Caution: A fake email in the name of the Austrian customs offices leads to a subscription trap.
Fake email from “Customs Austria” – The most important thing to start with:
- Fraudsters are currently sending an email in the name of the Austrian customs offices that leads to a subscription trap.
- The cyber criminals pretend that the recipient has won a smartphone in an online competition. In order to receive the prize, a customs fee must be paid.
- If the recipient takes part and ignores the hidden cost information, he or she takes out a subscription and has to pay 90 euros per month.
As our cooperation partner Watchlist Internet warns, a new mass email is currently landing in the inboxes of countless Internet users.
The message from “Customs Austria” states that a customs fee was not paid. The content of the email should not be believed because it is sent by criminals. Entering data leads to an expensive subscription trap for 90 euros per month.
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In times of online trading, it is anything but unlikely that you are currently waiting for a delivery. Criminals are currently taking advantage of this by sending a fake message in the name of the Austrian customs offices:
The message from Customs Austria states: “You have not paid any customs fee for shipping.” You should follow a link for further information. This link does not take you to the Austrian customs offices, but to a fake criminal website.
This fake website suddenly talks about winnings that are said to be worth over 963 euros. The customs duties of 0.1% would therefore amount to 96 cents and the supposed profit would be sent immediately after payment. Clicking on *Pay customs* takes you to a page where you can order an iPhone.
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You are tricked into winning an iPhone. Instead of a value of 963 euros as on the previous page, we are talking about 1,100 euros and instead of 0.96 euros you now have to pay 2.00 euros.
The red arrow on the picture points to a hidden cost note with the following content:
All new customers take part in the raffle for the campaign product shown. If you are one of the lucky winners, you will be contacted directly by email. This special offer includes a 6-day trial of an affiliated subscription service. Your credit card will then automatically be charged the monthly subscription fee (90 EUR). If for any reason you are not satisfied with the service, you may cancel with 6 days' notice. The subscription renews monthly unless canceled. This campaign expires on December 31, 2020.
Subscription trap!
This is neither about an order you have placed for which customs duties have to be paid, nor about a profit for which shipping costs now have to be paid. Rather, criminals try to get you to enter your credit card details so that they can then debit 90 euros from your credit card every month! You also transmit personal data such as your name or address to criminals.
Have you paid?
If you have entered your details and paid by credit card, contact the subscription provider as soon as possible and inform them that you have not taken out a subscription and that no further debits may be made. Demand immediate termination of the alleged contract. You may be able to find contact information from the information on your credit card statement.
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If this remains unsuccessful, contact your credit card provider. Request a refund for any costs you did not agree to. Amounts that were debited without your consent (e.g. amounts that were not adequately indicated at the time of 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. If possible, have the subscription provider block all further debits.
Advice & help:
For specific advice requests, please contact the relevant offices that we have listed for you Advice & Help www.watchlist-internet.at/beratung-hilfe
Related to the topic: Fake DHL SMS leads to a subscription trap!
Source: Watchlist Internet / BMF
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