2023-12-18 07:00:00
Eset identified a series of scams in which cybercriminals, using fake websites, impersonate legitimate insurance companies.
Because, as its name indicates, having Mandatory Traffic Accident Insurance (SOAT) is mandatory for all vehicles that circulate in Colombia, it makes it an attractive instrument for scammers.
More than twenty deceptive sites have been reported that lead the victim to pay cybercriminals, and give them confidential and financial information that they can use for future scams.
What is the scam like?
One of the ways victims can reach these sites is via fraudulent advertising.
Ads can be found appearing on legitimate websites, such as social media or news sites, and they can be very convincing in appearing to actually come from a legitimate insurance company.
ESET has also identified that these sites appear in search engine results, even positioned on the first pages.
Scammers can use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, such as including keywords or external references, to appear among the first results.
“On these sites, quotes are offered that are supposedly easy to request, fast and low-cost. To complete it, fraudulent websites usually request personal information such as the document number, full name, phone number of the victim, and in some cases the vehicle license plate. This information can then be used by scammers to commit fraud or identity theft,” explains Martina López, computer security specialist at the ESET Latin America Research Laboratory.
Once the user provides personal information, the website directs them to a WhatsApp chat to speak with a supposed operator.
This, using an unverified and generally personal profile, will convince the victim to make the payment.
The fraud
It is in this instance where the scam occurs. The alleged operator disappears, or sends falsified documents without any legal validity.
Beyond the economic loss, this last point is particularly dangerous, since if a driver is stopped by the police with a false SOAT, they can be fined or even arrested.
Furthermore, in the event of an accident, the driver will not be covered by insurance and will have to bear the costs of repairing the damage.
recommendations
It is important to take certain precautions online when searching for information and quotes for this or any other type of mandatory service. This is why ESET provides a series of tips to prevent this type of scam:
– Make the purchase or contract through the official websites of those reliable and reputable organizations that provide the service or product. In this case, insurance companies.
– Be wary of websites that offer the service at very attractive prices.
– Verify company information before making payment.
– Avoid the corresponding payments for transfers, and doubt alleged organizations that use messaging applications with unverified contacts to send quotes or request information.
– Contact the corresponding insurance company if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a website.
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