2024-04-13 04:06:21
Fraudsters are always coming up with new scams to trick people out of their money. We’ll show you how people are currently being ripped off.
It is a real wave of rip-offs that is currently hitting consumers. Fraudsters primarily try to gain access to sensitive data, credit cards and accounts through digital channels. You can always read about which stitch you are currently using here.
++ Be careful of this fake Commerzbank email (April 12, 2024) ++
Fraudsters are currently trying to get Commerzbank customers to disclose their account details. Customers are informed in an email that the bank is obliged by current legislation to contribute to the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.
If a customer questionnaire is not filled out immediately, “all contractual relationships” would be terminated by April 13, 2024, the email threatens. And even more: If customers do not comply with the request, the bank card will be blocked for payments, it is said.
“Don’t follow this,” warns the consumer protection center. “The fact that this is an attempted fraud can be seen from the lack of salutation, the short deadline, the dubious layout and the lack of the bank’s logo. Don’t fall for such scams.” The experts advise that emails of this type (so-called phishing emails, read all about it here) should be moved to the spam folder immediately and without being answered.
++ Warning about fake shops for bicycles (April 9, 2024) ++
The Hamburg consumer advice center warns that you should be careful about fake online shops that supposedly offer bicycles and bicycle accessories. The fraudulent online retailers lured potential buyers “with supposedly cheap offers for high-quality bikes and e-bikes,” it is said.
The criminals also allegedly offer spare parts and accessories such as bicycle bags from brand manufacturers at cheaper prices. “But after paying for the goods by bank transfer or credit card, the orders are not delivered and the supposed operators of the shops cannot be reached,” warn consumer advocates.
++ Customs office: Apparently there is a package at customs (April 2, 2024) ++
The main customs office in Munich warns of phishing emails that contain requests for payment for parcel shipments. The senders used email addresses that were similar to well-known shipping companies and could easily lead to confusion. The payments amounting to thousands of euros should therefore be transferred immediately to foreign accounts.
According to the German customs administration, payments are only required to domestic accounts of the Federal Treasury, and payment requests are only sent by post and never by email or SMS. The main customs office in Munich recommends ignoring such emails and deleting them without a response.
++ Disney Plus: Allegedly subscription canceled (March 28, 2024) ++
Be careful of this phishing email that is aimed at customers of the streaming service provider Disney Plus. The email consists of little text. After an impersonal salutation, you will be informed that the subscription has been canceled. A payment problem could not be resolved. Afterwards, customers will be offered to reactivate the membership by clicking on the button below labeled “Reactivate Subscription”.
Are you a Disney Plus customer? Then definitely do not click this button. The consumer advocates warn: “By clicking this button, you allow criminals to access your sensitive data, which could then be used for further data misuse. We advise you to always move such emails to the spam folder without being answered.”
++ Paypal: Apparently your account is blocked (March 12, 2024) ++
The consumer advice center is again warning of fraud in connection with the payment service provider Paypal. An email has been circulating since the beginning of the week that purports to be an official PayPal letter. The subject of the email says: “Unblock your PayPal account in accordance with the new terms and conditions.”
The email begins with a personal salutation and initially appears inconspicuous. The content points out the need for a revision of the terms of use. It is of “paramount importance” to review and update personal information to ensure the quality of the service.