“The delivery of your last package has been delayed due to additional customs fees,” reads an SMS notification from the post office. There is a link in the SMS that you should click to solve the problem. We advise caution: This message is not from the post office. Anyone who clicks on the link will fall into an internet trap!

Numerous cell phone users are currently receiving fake messages from parcel service providers such as Post or DHL. The messages will inform you that your package cannot be delivered. Apparently additional checks are necessary or you have to pay additional customs fees. There is always a link that you should click on to find out more.

Beware of SMS notifications with a link. There is fraud behind this!
Beware of SMS notifications with a link. There is fraud behind this! Image source: Watchlist Internet

SMS with a link

Criminals pose as mail and inform you of a problem via SMS. You can supposedly fix it using a link in the message. But the link is fraudulent and leads to an internet trap! This scam is known as “ smishing ”.

Smishing is a combination of the words SMS and “ phishing ”. It means convincing recipients to click on a link with an urgent message. However, this link leads to a fake website that is designed to steal your personal information and money.

What happens when I click on the link?

There are different dangers associated with a link. The following are the most common fraud traps:

Subscription trap : Anyone who clicks on the link is likely to fall into a subscription trap . In this case, the link in the message leads to a fake post website. There you will be asked to deposit a small amount of money, e.g. B. to pay for customs or shipping costs by credit card. If you pay, you will be charged large amounts every month because the criminals write in the small print that you are taking out a subscription by paying this amount.

Malware: We also often see that the link leads to malware . For example, on a fake post website you will be asked to download an app that you can use to solve the supposed problem. In reality, you are downloading malware onto your device. Here's what you can do if your device has been infected with malware .

Data theft: The link leads to a fake postal website. There you will be asked to provide personal information such as name, address and credit card details and to upload copies of your ID. Criminals then try to trick you into releasing payments or misuse your identity for further fraud.

How to recognize fraudulent SMS

  • A link is ALWAYS suspicious!
  • The SMS is full of errors .
  • The message is implausible . Maybe you didn't order anything at all?
  • Do you have a strange feeling ? Trust it and curb your curiosity!
  • Sometimes the sender name is “Post”. Don't let this put you off, criminals can manipulate the displayed name and number.

How to cancel fraudulent subscriptions

This is what you can do to prevent further debits and get previous amounts back:

  1. Check your credit card statement for contact information.
  2. Contact the dubious subscription provider and demand immediate cancellation and a refund of the debited amounts.
  3. Please point out that this subscription contract has not been entered into legally.
  4. If the dubious subscription providers do not respond to your request, contact your credit card company. Request a refund of the debited amounts. Because: Amounts that were debited from you without your consent (e.g. amounts that were not adequately mentioned during the purchase or that exceed the value of your order) must be refunded by your payment service provider in accordance with Section 67 of the Payment Services Act 2018.
  5. Also try to block the subscription provider from further charges to your credit card, if possible.

Source: Watchlist Internet

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