Attempted fraud on the internet: the online advice platform “fragzebra” provides information and gives tips on how to deal with digital theft. Most of us may now recognize obvious rip-off emails - but fraudsters are also becoming more and more perfidious in the digital space and are using a wide variety of methods on a wide variety of platforms to deceive users.
But there is still hope: Even if the scams are constantly evolving, there are clear warning signs that should make users suspicious. The ZEBRA team reveals how the individual scams work and what details you should pay particular attention to in order to catch fraud.
6 tips for dealing with digital theft
1. Fake calls from alleged police authorities
Regardless of whether they are using a landline or a mobile phone, fraudsters continue to use fake calls. A current scam attempts to convince citizens that a higher police authority such as Europol or Interpol is on the other end of the line. If you pick up the receiver, a computer voice will first ask you to press the “1” key on the receiver because you are supposedly a victim of data theft by criminals. You will then be redirected to a person who will ask you in English to provide personal information or even to carry out a transfer. In order to appear more authentic, criminals use telephone numbers that are similar to those of the police authorities. If the person called does not comply with the fraudsters' demands, they will quickly hang up.
Service tip: In this context, it is important to know that police authorities never ask for personal data or even money transfers over the phone. Do not allow yourself to be drawn into a conversation and under no circumstances reveal any details about yourself or your financial situation.
2. Phishing emails
Anyone who thinks of fishing for fish when they hear the term “phishing” should now read more closely – because what is being fished out here is at most personal data. More specifically, phishing refers to obtaining other people's personal information (such as password, credit card number, etc.) using fake emails or websites. What is particularly perfidious is that fraudsters often hide behind a known sender (e.g. an institution) in order to hijack the trust of users. An emotional moment of surprise can quickly lead to the loss of personal data or even money from your bank account. E-mails that look deceptively real often end up in the private mailboxes of unsuspecting users. The fraudsters specifically play with emotions and try to lure their victims into an ambush. Dubious emails often promise you that you are just a mouse click away from the jackpot. It looks similar when fraudsters want to cause fear or panic among users. Exactly the opposite happens here: For example, it is claimed that money has been withdrawn from the bank account, that the identity of the user needs to be confirmed, or that an outstanding invoice needs to be paid. Here too, the solution to the problem seems just a click away, either in the form of a button or a link to click on.
Service tip: Do not under any circumstances click on buttons or links in emails if you do not know the sender or are not sure what exactly it is. And even if the sender sounds familiar to you - if you suspect something, it's best to critically check the address from which it was sent - the sender's name often hides a cryptic email address that can be immediately identified as a fake. Attention: Official logos are not a sure indication of authenticity! Therefore, do not allow yourself to be carried away into rash or hectic actions. The same also applies to SMS. If in doubt, please contact the ZEBRA team. This checks your messages and gives you recommendations for action.
3. Blackmail via email: Alleged videos of sensitive actions
Another scam also targets users' email inboxes, but tries to lure them out of their reserve in a different way. For example, it is claimed here that the webcam was hacked by fraudsters. Now they claim to have sensitive recordings of those affected and to publish them if payment is not made on time. Recently, this scam has also increasingly required payment via cryptocurrency.
Service tip: Don't let yourself get carried away and don't jump to conclusions. Under no circumstances should you accept the request. If you are unsure whether this is real blackmail or not, ZEBRA will provide individual advice.
4. The digitization of the grandchild trick
Even the classic grandchild trick has not been spared from the digital revolution. Instead of playing grandson at the front door or on the phone, seniors are increasingly being lured into a trap via messenger these days. It is often claimed that the grandson or granddaughter has lost their cell phone and will contact them using the new cell phone number. This is usually quickly followed by demands for money in the form of transfers due to an urgent emergency.
Service tip: Don't make it so easy for digital thieves, try contacting your relatives using the numbers you know.
5. Keep your eyes open when buying used goods – fraud on Ebay classifieds
The creativity of online fraudsters knows no limits and does not stop at the eBay classifieds platform. The provider PayPal is currently being tricked, especially when making purchases. Especially when buying and selling goods and services privately, certain aspects should be taken into account to ensure the necessary security with PayPal as a payment method. Fraudsters often try to establish an approachable relationship through their friendly and courteous nature. After a nice conversation, the other person often suggests selecting the “Send money to friends and family” option on PayPal so that there are no additional costs for the seller. When purchasing online, always select the “Send money for goods and services” option as this is the only way to ensure PayPal’s fraud-proof buyer and seller protection. You should also be suspicious if the alleged buyer happens to be abroad and therefore cannot pick up the item himself. This is often followed by false emails from banks or payment service providers and alleged delivery costs. The seller should enter his or her bank information or transfer an amount for the delivery so that the sales process is completed.
Service tip: The ZEBRA team also provides individual advice on suspected cases and gives tips on verifying serious offers.
6. Rip-off on social media – tempting investments on Instagram
Dubious entrepreneurs, especially on Instagram, advertise tempting investment offers that promise quick financial success with little effort. Unsuspecting social media users often see images, videos or comments about alleged success stories of certain business models. Posts are often posted in luxurious cars and banknotes are waved around. Of course, it is also mentioned that those people used to not believe that it was not a rip-off and that it was so easy to make money online. You don't get any further information at first; To do this, contact should be made in private chat.
Service tip: Therefore, you should generally refrain from using private chats in which cyber criminals can influence you even more. Do not transfer money to strangers. If you have already transferred, you can often get your money back through your bank or various payment providers. If in doubt, the ZEBRA team will clarify known scams and warning signs on social media and advise users quickly, independently and reliably.
In the event of any attempted fraud, we also recommend filing a criminal complaint with the local police station or public prosecutor.
Source: State Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia
Also read: Identity theft on Facebook > Fraudsters are targeting Facebook profiles!
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