Fast payment systems route money by phone number. The weak point is not the technology but the verification of who owns the number.
How the transfer works
Banks link a phone number to an account through the national fast payment system. You enter the recipient's number, the bank shows the recipient's name, and you confirm. The money arrives within seconds.
Where the risk sits
- Number reuse. Operators recycle numbers. A number saved a year ago may belong to someone else today — always check the name shown before confirming.
- Social engineering. A caller asks you to "return" money sent by mistake. There was no transfer; the money you send is gone.
- Fake payment links. A message with a link to a "transfer page" that is actually a phishing form.
Simple rules
- Check the recipient's name on the confirmation screen.
- Never send money to a number that contacted you first with an urgent story.
- Use the bank app, not links from messages.
When the money is already sent
Contact the bank immediately: until the funds are credited, the transfer can sometimes be recalled. After crediting, only a court can help, and the recipient's data will be needed.
See also: checking a number for spam, fake bank SMS.