Bizum is a banking app that enables rapid transfers, including urgent moves up to 500 € via a mobile phone. In practice, the sender can move money directly to the recipient’s account, making quick payments a reality. While the app brings convenience, it also carries drawbacks, such as the need to declare large transfers to the treasury.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Civil Guard and National Police, have warned about a new scam circulating on social networks that uses this platform. In this scheme, criminals manipulate users into approving a legitimate-looking “reverse Bizum” request, which can lead to substantial losses—sometimes reaching up to 9,000 €. This scam takes advantage of certain bank features and user trust to drain funds.
This is how reverse Bizum scams work
In one reported incident, a Navarra resident lost 9,000 € after listing bicycles for sale for 100 € on a second‑hand marketplace. The fraudster, posing as a potential buyer, initiated a reverse Bizum request and pressured the seller into authorizing transfers that emptied the account. The case illustrates how easily trust can be exploited in a high‑risk moment.
There are many similar stories: people losing substantial sums through Bizum while dealing on platforms for second‑hand items. The scam pattern is consistent. A seller receives a reverse Bizum request linked to a sales listing on a marketplace such as Wallapop or Vinted. The criminal guides the victim to approve the request, then spins additional transfers that deplete the bank account while the unsuspecting sender believes the transactions are legitimate thanks to the platform’s familiarity.
There are broader questions about whether large prizes or draws associated with Bizum are legitimate. In some reported cases, criminals attempt to leverage such scenarios to coax victims into authorized transfers. Law enforcement has highlighted the risk of counterfeit or misleading prompts that look like official bank messages. The goal remains the same: to coax the victim into sending money to the attacker.
In several enforcement actions, authorities have arrested suspects connected to these offenses and have highlighted the persistence of the tactic across regions. The ongoing investigations underscore the importance of staying vigilant and verifying requests before taking action.
To reduce risk, consumers should be cautious about inbound requests from unfamiliar contacts. If a Bizum request arrives from someone not known personally, it is wise to pause and verify the identity of the other party. Never approve a transaction based solely on a tempting selling price or a fast deadline. Always double‑check the details with the bank or the platform hosting the sale, and consider contacting the seller through a known channel to confirm a legitimate payment request.
Protective steps include reviewing the terms of the transfer service with the bank, enabling notifications for all Bizum activity, and avoiding any request that comes with pressure or a countdown. These practices can prevent many common scam scenarios and help preserve financial safety.
In cases where an error has occurred, it is important to contact the bank immediately to report suspicious activity and explore options for reversing or recovering funds. While recovery may not be guaranteed, many banks offer processes to investigate and mitigate losses when a scam is identified early.
Overall, the message remains clear: exercise caution with unexpected transfer requests, especially those tied to sales platforms and social networks. Being prudent with unfamiliar requests can make a meaningful difference in protecting money and personal financial information.