A blocked transfer due to 1 word in the title? specified situations are not an exception, but an increasingly common effect of automated banking safety systems. Examples of users show how easy it is to fall into an algorithm trap – even in completely innocent situations.
Algorithm does not know the context: a name treated as a state subject to sanctions
Inconspicuous situation – Transfer for tennis between friends – it became a bureaucratic misunderstanding. 1 user of the X platform (formerly Twitter) described how his transfer was stopped by the bank. Reason? There's a word in the transfer title. ‘Kuba’which in this context was only recipient name.
However, the banking strategy treated the word ‘Kuba’ as a mention to the State subject to sanctions — Cuba, on which the European Union, the United States and the United Nations imposed financial restrictions. It was adequate for the transfer to stay immediately blockedand the bank asked the broadcaster to additional explanations.
Comics vs Geopolitics: Second case and equally absurd blockade
It's not the first time bank algorithm “sees” something that does not exist. In another reported case, Bankier.pl website editor sent a transfer for buying comic books. The problem was a abroad financial institution, which seemingly automatically separated the word “commixes” and... detected a fragment in it ‘Komi’.
Republic of Komi is part of the Russian Federation, which is besides located on the sanction list. The transfer was stopped, even though there was no reason to be afraid.
What better way to avoid? Words that may rise suspicion from banks
Although cases with “Kuba” or “commixes” may seem comic or absurd, they show that anti-fraud systems do not analyse context, only keywords. And that's adequate to origin problems.
Banks feel that not usage in terms transfer titleswhich may be qualified as suspected or related to criminal activities. Examples of specified phrases are:
- Drugs
- sex
- Harlot
- ransom
- bomb
Although many users usage specified words jokingly, banking systems take them seriously. As a result, the transaction may be blocked and the broadcaster will gotta explain to the consultant what he meant.
Security versus convenience – what prevails?
The banks argue that specified measures arise from the work to apply procedures AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and countering financing terrorism. Keyword filters is simply a standard tool for automatic detection of suspicious transactions – utilized both in Poland and worldwide.
The problem is, automation does not admit the context or intent of the user. What is apparent to the client – e.g. a friend's name or gag title – for the algorithm may mean an alarm signal.
As a result, the number of cases where innocent transfers go under the radarand users must face additional bureaucracy. Although procedures are intended to defend against a real threat, Excessive sensitivity of filters can make frustration and unnecessary obstacles.
How to avoid problems? applicable tips for users
To minimize the hazard of blocking the transfer, it is worth following any simple rules:
- Avoid names and geographical names, which may coincide with the names of the countries subject to sanctions (e.g. Cuba, Iran, Komi).
- Do not usage words that may propose criminal actionEven in the form of a joke.
- Maintain neutrality and precision – for example, compose “returns for lunch 17.05” alternatively of “distorted for dinner”.
- If the transfer is blocked, contact the bank and explain transaction context.
Technology can't replace common sense
The cases described clearly show that Even the best algorithms can make mistakesIf they deficiency knowing of the context. Banking systems operate according to strict rules and keywords – they are incapable to separate name from country or gag from real danger.
Therefore, caution and approach transfer titles with more responsibility. It's not just a substance of formality, but sometimes it is. avoid unnecessary stress or delay in the execution of payments.
More here:
One word and the transfer's blocked. Here's a list that might surprise you.
