Imagine scrolling through your social media feeds and coming across an offer that seems too good to be true: lost and forgotten luxury suitcases for less than two euros. A goldmine of unexpected treasures, from electronic devices to designer perfumes, all seemingly within reach. But behind this seductive promise lurks a danger that is far more expensive than any lost piece of luggage.

The scenario is like something out of a script: Vienna Airport, overloaded with lost luggage, sells suitcases at a ridiculously low price. But as with most things in life, there is a catch. It is a fake, a deceptively real scam. The truth? There are no suitcases, no sales - only your valuable data is in focus and Vienna Airport has absolutely NOTHING to do with this nasty scam!

Screenshot: Facebook / fake page Vienna Airport
Screenshot: Facebook / fake page Vienna Airport

The irresistible “suitcase” offer

“Sale of luggage for 1.95 euros!” This is what the website, which falsely claims to be the official website of Vienna Airport, entices. The offer sounds simple: pieces of luggage that have been in the “airport warehouse” for more than six months are now essentially being given away. The quantity is limited, they say, a clear call for haste. But then the perfidious game begins.

Deceptively real: the power of fake reviews

The scammers behind this scam have done their homework. Not only does the website itself look deceptively real with a stolen logo and professional presentation, the customer reviews also appear credible. Pictures of beaming people who have supposedly made valuable finds in their “purchased” suitcases line the page. These fake success stories are bait that can confuse even the most skeptical buyer.

Screenshot: Facebook / fake website Vienna Airport
Screenshot: Facebook / fake website Vienna Airport

The dangerous click: When curiosity leads to a trap

But what happens if you accept the offer? Prospects are guided through a seemingly innocuous questionnaire, culminating in a form that requests personal information – including credit card information. From here the mischief begins: hidden subscription traps that promise monthly fees, unwanted advertising from “partner sites” and, above all, the potential risk of identity theft and data theft.

Anyone who accepts the offer falls into a trap: a questionnaire leads to a form that requires personal and credit card information.
Anyone who accepts the offer falls into a trap: a questionnaire leads to a form that requires personal and credit card information.

What happens if you enter your data here?

When you enter your personal information on such a fake website, you open the door to a variety of potential risks. Here are some of the possible consequences

  1. Financial Fraud: If you provide your credit card information, fraudsters may attempt to withdraw money from your account. This can take the form of one-time charges or recurring, unauthorized subscriptions that are difficult to cancel.
  2. Identity theft: With enough information, criminals can attempt to take over your identity. This can include opening bank accounts in your name, applying for loans, or even engaging in illegal transactions.
  3. Phishing attacks: After providing your email address or phone number, you may become the target of phishing attacks. You receive messages designed to trick you into clicking on malicious links or disclosing sensitive information. These messages can appear convincing and often appear to come from a legitimate organization or a known contact.
  4. Selling your information: Your information may be resold to third parties, often other fraudulent organizations. This leads to an increase in unwanted communications, including spam emails, fraudulent promotional offers and even unwanted phone calls.
  5. Blackmail: In some cases, fraudsters use the information they collect to blackmail their victims by threatening to make sensitive information public or harm them if they do not pay or meet other demands.

We have taken a closer look at the terms and conditions and, in addition to the possible consequences that we have just shown you, you are threatened with the following:

In the US, the subscription costs $1.99 for the trial period, then $57.29 per month. In Germany and Austria it is 1.99 EUR, then 45 EUR per month.
In the US, the subscription costs $1.99 for the trial period, then $57.29 per month. In Germany and Austria it is 1.99 EUR, then 45 EUR per month.
  1. Membership: By signing up through a promotion, contest or sweepstakes, you agree that our partner site will charge the trial period price and then the normal monthly subscription amount to the credit card used when signing up. The subscription will automatically renew until canceled under “Profile Settings” on the partner site.
  2. Payment: If a subscription payment is declined, the customer will be charged the same amount until the payment is processed. If payment attempts are repeatedly rejected, the subscription will be automatically canceled after six months.
  3. Pricing by Country: The cost of the service depends on the country in which you are located. For example, in the USA the subscription costs 1.99 USD for the trial period and 57.29 USD for the monthly amount, while in Germany and Austria it costs 1.99 EUR for the trial period and 45 EUR monthly.
  4. Promotions: Limited-time promotions are offered to attract new users. These offer a discounted subscription price and the subscription fee is charged on a bi-weekly billing cycle.
  5. Subscription cancellation: The subscription can be canceled via the partner site by logging in with the information received in the “welcome email”. Cancellation can be made via the “Profile Settings” on the partner site.

How to protect yourself: Vigilance is key

How can consumers protect themselves from such fraud? Skepticism is always the first step. Real companies rarely conduct business in legal gray areas. Secondly: A short online research about the company or the offer is often informative. Finally, never rush to reveal personal or payment information without verifying the legitimacy of the site.

Conclusion: A bargain that costs a lot

The scam surrounding the alleged sale of luggage at Vienna Airport is a reminder that caution is advised in the digital world. What seems like a harmless or even cheap offer can quickly turn into a nightmare with your data and finances at stake. It's more important than ever to be vigilant, question information, and make sure before you click "buy." In an age where online fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated, your common sense could be your most valuable asset.

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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )