User reports scam through alleged Banco Pichincha application: “They empty all your accounts”

Cybercrime knows no limits. Every day, different methods are revealed that criminals use to illicitly appropriate other people’s money, whether by hacking passwords or accessing user information through web pages or applications.

Such is the case of the user @daniaprouty_, who through her account on the social network X reported that a member of her family was a victim of scam through a fraudulent application very similar to that of Banco Pichincha, which is why he urged the financial institution to warn its clients to prevent them from being deceived.

The user @daniaprouty_, identified as Dania Morales P., reported that her grandfather lost all the money he kept in his bank account through an alleged Banco Pichincha application. The young woman pointed out that scammers urge users to download an application very similar to that of the well-known bank and with this they access the clients’ information to steal their money, for which she urged the entity to warn users.

“Be very careful with scammers who are using this modality: They make you install the “Pichincha PE” app and they empty all your bank accounts. My grandfather was left at 0, it happened in Peru. Hopefully @BancoPichincha can warn about this,” he accused through his profile on X.

However, this newspaper was able to contact sources from the financial institution, who indicated that the application accused by the user is “Pichincha PE” and the digital tool offered by the banking institution is “Banco Pichincha Peru App“, so it would be an “application created by third parties using the bank’s name.”

Likewise, they indicated that “according to the user, the alleged application of the bank has emptied their accounts,” which “is not an action of the bank’s application.”

What to do to avoid fraud or cyber theft?

• Renew your bank account card from time to timebecause cybercriminals use databases of old card numbers.
• If you have the bank application on your cell phone, keep the “online shopping” option disabled. It is best to activate it only when you are going to make digital purchases.
• Does not provide any confidential informationif you receive calls from unknown numbers from people who claim to be employees of a bank and alert you of alleged undelivered consumption, campaigns or others.
• Never allow a worker to take your card, when paying for any purchase. Payment must be made in your presence. It is best to use contactless payment.

• On social networks it is better to restrict your profile and do not display personal or family information in public access.
• Use strong and different passwords on all your accounts, email and social networks. Don’t use birthday dates or simple combinations.
• Do not provide any personal or private data on any web pages or links you receive.
• Browse secure websites that have https to log inDon’t click on links or attachments in emails you don’t recognize. Download applications only from official stores.
• Use cybersecurity software. Do not connect to public Wi-Fi networks. But if you do, use VPN tools.
• Check that the entity’s official application is being used.

Since when has Banco Pichincha operated in Peru?

The banking entity began operations in Peru as a financial entity in 1964. Later, it was renamed Banco Financiero. However, starting in 2018 it was called Pichincha Banka name under which it continues to operate today.

How do I contact Banco Pichincha?

If you are in Lima you can contact the banking entity through the number (01) 612 – 2222 and if you are in the province the contact number is 0 – 801 – 00222.