Beware of paysafecard PINs Offered on the Internet

VIENNA and LONDON, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The number of paysafecard PINs sold over the Internet - often below their actual value - is currently increasing, even though the selling-on of PINs violates the T&Cs. The majority of these PINs are linked to fraudulent activities. Also, many of these PINs have been used or locked, therefore paysafecard users should only buy PINs from official sales outlets. The paysafecard group points out that PINs shall only be used at authorised online shops. paysafecard PINs cannot be used for payments to public or local authorities, institutions, and courts at this point in time.  

Being able to pay securely on the Internet is becoming increasingly important. paysafecard is a prepaid payment solution for the Internet which does not require personal bank or credit card details. Payments are made by entering a unique 16-digit PIN that comes with each paysafecard, making the transaction quick, easy and safe. paysafecard is available at more than 350,000 sales outlets, in 29 countries around the world.

paysafecard PINs sold over the Internet are often linked to fraud

The number of paysafecard PINs sold over the Internet (e.g. on forums, marketplaces etc.) - often below their actual value - is currently increasing, even though the selling-on of PINs violates the T&Cs. The majority of these PINs are linked to fraudulent activities. Buyers often experience an unpleasant surprise when trying to use the PINs for online purchases, as the PINs have already been locked and can no longer be used.

paysafecard is a prepaid payment method for the Internet which is accepted at more than 3,500 online shops (e.g. online gaming, internet telephony, and social gaming etc.). However, there are currently viruses on the Internet which lock infected computers. The computers then display a pop-up window demanding a ransom or an alleged fine to be paid with - amongst other means of payment - paysafecard PINs. These are attempts at fraud.

The paysafecard group distances itself from these attempts and points out that public authorities, institutions, law firms, and courts do not accept paysafecard as a means of payment. paysafecard should only be used for payments at authorised online shops of official partners. Instructions to pay a fee or a fine by using a paysafecard should never be followed. Those affected should contact the police.

The paysafecard group works in close cooperation with the Federal Criminal Police Office (.BK) in Austria, and supports the police with their investigations, in order to stop these attempts at fraud.  

paysafecard - "Cash for the Internet"

Payments with paysafecard are similar to payments in cash. Customers purchase a paysafecard in the desired denomination from a sales outlet. In order to pay at an online shop, customers simply enter the unique 16-digit PIN that comes with each voucher. Bank account or credit card details are not required.  paysafecard PINs should be treated like banknotes. The PINs are not transferable. Users who disclose a paysafecard PIN to others give third parties access to the remaining credit on the voucher.

Security tips from paysafecard can be found on http://www.paysafecard.com ("Security").

About paysafecard group: The paysafecard group, founded in 2000 in Austria and Germany, operates in 29 countries worldwide with offices in Vienna, London, Lucerne, Buenos Aires, Mexico City and New York. With its successful online prepaid vouchers, the paysafecard group has established itself as Europe's leading provider of prepaid payment solutions. In 2009 the group won awards for being the 'Leading Prepaid Organization' and the 'Best Prepaid Company outside USA'. For more information, please visit http://www.paysafecardgroup.com

Contact:

Daniela Kazmaier
Phone: +49-30-25-76-20-5-19
E-Mail: presse@paysafecard.com