There is currently an increasing number of emails being sent in the name of the federal government that do not come from the federal government and contain fraudulent intentions. Several such phishing attacks were reported to the citizen service.

Warning about phishing emails

In a current press release, the government addresses the citizens directly:

“We ask you – be vigilant, do not open any emails that seem dubious, do not click on any links or open any file attachments that may be included in the email.”

Phishing email in the name of the federal government
Phishing email in the name of the Federal Government Photo: Federal Government

How to recognize phishing emails 

Some content characteristics that indicate an attempted fraud: 

  • an impersonal salutation: “Dear Ms./Mr. or customer”
  • The text of the email indicates an urgent need for action, such as: “If you do not update your data immediately, it will be irretrievably lost.” Or: “Pay off your debts immediately.”
  • Threats are used: “Unfortunately, if you don’t do this, we will have to block your account.”
  • You will be asked to enter confidential information such as the PIN for your online banking access or a credit card number.
  • The email contains links or forms.
  • The email appears to come from a well-known person or organization, but the sender's request seems unusual.

There are also some external features that can give away the attempted fraud:

  • At first glance, the sender address is not serious. Wrong domain, lots of digits, inappropriate country domain. Sometimes just another, very similar letter is enough to achieve a deceptively real appearance.
  • Bad German. Spelling or other errors.

Mimikama regularly works on detecting fraudulent emails. More information HERE

Further information about phishing emails can also be found on the website of the Federal Office for Security and Information Technology (BSI) .

There is also a warning on Facebook:

Already knew? One in three families has already fallen victim to phishing

Source: Federal Government


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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 )