Woolworths halts popular payment method due to security breach
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In an age where convenience often goes hand-in-hand with technology, it's no surprise that many of us have embraced the ease of digital wallets and payment apps.
However, this shift towards digital transactions also comes with risks.
Woolworths has been compelled to suspend one of its popular payment features after a security breach left customers vulnerable to scammers.
Everyday Pay, a Woolworths Everyday Rewards app feature, allowed shoppers to save their payment details and use a QR code at checkout for a quick and seamless transaction.
This method facilitated payment and integrated the scanning of the Everyday Rewards card, streamlining the entire checkout process.
The convenience of this system was further enhanced by the ability to buy and store gift cards within the app, which could be used for in-store and online purchases.
However, the digital landscape is full of sophisticated cyber threats, and Woolworths has confirmed that several customers fell victim to an external phishing scam.
The affected Everyday Pay users inadvertently handed over sensitive details to scammers, who gained access to their accounts.
Upon recognising the issue, Woolworths decided to ‘turn off’ the Everyday Pay QR payment option for all users to prevent further incidents.
In a statement, a company spokesperson said, ‘Unfortunately, we have identified a small number of Everyday Pay users who have been personally targeted by a sophisticated external phishing scam, which has led to them providing their details to scammers.’
‘We are supporting those who were affected…We want to reassure our members that our Everyday Pay systems and data remain secure and have not been compromised.’
'While it was temporarily unavailable last week, the Everyday Pay wallet continues to be available for gift cards—which can be purchased, stored, and used for in-store and online purchases,’ they added.
The temporary unavailability of the Everyday Pay feature has caused frustration among users who took to social media to voice their concerns.
‘What’s happening with your Everyday Pay app?’ one social media user asked.
Another added, ‘Days and days without being able to use the QR reader at the till.’
The supermarket giant apologised for the inconvenience and revealed it was now working on updating its systems.
‘We are now taking this opportunity to review and simplify our in-store Everyday Pay checkout experience, and as a result, QR payments may remain unavailable while we work through this process,’ a spokesperson said.
It’s understood that regular card transactions and Everyday Rewards loyalty card scans are not impacted.
Unfortunately, stories of Aussies falling victim to phishing scams are all too common, with it being the most reported scam in Australia.
In a previous article, phishing scams were closely examined to determine their workings and how individuals can safeguard themselves from such fraudulent schemes. You can read more about the story here.
Have you been affected by the suspension of Woolworths' Everyday Pay, or have you encountered similar security issues with other digital payment methods? Share your stories and experiences in the comments below!
However, this shift towards digital transactions also comes with risks.
Woolworths has been compelled to suspend one of its popular payment features after a security breach left customers vulnerable to scammers.
Everyday Pay, a Woolworths Everyday Rewards app feature, allowed shoppers to save their payment details and use a QR code at checkout for a quick and seamless transaction.
This method facilitated payment and integrated the scanning of the Everyday Rewards card, streamlining the entire checkout process.
The convenience of this system was further enhanced by the ability to buy and store gift cards within the app, which could be used for in-store and online purchases.
A Woolworths Everyday Rewards app feature has been temporarily shut down following a security breach that left customers vulnerable to scammers. Image Source: X / @Drano2go
However, the digital landscape is full of sophisticated cyber threats, and Woolworths has confirmed that several customers fell victim to an external phishing scam.
The affected Everyday Pay users inadvertently handed over sensitive details to scammers, who gained access to their accounts.
Upon recognising the issue, Woolworths decided to ‘turn off’ the Everyday Pay QR payment option for all users to prevent further incidents.
In a statement, a company spokesperson said, ‘Unfortunately, we have identified a small number of Everyday Pay users who have been personally targeted by a sophisticated external phishing scam, which has led to them providing their details to scammers.’
‘We are supporting those who were affected…We want to reassure our members that our Everyday Pay systems and data remain secure and have not been compromised.’
'While it was temporarily unavailable last week, the Everyday Pay wallet continues to be available for gift cards—which can be purchased, stored, and used for in-store and online purchases,’ they added.
The temporary unavailability of the Everyday Pay feature has caused frustration among users who took to social media to voice their concerns.
‘What’s happening with your Everyday Pay app?’ one social media user asked.
Another added, ‘Days and days without being able to use the QR reader at the till.’
The supermarket giant apologised for the inconvenience and revealed it was now working on updating its systems.
‘We are now taking this opportunity to review and simplify our in-store Everyday Pay checkout experience, and as a result, QR payments may remain unavailable while we work through this process,’ a spokesperson said.
It’s understood that regular card transactions and Everyday Rewards loyalty card scans are not impacted.
Unfortunately, stories of Aussies falling victim to phishing scams are all too common, with it being the most reported scam in Australia.
In a previous article, phishing scams were closely examined to determine their workings and how individuals can safeguard themselves from such fraudulent schemes. You can read more about the story here.
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