Unfortunately, it is very common for users to fall victim to phishing scams. We repeatedly on the various traps used by fraudsters: fake news about accidents, false friend requests, the “Facebook profile viewer”, alleged packages for which a small fee is to be paid… unfortunately, the imagination of cybercriminals is inexhaustible.

The scammers claim that data needs to be updated or accounts need to be verified and ask the recipient to follow a link. This then leads, for example, to a phishing page with a fake login mask through which the user is supposed to reveal confidential information such as passwords, access data or credit card numbers.

The crux of the matter: The messages appear deceptively real and the senders are serious. Many recipients therefore do not suspect anything and the criminals intercept the data.

I have shared my payment details

  • Block your bank account.
  • Check your bank account transactions and contact your bank.
  • After unlocking, only use new passwords and PINs for your account.

I have passed on my access data to other accounts, such as online shops

  • Assign a new password.
  • Contact the provider.
  • Also check whether payment details were affected and contact your bank accordingly.

I have shared my email account login details

  • Assign a new password.
  • It may be that, along with access to your email inbox, the access to other online services has also been compromised and, for example, has been changed or taken over. That's why you have to reset these too. This applies to online profiles that you can use to log in to other services, such as an online shop.

I clicked on a link and am receiving requests for money

  • Don't pay money to criminals.
  • If you have demands for money from unknown people, contact the police, the consumer advice center, or seek advice from a lawyer.

I suspect that my data has been fished out

In any case, file a report with the local police station - even if you have vague suspicions. As a victim of cybercrime, you have the same rights as victims of other crimes.

Tip: Assign different passwords for all online account accesses. Password managers can be helpful.

This will protect you from phishing in the future

  • Always update software and operating systems on all devices immediately and install an antivirus program.
  • Be skeptical of emails from unknown senders. Your bank, service provider or government agency will never ask you to change personal information such as passwords via a link via email.
  • If in doubt, have the sender confirm the authenticity of an email by telephone. Don't use the phone number from the email, but look for it yourself.
  • Be careful with attachments in formats such as .exe or .scr. These can load malware directly onto your device. Sometimes users are misled by double endings such as document .pdf.exe.
  • If possible, use two-factor authentication for various account accesses. The second level of identification prevents criminals from accessing your data even if they have already captured your password.

You can find more information about phishing here . Victims of cybercrime can find help here .

You might also be interested in: One in three untrained employees clicks on a phishing link


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