Recently, the China Consumers Association has received complaints from consumers that their account funds were stolen due to the "password-free payment" function. In order to effectively protect the safety of consumers' property and enhance risk prevention awareness, the China Consumers Association issued a consumption prompt today (March 25) to use the "password-free payment" function of mobile phones for online shopping to avoid financial losses due to excessive open account permissions.

Why is "password-free payment" easy to become a stolen loophole?

"Passage-free payment" means "payment without password confirmation" and is a function launched by some payment platforms or applications to improve payment convenience. After the user activates it, the amount of a single transaction can be directly deducted within a certain limit. However, if this function is used by criminals, it may bring serious safety risks.

First, the risk surges when the mobile phone is lost or the account is leaked. If others obtain your account or device, they can directly consume or purchase virtual services through "password-free payment" without secondary verification.

The second is the accumulation of large losses by small amounts of no password. Although the password-free limit on some platforms is set to be a single transaction limit (such as below 1,000 yuan), high-frequency small-scale thefts in a short period of time will still cause great economic losses.

The third is that it is highly concealed and difficult to detect in time. The steal transaction is usually completed through virtual services bound to the payment platform (such as game recharge and App subscription), or during the time when the owner is asleep in the early morning, consumers often have multiple deductions when they discover it.

What are the proactive measures to prevent payment risks?

In order to reduce the risk of stealing, consumers are advised to take the following measures:

Don't enable "password-free payment" unless necessary

Preferring to the password-free function, check whether it is bound to Alipay, WeChat or bank card, and turn off the "password-free payment" permission. If you need to retain some confidentiality services, it is recommended to set them up separately. Also check authorized applications regularly to remove payment authorizations for uncommonly used or distrusted third-party applications.

Strengthen account security protection

First, set high-strength passwords and pay attention to replacement. Avoid using simple passwords such as birthdays and continuous numbers, and enable the dual-factor authentication function to prevent malicious login from your account.

The second is to turn off non-essential payment permissions, especially if Apple mobile phone users do not need to purchase applications through their accounts, they can disable relevant functions.

The third is to use public Wi-Fi carefully to avoid payment operations in public network environments, and to prevent phishing or data interception.

Develop the habit of regular reconciliation

Check the bill notifications in time, follow the deduction text messages sent by Alipay, WeChat or the bank, and check immediately if you find unknown consumption. Check the subscription service regularly and cancel automatic renewal items that are no longer needed.

How to deal with it quickly after encountering stolen goods?

If you find abnormal transactions in your account:

First, you should immediately freeze the payment channel, and urgently freeze the associated account through bank customer service, Alipay or WeChat platform to prevent subsequent deductions.

Secondly, keep evidence and complain: keep screenshots of the stolen records, transaction time and other information, and complain to the payment platform.

If the amount of loss is large, you must report the case to the public security organs in a timely manner and cooperate with the provision of relevant evidence materials.

The China Consumers Association solemnly reminds consumers that the convenience of mobile payment should not come at the expense of security. Please be vigilant and actively manage payment permissions, and never ignore potential risks because of convenience. If you encounter consumer disputes, you can call the hotline or use the "National Consumer Association Smart 315" platform to protect your rights.

(CCTV reporter Wang Jing)