OP Uusimaa New EU regulation helps prevent citizens from falling victim to scams – OP Uusimaa lists three tips for protecting against scams

In October 2025, the receiving and sending of SEPA instant credit transfers will become mandatory for all euro area payment service​ providers. The reform also includes an element that enhances security. Before confirming a payment, the system will check that the names of the payee and account holder match. If the information doesn't match, the system issues a warning.

"This reform will help prevent scams at the critical moment when a fraud victim is about to make a transfer. The scammer may try to convince you that the transfer is legitimate despite the warnings, but the warning should always be taken seriously," says Niina Oksanen, Bank Director at OP Uusimaa.

Scams are an increasing problem globally. According to Finance Finland, in 2024, fraud attempts targeting people in Finland involved as much as 107 million euros. Banks successfully stopped and returned 44 million euros of fraudulently transferred funds.

As part of the national Feel Confident Online (Varmuutta verkkoon) week from 6–10 October 2025, OP Uusimaa will be hosting info sessions for customers on how to use online payments and banking services securely and easily. Ensuring that older people and other customers requiring special support are able to conduct their banking affairs is an important part of the bank's social responsibility work.

"During the Feel Confident Online week, we offer free info sessions on digital services at our bank branches. We want to guide our customers on the safe and secure use of online banking services and give advice on how to install the mobile app and mobile key, and order e-invoices, for example. Of course, we'll also help customers with the use of non-digital banking services. We recommend bringing your own smart device and your OP online banking user IDs to the event, if you have them," Niina Oksanen says.

Many scams will become harder to pull off

In many scams, the money transfer made by the customer is either the actual scam or part of a scam where the fraudster obtains the customer's banking user identifiers. Investment scams typically begin with a money transfer to the fraudsters. In a romance scam, the victim is deceived into paying money to criminals, believing they are supporting their object of affection.

Recently, in phishing schemes, fraudsters have obtained banking user identifiers and created payments where the customer is named as the recipient, but in reality, the account number belongs to the fraudster. The customer approves these transfers, believing they are sending money to what is claimed to be a secure account.

"Investment, romance and secure account scams will become more difficult, but staying vigilant is still needed. Scammers are skilled at adapting their tactics and manipulating people. Still, seeing a warning that the recipient's name is wrong should serve as a wake-up call that something isn't right.

Security can also be enhanced by setting security limits on cards and accounts to prevent unusually large transfers.

Three tips for safe banking and payments 

1. Instant payments are fast – but don't rush things 

Money is transferred within the euro area around the clock – often within just 10 seconds, including evenings, weekends and mid-week holidays. Speed brings convenience, but it doesn't mean the payer should rush.

2. Verification of the payment recipient brings additional security

Before confirming a payment, the system will check that the names of the payment recipient and the account holder match. If the information doesn't match, you'll be notified immediately and can stop, check and correct the payment details if needed. This provides additional security against scams, especially in situations where the recipient of the payment is new to you or suspicious.

3. Security limits keep payments under control

Set limits on your account that automatically prevent payments that are too large from going through. This way, you protect your money – but remember, careful consideration is still your most important safeguard.

OP Uusimaa offers advice on secure banking at bank branches:

Monday, 6 October 2025 from 9–10, Tapiola branch (Sammonsilta 8, Espoo)

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 from 9–10, Järvenpää branch (Helsingintie 18, Järvenpää)

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 from 14–16, Porvoo branch (Rauhankatu 27, Porvoo)

Friday, 10 October 2025 from 9–10, Mikonkatu branch (Mikonkatu 13, Helsinki)

and the Helsinki Central Library Oodi in collaboration with Telia:

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 from 9–10.30, Central Library Oodi, Maijansali (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, Helsinki) 
Tuesday, 7 October 2025 from 10.30–12.00, Central Library Oodi, Maijansali (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, Helsinki) in english.