The rise of fraud in Faster Payments

The rapid advancement of technology has revolutionised the way we conduct financial transactions, with Faster Payments Service (FPS) becoming the new norm. While this innovation brings convenience and efficiency, it also presents new challenges, particularly in the realm of payments fraud. In this article, we will explore the current state of fraud in Faster Payments, discuss the latest trends, and highlight the measures being taken to combat this growing threat. 

What is Faster Payments and how do they work?  

Faster Payments Service is a type of electronic transfer system in the United Kingdom that enables individuals and businesses to send and receive money quickly and efficiently. When a payment is made through Faster Payments, the funds are transferred quickly and securely between UK bank accounts and it has become a popular method for sending and receiving funds electronically, supporting various channels for initiating payments, including online banking, mobile banking, and telephone banking. 

 There are four different types of Faster Payments:  

• Single immediate payments: These are typically one-off payments and are the most common type. They can be made 24 hours a day. 
• Forward-dated payments: These are payments that are scheduled to be made on a future date. 
• Standing orders: These are recurring payments that are set up to be made at regular intervals, such as monthly or weekly. 
• Direct corporate access: This allows businesses to submit large numbers of payments directly into the Faster Payments Service. 

What are the benefits of Faster Payments? 

Faster Payments offers several benefits compared to other payment methods like Bacs and CHAPS. Here are the key advantages of Faster Payments: 

• Speed and convenience: Faster Payments live up to their name by processing transactions quickly. Unlike Bacs, which can take a couple of days, Faster Payments typically transfer funds within seconds.
• Enhanced accessibility: Faster Payments have significantly improved financial inclusion by making transactions more accessible to everyone. This technology enables individuals with limited access to traditional banking services to send and receive money swiftly, regardless of their location or financial background.
• Cost efficiency: Traditional payment methods often come with hefty fees, especially for international transactions. However, Faster Payments reduce the costs associated with processing payments, benefiting both consumers and businesses. By choosing Faster Payments, individuals and organisations can save money on transaction fees.

As technology continues to evolve, Faster Payments have emerged as a game-changer, transforming the way we handle financial transactions. With their speed, convenience, and enhanced security, Faster Payments have become an integral part of today's digital economy. As businesses and individuals embrace this revolutionary technology, we can expect even greater advancements in the realm of payments, shaping a future where time is no longer a constraint in our financial interactions. 

Understanding the growing threat of fraud in Faster Payments 

As the adoption of Faster Payment systems has increased, so has the incidence of fraud. Fraudsters have become adept at exploiting vulnerabilities in these systems, leveraging sophisticated techniques to carry out their illicit activities. Recent data from industry reports reveals a concerning uptick in fraudulent transactions, posing a significant risk to individuals and businesses alike. Stay informed and safeguard your finances against the some of the common tactics employed by fraudsters in relation to Faster Payments: 

• Social engineering: Fraudsters have shifted their focus from traditional methods to more targeted approaches, such as social engineering. By manipulating individuals through psychological tactics, they gain access to sensitive information, allowing them to initiate fraudulent transactions.  
• Synthetic identity theft: This growing trend involves the creation of fictitious identities by combining real and fake data. Fraudsters utilise these synthetic identities to open bank accounts or initiate transactions, making it difficult for traditional security measures to detect the fraud.  
• Account takeover: With the increasing number of digital banking platforms, fraudsters are exploiting weak authentication methods to gain unauthorised access to accounts. Once inside, they can transfer funds or make unauthorised payments, causing significant financial loss. 

How to prevent fraud in Faster Payments

Online payment fraud prevention is crucial in the context of Faster Payments, which are instant, irrevocable, and always-on. Here are some strategies and considerations to prevent fraud in Faster Payments: 

• Implement fraud prevention tools: Utilise tools and technologies designed to prevent fraud in Faster Payments. These tools can help detect and block fraudulent activities, reducing the negative impact of fraud on your organization and customers. Stay informed about the fraud prevention tools offered by financial institutions and payment service providers.  

Explore our Fraud and Risk Management solution

• Assess current tools and processes: Evaluate the effectiveness of your current tools and processes in preventing fraud in the context of Faster Payments. Determine which processes need to be automated or reimagined to account for the unique characteristics of Faster Payments. 

• Maintain compliance: Ensure that your organisation maintains payments compliance and adheres to regulatory requirements. As Faster Payments become more widely adopted, maintaining robust anti-fraud and anti-money laundering (AML) programs becomes increasingly important. 

• Implement authentication measures: Implement proper authentication measures to prevent fraud at the front door. Strong authentication processes can help verify the identity of individuals initiating Faster Payments, reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions. 

Explore our Identification and Verification solution

• Adopt industry standards: Stay updated with industry standards and guidelines aimed at preventing fraud in Faster Payments. For example, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) developed a voluntary industry code to establish standards for Payment Service Providers (PSPs) to identify fraudulent incoming payments and protect victims. 

• Understand fraud risks: Gain a clear understanding of the various types of fraud that can occur in the context of Faster Payments. Instant payments may introduce unique challenges and increase fraud concerns. Educate yourself and your organization about the specific risks associated with Faster Payments. 

• Collaborate with bank partners: Engage with your bank partners to understand their role in minimising fraud. Banks play a crucial role in implementing security measures and preventing fraudulent activities in the Faster Payments ecosystem. 

Remember, preventing fraud in Faster Payments requires a multi-layered approach that involves collaboration, technology, and adherence to industry standards. Stay vigilant and regularly review and update your fraud prevention strategies to stay ahead of fraudsters.