Written by The Banking Post
To establish domestic control over card-based transactions in Bangladesh, reduce costs, and minimize foreign currency outflows, Bangladesh Bank is operating the National Card Scheme – TakaPay. Under this initiative, 15 scheduled banks are already issuing TakaPay debit cards to their customers.
Recently, it has come to the attention of the authorities that a fraudulent website (https://takapaycard.com) is unlawfully collecting sensitive and confidential information from the public—such as names, addresses, mobile numbers, email addresses, and national ID numbers—by falsely using the name of the National Card Scheme – TakaPay. Submitting personal information on this fake website may expose individuals to financial loss and various forms of harassment.
It is important to note that Bangladesh Bank has not launched any official website or mobile application for the TakaPay scheme. The aforementioned website has been using logos/trademarks similar to TakaPay and NPSB without the authorization of Bangladesh Bank. According to Section 25(2) of the Trademark Act, 2009, no person other than the registered owner of a service-related trademark may use it without permission.
Under Section 4(2) of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2024, no individual, institution, or company may operate a payment system or offer payment services without prior approval and licensing from Bangladesh Bank. Furthermore, Section 15(2) of the same act prohibits operating any online or offline platform that collects investments, provides loans, stores money, or initiates financial transactions from the public without proper approval from the central bank. Such activities are considered punishable offenses under Section 37(3) of the Act.
The public is strongly advised not to share any information on the fake website (https://takapaycard.com) operating under the TakaPay name.
This press release is being issued with a special request for wide dissemination in the national interest.
