Increasingly, financial transaction payment text fields are being misused as a method of criminal communication or abuse, rather than for the intended purpose of transferring funds.

Payment text fields are being used by individuals and organised crime groups to communicate and facilitate serious offences. This includes stalking, harassing or threatening victims, or criminal communication to avoid law enforcement scrutiny.

This guide provides financial indicators to help financial service providers to target, detect and disrupt this activity.

Download: Financial crime guide - Preventing misuse and criminal communication through payment text fields (PDF, 398KB)

The content on this website is general and is not legal advice. Before you make a decision or take a particular action based on the content on this website, you should check its accuracy, completeness, currency and relevance for your purposes. You may wish to seek independent professional advice.

Last updated: 5 Apr 2023
Page ID: 729

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