Common types of fraud
Fraudsters use a variety of techniques to trick people into sharing sensitive information or making payments. Knowing how these schemes work is the first step to protecting yourself. Below is an overview of the most common types you may encounter.
Creation of demo accounts
In some organized fraud schemes, fake job offers are posted online advertising a job to test bank accounts. These accounts are subsequently misused for money laundering purposes. Neither Accountable nor Swan offers “demo accounts” or product testing jobs. If you have seen a job offer like this, consider reporting it to the appropriate authority.
Phishing
Phishing is a fraudulent attempt made via email to steal your personal information or login credentials. The fraudster impersonates a trusted organisation — such as a bank, payment provider, or government agency — and tricks you into clicking a malicious link or filling in a fake form.
How to recognize it:
Unexpected emails asking you to verify your account or confirm a payment
Links that look similar to official websites but have slight differences (e.g. acc0untable.eu)
A sense of urgency: "Your account will be blocked within 24 hours"
Fraud using stolen card details and OTP codes
This scheme combines data theft with phone-based social engineering, and is currently on the rise during the summer holiday period. It works in four steps:
Data theft: Fraudsters get card details or login information from fake emails or websites (often copying well-known brands like Amazon or Relais Colis), from data leaks, or by buying stolen data online.
Small test payments: They use this data to make one or two small payments, small enough that no extra security check is needed.
The phone call: They call and pretend to work for Accountable or Swan. They point to those small payments and say they look "suspicious," then ask for your one-time verification code (OTP).
The theft: They use that code to add the card to their own digital wallet (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay), then spend the money.
How to spot it: The text message with the code will say it's for adding a card to a wallet, not for blocking a payment.
⚠️ Important:
Passwords and OTPs are strictly confidential. No one from Swan or Accountable will ever ask for them, by phone, email, or any other channel.
Never say a security code out loud. Not to a person, not to an automated system. If someone asks for a code over the phone, it's a scam. Hang up immediately.
Only type codes directly into the app or payment screen. Codes should never be read aloud, sent by text, or shared in any other way, even with someone claiming to be from Accountable or Swan support.
Smishing
Smishing is phishing carried out via SMS text message. You may receive a text claiming to be from your bank, a delivery company, or a government body, asking you to click a link or call a number.
How to recognise it:
Unexpected text messages with links asking you to log in or confirm details
Messages claiming a package is on hold or a payment failed
Short sender numbers or numbers you don't recognise
Vishing
Vishing is phishing carried out via phone call or voicemail. The caller pretends to be from a bank, technical support, or a government agency to extract sensitive information or pressure you into making a transfer. Caller ID can be spoofed to display a legitimate number.
How to recognise it:
Unexpected calls claiming there is suspicious activity on your account
Someone asking for your passcode, PIN, or full card number over the phone
High pressure to act immediately or transfer funds urgently
⚠️ Important: Accountable and Swan will never ask for your passcode, PIN, or full card details over the phone or by email. If someone does, hang up and contact us immediately. |
Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud
In APP fraud, you are manipulated into voluntarily making a payment to a fraudster's account. The scammer typically impersonates a supplier, landlord, or even your bank, and provides fake account details for a legitimate-looking payment.
How to recognise it:
A contact you trust suddenly sends you new payment details by email or message
You're asked to make an urgent or one-off payment to a new account
Someone posing as your bank asks you to move funds to a "safe account"
Identity fraud
Identity fraud occurs when someone uses your personal data — such as your name, address, or identification documents — to open accounts, take out credit, or make purchases in your name without your knowledge.
How to recognize it:
Unexpected account statements, bills, or credit agreements you don't recognise
Being refused credit for no apparent reason
Unfamiliar transactions appearing on your account
Caller fraud - posing as advisors
Fraudsters can pose as our advisors, either by calling you directly or by setting up fake phone numbers that look like ours. They can be very convincing. At some point, they'll transfer you to an "automated verification step" and ask you to say your login credentials out loud.
How to recognize it:
We don't ask for verification.
We do not use an advisor.
Online purchase fraud
This type of fraud involves fake online shops or listings where goods are never delivered after payment, or where counterfeit items are sent instead. It often occurs on social media marketplaces or fake websites.
How to recognise it:
Prices that seem too good to be true
Sellers who only accept bank transfers and refuse secure payment methods
No verifiable contact details or physical address for the seller
💡 For tips on what to do if you suspect fraud or how to protect your account, read our article: Tips to handle potential fraud |
💜 Need help?
Feel free to contact our support team. We'll be happy to help.