals gaining access to accounts on social media, from which they then contact the victim's acquaintances. Campaigns using fake investment platforms are also being recorded.
CERT Orange recommends that in each case of suspected attempted extortion, first verify the request for a code before taking any action.
Source: Google News PL — Crime (pl)