Online payment methods: 1.4 million Austrians lost their money!

Online payment methods: 1.4 million Austrians lost their money!

A current survey by the Chamber of Labor (AK) shows that a significant part of the Austrian population has had negative experiences with online payment methods. Around 1.4 million Austrians have complained about misguided transfers, fraud and phishing. It is particularly alarming that 22 percent of those affected will no longer see a cent of their money. These results agree with a persistent trend in online shopping, which has also increased significantly in Austria since early 2020. In 2024 expenses rose by 5 percent to 10.6 billion euros, which makes the question of security of online payments all the more urgent.

In the survey, three out of four respondents stated that they had suffered a loss of up to 600 euros. 18 percent of the Austrians surveyed, especially younger between 15 and 29, reported problems with online transfers. When looking for help, those affected turned to their house bank in two out of three cases. 17 percent sought support from extrajudicial arbitration boards, while 12 percent filed a complaint with the police and contacted 10 percent consumer protection agencies.

loss and reimbursement

The number of those affected who have actually received a reimbursement of their loss is alarming. In a third of the cases, the banks fully took over the damage, each fourth person affected received at least part of his money. Nevertheless, 22 percent of those affected deny any kind of replacement, since banks often reject the transfer of damage with the argumentation of gross negligence by the customer.

The AK therefore not only calls for freedom of choice between cashless and digital payment methods, but also technical measures to combat phishing and fair prices in payment transactions. In this context, the discussion about a digital euro that is intended to guarantee high data protection standards is important.

payment methods in online shopping

The selection of payment methods in online shopping is extensive. According to the Information technology (BSI) are the most common methods of credit card payments, immediate transfer and payments on account. While credit cards guarantee immediate payment and enables you to make it possible, payment by immediate transfer is primarily the risk of phishing attacks if fake emails are not recognized in good time.

• credit card: Most common payment method, fast processing.
• Sofortüberweisung: Use of online banking data, no registration required.
• in advance: Caution is required, especially at unknown dealers.
• purchase on account: goods are only paid after it has been received.
• Payment by direct debit: more convenient, since the amount is debited directly, requires confidence in the dealer.

Additional methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming increasingly popular because they do not allow customers to access sensitive data for every purchase. These trends illustrate how important it is to find out about the security features of the various payment methods.

In order to minimize risk factors, experts advise you to use only trustworthy websites, to ensure that data transmission is security and to pursue the latest information about cyber security. Tips and aids also provide Online Sicherheit.gv.at to be secured in e-commerce and be protected from fraud.