More and more people are currently receiving payment requests for allegedly unpaid package fees via message channels such as WhatsApp, email or SMS. Behind the scam – also known as “smishing” (combination of SMS and phishing) – there are criminals who send deceptively real messages and pose as customs or parcel service providers. In order to pay the often small sum, recipients are supposed to provide personal data and credit card information via a link in the message.
The criminal senders use the contact and credit card data to activate mobile payment services such as Apple Pay or Google Pay on a third-party device. Due to two-factor authentication, a one-time password is usually required, which those affected receive from the actual payment service provider via email or SMS. If this password is passed on, activation can be carried out on the third-party device. Fraudsters now have a free hand and can transfer funds or make online purchases at the expense of those affected.
Beware of innocence: The threat of small amounts and deceptively genuine fake messages from parcel service providers
Particularly perfidious: Many of those affected pass on the information innocently, as the amount required is usually only around 1.99 euros and, in times of booming online commerce, they often actually expect a package. In addition, the criminal fake messages contain deceptively real symbols or the design of well-known brands.
Nico Rudolf, team leader for operational fraud prevention at ING Germany, warns against releasing sensitive data upon third-party request: “Anyone who is currently receiving suspicious messages and is unsure should immediately find out more on relevant portals such as the consumer advice center or their bank. Never pass on personal login details, codes or other sensitive information to third parties and it is better to be suspicious. Unfortunately, in most cases, people themselves are the source of uncertainty.”
What you can do if data has been shared:
- Block your credit card immediately - this often works directly in the banking app. The hotline is (often) on the card itself, on account statements or on the official website of the financial institution.
- Switch your phone or smartphone to airplane mode. This will prevent criminals who have covertly downloaded an app or virus onto your smartphone from stealing further data.
- Preserve the evidence and take screenshots or photos of the messages you received from the criminals. Then file a report with the police and pass on all relevant information or hand over your smartphone directly to preserve evidence on site.
- Keep an eye on your account and contact your credit card provider or bank if you have any doubtful debits or account movements. The same goes for your cell phone provider.
How to prevent fraud:
- Never open links or files from SMS, emails or WhatsApp messages whose origin you do not know. If you have done so, do not provide any personal information such as banking information to third parties and never install any apps or other applications.
- Be skeptical of messages from unknown senders. It's better to ask the parcel service provider's official customer hotline again.
- Delete the messages and do not reply to the unknown number.
If you are actually expecting a package, check the status of your shipment, such as the tracking or shipment number, on the parcel service provider's official website.
Further information on the subject of fraud can be found on the ING Germany blog: HERE
Source:
Press portal
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