Finance

EU agrees on new rules for online fraud protection

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 27, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
EU agrees on new rules for online fraud protection
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -EU member states and the European Parliament have agreed on new rules to force banks and other payment service providers to better protect their customers against online fraud,

EU Finalizes New Online Fraud Protection Rules for Banks

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -EU member states and the European Parliament have agreed on new rules to force banks and other payment service providers to better protect their customers against online fraud, hidden fees and data leaks, the Parliament said on Thursday.

The new set of rules would make payment service providers liable for covering customers' losses if they fail to implement appropriate fraud prevention mechanisms, and would force them to freeze suspicious transactions.

The rules also give online platforms a responsibility to remove fraudulent ads, as platforms that fail to do so will be liable for the costs banks have made to reimburse their customers for related fraud.

The legislation should give more clarity on payment charges, guarantee better access to cash in rural areas and make it easier for payment providers to receive information from banks.

It would also force banks to ensure access to human customer care and not limit this to chatbots.

The Parliament and member states will have to formally adopt the rules before they come into effect.

(Reporting by Alessandro Parodi, editing by Bart Meijer)

Key Takeaways

  • EU and European Parliament agree on new online fraud protection rules.
  • Banks must cover losses if fraud prevention measures fail.
  • Online platforms are liable for fraudulent ads.
  • New rules ensure better access to cash in rural areas.
  • Legislation mandates human customer care access.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is online fraud?
Online fraud refers to any deceptive activity conducted over the internet with the intent to gain financial or personal information from individuals or organizations.
What are payment service providers?
Payment service providers are companies that facilitate online payments by enabling businesses to accept various forms of payment, including credit cards and digital wallets.
What are hidden fees?
Hidden fees are charges that are not immediately apparent to consumers, often included in the fine print of contracts or agreements, which can increase the overall cost of a service.
What is customer care?
Customer care involves providing assistance and support to customers before, during, and after a purchase, ensuring their needs are met and enhancing their overall experience.
What is a suspicious transaction?
A suspicious transaction is any financial activity that appears unusual or inconsistent with a customer's normal behavior, potentially indicating fraud or illegal activity.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category