MBway has been gaining more and more users in Portugal, becoming one of the most practical payment methods for quick transfers and purchases among individuals. However, this growth has been accompanied by a significant increase in fraud, which have already made thousands of victims across the country. SIBS, the service company, ensures that the system is safe, but warns that the lack of knowledge about its use exposes many customers to risks.
How do Burlões
The MBway application allows you to send and receive money almost immediately, facilitating business and payments. However, the simplicity of the service is exploited by burns, which have as its main targets people with less experience in digital technologies or financial services.
According to SIBS, most of these frauds happen on online sales platforms such as OLX, Cost Fair or Facebook Marketplace.
The criminals approach the victims pretending to be interested in a legitimate business and, in many cases, convince them to join MBway in a multibanco.
During this process, they can associate the victim’s bank account with the Burlão mobile phone number, gaining direct access to money. With this connection, they are able to carry out surveys and transfers without authorization.
For users who already have the installed application, the most common scam involves sending fake transfer requests. The burlão simulates a payment, but in fact the victim is sending money to the wrong account. This method has led to significant losses to thousands of people.
Official data reveal increased complaints
In 2024, PSP and GNR received a total of 4,467 complaints related to MBWay, which represents an increase of about 6 % compared to 2023.
GNR was the entity that recorded the most occurrences, with 3,303 cases, about 74 % of the total. According to the security force, most of these situations originated on online transactions and purchase and sale ads.
The PSP accounted for 1 164 complaints, a number that, despite representing a 26 % decrease compared to the previous year, continues to reflect a high incidence of this crime.
Given the evolution of these cases, the same company reinforced safety warnings at the ATM terminals and introduced new protection features in the application. The goal is to support authorities in preventing and combating these fraud, reducing the number of victims.
Learn how to defend yourself
Authorities and recommend it that you never accept requests for adherence to MBway made by strangers, especially through calls or messages.
Avoid entering personal data or activation codes in unofficial places and distrust too much business. Whenever you receive a money request in the application, confirm the person’s identity before accepting it.
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