Woolworths Everyday Pay: Supermarket shuts down major payment system after customers’ details are compromised
Woolworths was forced to close a payment system after some Everyday Rewards members were exploited by scammers.
The supermarket giant has temporarily removed the Everyday Pay option from its Everyday Rewards app after several customers encountered a ‘sophisticated third-party phishing scam’.
Everyday Pay is a payment method within the Everyday Rewards app that allows members to store their debit and credit cards in a wallet and pay via QR code at checkout.
The feature, which also allows customers to purchase and store gift cards in their wallet, means customers can pay for and scan their Everyday Rewards card in one action, rather than scanning their card and paying for it separately.
Supermarket giant Woolworths has temporarily removed the Everyday Pay option from its Everyday Rewards app after several customers encountered a ‘sophisticated third-party phishing scam’.
But several Everyday Pay users accidentally gave away their personal information to scammers who were then able to legitimately access their accounts.
Woolworths confirmed on Tuesday that the Everyday Pay QR payment option was now ‘disabled’ for all users while they investigated.
“Unfortunately, we have identified a small number of Everyday Pay users who have been personally targeted by a sophisticated third-party phishing scam, which has resulted in them providing their details to scammers,” an Everyday Rewards spokesperson said.
“We support those who have been affected.”
‘We would like to reassure our members that our Everyday Pay systems and data remain secure and have not been compromised.
“While temporarily unavailable last week, the Everyday Pay wallet remains available for gift cards – which can be purchased, saved and used for in-store and online purchases.”
Several Everyday Pay customers took to social media to complain that the payment system was not working.
Several Everyday Pay customers took to social media to complain that the payment system was not working
“What’s happening to your Everyday Pay app?!” asked a user on X.
‘Days and days without being able to use the QR reader at the cash register. #senseless’.
The supermarket giant apologized for the inconvenience and said it was now updating its systems.
“We are now taking this opportunity to review and simplify our Everyday Pay in-store checkout experience, and as a result, QR payments may remain unavailable while we work through this process,” a spokesperson added.
It is understood that regular card transactions and scans of Everyday Rewards loyalty cards will not be affected.
Gift cards stored in the Everyday Wallet were temporarily unavailable last week, but can now be accessed in the Everyday Pay wallet.