More and more people are currently receiving payment requests for allegedly unpaid parcel fees via message channels such as WhatsApp, email or SMS. Behind this scam – also known as “smishing” (combination of SMS and phishing) – there are criminals who pose as customs or parcel service providers in messages that look deceptively real. In order to pay the often small amount, recipients are asked to provide personal and credit card information via a link in the message.
Withdraw money or shop online with smishing loot
The criminal senders use the contact and credit card data to activate mobile payment services such as Apple Pay or Google Pay on a third-party device. Due to two-factor authentication, a one-time password is usually required, which those affected receive from the actual payment service provider via email or SMS. If this password is passed on, activation can take place on the third-party device. Fraudsters now have a free hand and can transfer money or shop online at the expense of those affected.
Nico Rudolf, team leader for operational fraud prevention at ING Germany, warns against releasing sensitive data upon third-party request: “Anyone who is currently receiving suspicious messages and is unsure should immediately find out more on relevant portals such as the consumer advice center or their bank. Never pass on personal login details, codes or other sensitive information to third parties and it is better to be suspicious. Unfortunately, in most cases, people themselves are the source of uncertainty.”
What you can do if data has been shared:
How to prevent fraud:
If you are actually expecting a package, check the status of your shipment, such as the tracking or shipment number, on the parcel service provider's official website.
Source:
ING Germany
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