The Märkischer Kreis police authority has become aware of a case of internet fraud, which once again shows the dangers in the digital space. A 72-year-old man from Altena fell victim to fraudsters who used a supposed online rating portal to get his money.
The scammers' approach
The man from Altena received an invitation to an alleged rating portal via messenger. The promise sounded tempting: after an initial registration fee, commissions would be earned by rating images. But instead of earning money, more requests for payment piled up. The senior transferred a four-figure amount within just three days. When a large sum was demanded again, he had doubts. A call to the travel company allegedly involved confirmed his fears - there was no such survey. He then filed a police report.
Warning about online fraud
This incident serves as a reminder to be particularly careful with requests for money online. The police warn against carelessly disclosing personal information and advise checking carefully before clicking on links or making payments. Scammers often use the names of well-known, reputable companies to create trust. Because false identities can easily be assumed online, it is important to verify the authenticity of the sender and their connection to the named company.
questions and answers
Question 1: How can you protect yourself from such scams?
Answer 1: To protect yourself from online fraud, you should never give out personal or payment information without thoroughly verifying the authenticity of the provider. If you receive suspicious requests, it is advisable to ask the alleged company directly.
Question 2: Who can you contact if you are a victim of fraud?
Answer 2: In the event of fraud, you should immediately contact the police and file a report. It is also helpful to document all relevant information and communication processes.
Question 3: How do I recognize reputable online offers?
Answer 3: You can recognize serious online offers by a clear imprint, transparent contact details and secure payment processing. Distrust offers that promise unrealistically high profits or require advance payment.
Stay vigilant in the digital space
The case from Altena is an example of how sophisticated fraudsters can be. It highlights the need to stay vigilant and informed. For further information and prevention tips, we recommend the Mimikama newsletter at https://www.mimikama.org/mimikama-newsletter/ and our online lectures and workshops at https://www.mimikama.education/online-vortrag-von- mimikama/ .
Source: press portal
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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 )