All of us occasionally wait for a package, do banking, or have children who may need help. Cybercriminals have recognized these everyday situations as perfect opportunities to set their traps. They exploit our expectations, fears and habits to trick us into revealing personal information or sending money.


When expected packages become a trap

It starts with an innocuous-sounding text message: “Your package is on the way. Click here to track it.” But behind this simple message lies an ingenious trap. Scammers are sending mass text messages with fake package tracking links, secretly targeting people who are actually waiting for a package. The urgency and anticipation that comes with receiving a package becomes a tool for fraudsters. One click and you end up on a fake website where you are asked to enter personal information. ( Example )

Tips: When expected packages become a trap

  1. Be wary of unexpected text messages: Don't trust a text message that you weren't expecting, even if it seems to come from a number you recognize.
  2. Don't click on unknown links: Always track your packages directly through the shipping company's official website or app.
  3. Do not enter personal information: Legitimate shipping companies will never ask you to enter personal information via a link in an SMS.
  4. Verify the sender: Sometimes a close look at the sender's number or name can give clues to a scam.
  5. Inform the shipping company: If you receive a suspicious text message, inform the shipping company. You can also notify the local police or consumer advice center.

Phishing emails in the name of the bank

You will receive an email from your bank. This will ask you to confirm a recent transaction or update your account information. Here too, the fraudsters target people who have recently made bank transactions. They exploit our attention to our finances to lure us to fake websites that can intercept our sensitive data. ( Example )

Tips: Phishing emails in the name of the bank

  1. Check the email address: Scammers can easily spoof the display name of an email, but the actual address is often suspicious.
  2. Don't click on links in emails: Always open your bank website directly in your browser.
  3. Verify the request: Call your bank or visit a branch if you receive a suspicious email.
  4. Use strong, unique passwords: Use a strong, unique password for your online banking and change it regularly.
  5. Use two-factor authentication: Wherever possible, use two-factor authentication for added security.

WhatsApp messages from “children in need”

A WhatsApp message from your child: He is in distress and urgently needs your help. This scam is primarily aimed at parents of older children. Parents' natural protective instincts are exploited to get them to send money or reveal sensitive information. ( Example )

Tips: WhatsApp messages from “children in need”

  1. Check the phone number: If your “child” contacts you from an unknown number, you should immediately be suspicious.
  2. Call your child: Before taking any action, call your child on their regular number.
  3. Do not share sensitive information: Do not share account or credit card details via WhatsApp.
  4. Report suspicious messages: WhatsApp has a suspicious message reporting feature.
  5. Talk to your children: Explain to your children the risks and how they can protect their accounts.

Shock calls and the power of fear

And then there are the shock calls: your family member has been in an accident, been kidnapped, or is in some other emergency situation. These calls are designed to instill fear and panic in order to lure victims into rash actions before they have a chance to verify the claims. ( Example )

Tips: Shock calls and the power of fear

  1. Keep Calm: Don't let your emotional state get the best of you. Take a moment to assess the situation.
  2. Verify the information: Before acting, verify the information with other family members or friends.
  3. Don't share information: Don't give the caller any information, especially about your financial circumstances or account information.
  4. End the conversation: You have the right to end a suspicious conversation at any time.
  5. Tell the police: If you think you have been the target of a shock call, tell the police.

Conclusion: All of these fraud methods exploit our habits, expectations and fears to trap us. They are a stark reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and carefully reviewing suspicious communications. The scammers may be sophisticated, but if we are vigilant and careful, we can avoid their traps and stay safe.

Also read: “Common sense” in the digital age: helper or hindrance?


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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 )