The message reads “ ÖBB 100 years of state transport funding! Every citizen can inform themselves about… “. There is a link below. The link leads to a fake competition. Do not click on the link, you will be ripped off. Ignore the message and report it to WhatsApp. HERE at the end of June 2022 .

How does this scam work?
You will receive a link to an ÖBB competition from a WhatsApp contact. Since the message came from a trustworthy person, you think nothing of it and click on the link.
You end up in a competition on a fake ÖBB website. You supposedly have the opportunity to win 2000 euros if you fill out a short survey.

After answering four short questions, you will enter the competition. You click on one of 9 locked gifts. The gift opens. Unfortunately, the first attempt isn't a win - but the second one is a direct hit. You actually won 2000 euros – or so it seems.

In order to redeem the supposed prize, you must share the competition on WhatsApp. Believing that you have actually won, you spread the fake competition on WhatsApp and unintentionally lure your own contacts into an Internet trap.

Did you receive or spread this message? Explain that it is a fraudulent message.
Credit card details will be requested
Criminals usually use fake competitions to get your credit card details. You are led to believe that you have to pay a small amount (between 1 and 3 euros) by credit card. Supposedly for shipping fees or something similar. Anyone who makes the payment falls into a subscription trap.
In the small print, which can be found hidden somewhere on the website, the criminals write that by paying the amount you are taking out a subscription. You will then be debited an amount between 50 and 90 euros every month. Trying to sell you a subscription in this way is fraudulent.
Fell into the trap? How to get your money back
The subscription contract is invalid because you were only informed about the conclusion of the contract in a hidden and contradictory manner. Even if you have provided your credit card details or email address voluntarily, no legal contract will be concluded. With a little time and effort, you can get your money back. Follow these steps:
- Check your credit card statement or website for contact options.
- Contact the dubious subscription provider and demand immediate cancellation and a refund of the debited amounts.
- Please point out that this subscription contract was not legally concluded because you were not clearly informed about the conclusion of the contract.
- 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.
- Also try to block the subscription provider from further charges to your credit card, if possible.
- You may have to block your credit card - it's best to clarify this with your credit card company.
- Have you provided any personal information? Then you should report it to the police, as criminals often use their victims' data for further fraud. You would then be accused of being the perpetrator.
Recognize fake competitions
Fake competitions are not only circulating on WhatsApp. They arrive via email or are advertised on Instagram and Facebook. How to expose fake competitions:
- Organizer of the competition: When it comes to a competition, pay close attention to who published it. Criminals pose as well-known companies such as ÖBB, Cineplexx or Hofer and spread fake competitions. Check whether you are on the real website, Facebook or Instagram page.
- Conditions of participation: View the conditions of participation. Stay away if there aren't any.
- Credit card details: If credit card details are requested, it is definitely fake.
- Spelling and grammar: Fake competitions are usually full of errors.
Source:
Watchlist Internet
If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:
📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.
Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!
* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!
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 )

