Digital scams are no longer new, but they continue to find new, inventive ways to target unprepared citizens. The Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) in Austria is currently warning of a wave of fake emails and SMS messages . The fraudsters cleverly disguise themselves behind the reputable facade of Oesterreich.gv.at in order to obtain the personal data of unsuspecting citizens.

Phishing – a still current threat

Although the threat of phishing attacks has long been known, it is still a widespread online fraud method. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, fraudsters have more and more opportunities to expand and improve their activities. Email and SMS are two of the most commonly used communication channels for these types of attacks.

The “BMF” – fraud in detail

The fraudulent messages in the current case claim to be messages from “Oesterreich.gv.at” or “Austria Government Digitaler Vertriebs und Service”. Recipients are reminded that they must complete an online application to receive a refund.

Example of such a message

“Refund invoice number: (VAT7********7895)
Austrian Government
Dear customer, the last balance of your account was paid out twice due to a system error.
Please fill out an application to receive the refund. The amount will be refunded to your credit card within 4 working days. https…(Link)
See you soon online
Austria Government Digital Sales and Service”

At first glance, this message seems serious, but closer inspection reveals signs of fraud:

  1. The sender: An official message from the BMF would normally come from a trustworthy email address. However, in this case, the message comes from a fake address that only pretends to be from the Austrian government.
  2. The link: The message contains a hyperlink that leads to a fake website. This is designed in the style of FinanzOnline and asks you to enter personal data.
  3. The Demand: The message asks recipients to provide personal information such as credit card information and account details. This is a clear sign of a phishing attempt.

BMF reacts: How to recognize the fraud

The BMF urgently warns citizens against these and similar fraud attempts. It emphasizes that all messages sent and linked websites are fake. The BMF points out the following points

  • The BMF generally sends information in the form of notifications by post or in the FinanzOnline Databox.
  • The BMF never requests the transmission of personal data such as passwords, credit card details or account information.

This means that if you receive such a message, you should delete it immediately and under no circumstances follow the instructions or click on any links contained therein.

More resources and safety tips

The BMF has an information folder about “Beware of fraud! “Don’t give internet fraudsters a chance.” The folder contains valuable information about scams, characteristics of scam attempts and necessary security measures.

Some important safety tips are:

  • Always be wary of unexpected emails or text messages, especially if they ask for personal information.
  • Don't click on links in suspicious messages.
  • Check the return address carefully.
  • If in doubt, contact the supposedly sending authority or organization directly via a known and trustworthy contact option.

Conclusion : In an increasingly digitalized world, protection against phishing and other fraud methods is more important than ever. It is up to each and every one of us to remain vigilant and informed to protect ourselves from such threats. Because in a world where fraudsters can hide behind digital masks, information is our most powerful weapon.


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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 )