Minister Beenders Criticizes Banks Over Phishing Refund Practices

• •Rob Beenders criticized banks for abusive refund practices regarding phishing.
• •Certain banks impose stricter conditions than legally permitted for refunds.
• •The law requires immediate compensation for phishing victims unless fraud is suspected.

Belgian Minister of Consumer Protection Rob Beenders has condemned certain banks for imposing stricter refund conditions for phishing victims than legally allowed. He stated that these practices undermine consumer protection, as the law mandates immediate compensation unless fraud by the victim is suspected. Beenders called for an analysis of these clauses by the Special Advisory Commission on Abusive Clauses. He emphasized that consumers should be aware of their rights when they fall victim to phishing attacks. The Commission confirmed that some banks have additional conditions that delay refunds. Beenders plans to meet with the banking federation Febelfin to address these issues. This situation follows a recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which reinforced the obligation for banks to refund unauthorized transactions immediately.