Fake AltaPay Messages Put Borrowers on Alert as NBS Freezes Payment Confusion

Fake AltaPay Messages Put Borrowers on Alert as NBS Freezes Payment Confusion
The National Bank of Serbia warned Alta Bank borrowers not to follow payment instructions sent by SMS or email after citizens reported receiving fraudulent messages using the sender ID “AltaPay.”

The messages reportedly instructed recipients to settle loan obligations by transferring money to specified accounts, including accounts at Banka Poštanska štedionica. The central bank said the apparent use of a familiar brand name could mislead customers during a period of uncertainty surrounding Alta Bank.

NBS urged clients of Alta Bank and Alta Group not to make payments based on the suspicious messages. “We point out to citizens and all clients … that they should under no circumstances make payments based on such or similar SMS messages, or potentially emails of similar content,” the bank said.

The warning came as Alta Bank, which is in insolvency proceedings, is being managed by the Deposit Insurance Agency. According to NBS, borrowers will receive official instructions from that agency about the bank handling their loans and the account to be used for future payments. Until then, customers should wait for formal notification rather than act on messages from unknown numbers.

NBS also said it immediately informed Banka Poštanska štedionica about an account cited in one of the messages. The bank was asked to take appropriate measures and strengthen controls over suspicious transactions and incoming funds.

The central bank did not identify the senders of the messages or provide details about any losses. Its warning focused on preventing further payments to potentially fraudulent accounts while official arrangements for Alta borrowers are clarified.