Many users are already aware of the dangers associated with clicking a link in an email. But few are aware of the dangers lurking with an SMS or WhatsApp message. We are often more trusting of text messages, which is why SMS or WhatsApp smishing is lucrative for fraudsters to obtain personal or financial information.
Data theft via smishing
Most smishing attacks work like email phishing. The attacker sends a phishing SMS or WhatsApp designed to trick the user into clicking on a link.
A 46-year-old woman from the municipality of Südmüritz received such a smishing message on December 2nd, 2022. She previously received a call from what was supposed to be an employee of the Müritz Sparkasse. He explained to her that her account would have to be hacked and consequently blocked. In order to block it, a link would be sent to her via WhatsApp.
The German woman thought nothing of it and clicked on the link. This was followed by several unauthorized debits amounting to around 15,000 euros.
What the woman didn't know - by clicking on the link you will be redirected to a deceptively real fake Sparkasse website and asked to enter your bank details. This gives the perpetrators unnoticed access to the account.
The police advise
- Do not click on links you receive, even if your own bank is shown as the sender.
- If in doubt, contact your credit institution using the usual phone numbers/channels that you know to be safe.
- Also, contact the police!
Source:
Press portal
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