Warning About New Phishing Scam With SMS

To redeem the remaining loyalty or bonus points, a link is provided in the phishing SMS that leads to an external site. This is a clever fraud attempt. According to the BK, the fake website tricks users into believing they can select an attractive gift, often a high-quality electronic device.

Phishing SMS: Fraudsters attempt to obtain sensitive data

In the further course of the "ordering process," credit card data or other sensitive payment information is requested in the phishing scam. After entering the information, unauthorized debits often occur from the victims' accounts. The financial damage is often considerable. Phishing attacks usually follow a certain pattern, according to the BK: Contact is made via electronic channels such as SMS, email, or messenger services. The perpetrators pose as a trustworthy organization or company. The goal is to gain the recipient's trust to persuade them to disclose confidential information. This includes passwords, credit card numbers, or access data to online accounts.

So far around 20 cases with new phishing scam via SMS

Since calendar week 20, around 20 cases of this fraud scheme have been reported to the Federal Criminal Police Office. The financial damage known so far amounts to about 27,000 euros. However, a higher number of unreported cases is assumed. Anyone who has fallen for such a phishing SMS should act quickly and contact the company that supposedly sent the message to report the incident and clarify further steps. Affected credit cards and accounts should be blocked immediately if data has been disclosed. Passwords for affected online services should be changed. If login is no longer possible, the respective provider should be contacted. Last but not least, account statements should be checked and suspicious orders canceled.

Federal Criminal Police Office: Never share passwords and TANs

The Federal Criminal Police Office pointed out in this context that reputable companies will never request the entry of sensitive data via SMS or email. Users should not click on links in suspicious messages and should not open attachments. Passwords and TANs should never be shared, neither by mail, via a link, nor by phone. Messages should be checked first, for example, whether one is even a customer of the company. Finally, only official websites or apps should be used to verify content, and if in doubt, customer service should be contacted directly.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.