“Do you want a copy?”: Why the Bank of Spain recommends asking for the slip when you pay by card

2024-01-04 14:10:39

Almost one million fraudulent debit and credit card transactions occur each year. Among the most common frauds are ‘online’ purchases (77%) and physical purchases (20%).

Card duplication, theft or loss are the main causes of this fraudulent use. other times, we ourselves are the ones who make it easy for this kind of thieves by buying ‘online’ on fake pages that have the appearance of the original websites and providing our bank details. In addition to not receiving the product, the creators of these pages can use our information to continue spending.

Although the general rule is that all banks have an obligation to return the money to us in the event of theft or fraudulent use, there are exceptions.

Theft or loss

If we lose or have our card stolen and it is used without our consent, we are responsible for the first 50 euros spent fraudulently until we notify the institution of the incident and request the cancellation of the card. In other words that is, if the amount stolen from us is 300 euros, before canceling the card, the bank will have to return 250. On the other hand, if we notify the bank of the loss of the card and then they carry out an operation, the bank will have to return it to us in full.

But what if we are charged an amount that is not correct, either by mistake or fraud? Well, this is where the warning from the Bank of Spain comes in.

Correct amount

When a person makes a purchase, the most important thing is to check that the amount they will charge us is correct. That’s why you need to focus on what put on the screen of the point of sale terminal (POS) before approaching the means of payment or checking through the ‘online’ signature that the amount or trade is correct. And the Bank of Spain recommends, in addition, to answer affirmatively to the question of “Do you want a copy?» to make sure the charge amount on the ticket is correct.

The ‘copy’ is the receipt from the POS that collects the details of the payment we have just made. The Bank of Spain points out that it is advisable to make sure that you have been charged the appropriate amount (the correct amount) before approaching the contactless card or mobile phone with NFC technology (to pay with the mobile phone). And ask for the copy later, in case something needs to be claimed.

And more, considering that current payment methods – ‘contactless’ and mobile payment– do not request to put the PIN if the amount does not exceed 50 euros.