Digitalization has made life easier in many ways, but it also has its downsides. One of these dark sides is fraud via WhatsApp and SMS. For many years, this scam has become a mass phenomenon in which criminals try to obtain bank customers' data. The banks are alarmed and are aggressively warning their customers about these criminal activities, but ultimately it is up to the customers themselves to remain vigilant.

Warning: WhatsApp and SMS scams

In recent months, an increasing number of cases have become known in which fraudsters contact their victims via WhatsApp or SMS. They pose as bank employees and try to get customers to provide their personal information or even their PIN. Criminals often use links that look deceptively real, which lead to fake websites where the unsuspecting victims then enter their data.

Screenshot of a fake SMS. Fraud via WhatsApp and SMS
Screenshot of a fake SMS

The banks are aware of the danger and are taking aggressive action against this fraud. They inform their customers about the fraudsters' actions and give tips on how to protect themselves from such attacks. For example, they advise not to click on links in unknown messages and not to reveal any personal information such as passwords or PINs. In addition, if you receive suspicious messages, you should always check the sender carefully and, if in doubt, ask the bank.

But despite all the warnings, many people still fall for it. Older people in particular, who are less familiar with the pitfalls of the digital world, often fall victim to such scams. In order to counteract this, it is important to educate family and friends and raise awareness of the issue.

The fact is that fraudsters are becoming more and more bold and are developing new methods to obtain bank customers' data. It is therefore important that each individual remains vigilant and protects themselves from the dangers.


FAQ: Fraud via WhatsApp and SMS – protective measures for bank customers


  1. Question: How do I recognize fraudulent messages via WhatsApp or SMS?

Answer: Fraudulent messages can often be identified by the following characteristics: unknown or suspicious sender, poor grammar or spelling, request for personal information, or overly favorable terms. If in doubt, you should ignore the message and ask the bank directly.

  1. Question: What should I do if I receive a suspicious message?

Answer: Delete the suspicious message and definitely do not click on the links it contains. Inform your bank about the incident so that they can take the necessary steps. You can also file a report with the police.

  1. Question: How can I protect myself from such scams?

Answer: To protect yourself from fraud, you should avoid clicking on links in unknown or suspicious emails, refrain from revealing personal information such as passwords or PINs, and verify the sender of suspicious emails. Also, use security measures such as antivirus programs and firewalls and always keep your software up to date.

  1. Question: What should I do if I have already fallen for a scam like this?

Answer: If you are a victim of fraud, you should inform your bank immediately to stop possible transactions and secure your accounts. Change any affected passwords and PINs. File a police report to help prosecute the fraudsters.

  1. Question: How can I warn others about this scam?

Answer: Share your experiences with friends, family and acquaintances to raise their awareness of the topic. Inform them about how fraudsters operate and give them tips on how they can protect themselves. Also use social media to raise awareness of this scam and warn others to be careful.

  1. Question: What are banks doing to protect their customers from such fraud?

Answer: The banks are aware of the danger and are actively taking action against these frauds. They inform their customers about how fraudsters operate and give tips on how to protect themselves from such attacks. Additionally, they are continually working to improve their security measures to minimize the risk of such scams.

  1. Question: Are there any special apps or programs that can help me detect fraudulent messages?

Answer: There are various security apps and programs that can help detect and block fraudulent messages. These include, for example, antivirus programs or messaging apps with integrated security functions. Explore the options available and choose a solution that meets your needs.

  1. Question: How can I ensure that my bank is actually the sender of a message?

Answer: If you are unsure whether a message came from your bank, you should use the bank's official contact details to ask directly. Call the bank at the phone number listed on its website or on your statements, or write an email to the official address. Do not share sensitive information until you are sure you are actually communicating with your bank.

  1. Question: What can older people or people who are less tech-savvy do to protect themselves from such scams?

Answer: It is important that older or less tech-savvy people are also informed about the dangers of such scams. You should also observe the protective measures mentioned above and ask family members or friends for advice if you are unsure. Relatives and friends can help by regularly providing information and raising awareness of the topic.

  1. Question: Are there legal regulations that require banks to protect their customers from such fraud?

Answer: Banks are required by law to take appropriate security measures to protect their customers' data and assets. However, it is also the responsibility of customers to be vigilant and take advantage of the security measures offered by banks. In the event of fraud, the bank's liability may vary depending on the circumstances and the customer's duty of care.


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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 )