2024-03-03 03:04:19
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.
++ Numerous calls with the area code +91 (02/29/2024) ++
Does the phone keep ringing with a number you don’t recognize? If you don’t answer your cell phone now, you’re doing everything right, because German smartphones are currently receiving countless WhatsApp calls from India. Have you had a call with the area code +91 in the past few days? Under no circumstances do you call back.
It is still unclear what fraud is behind the calls. Users who answered the call reported that there was silence on the other end. Cybersecurity expert Manuel Atug from HiSolutions suspects that the calls are aimed at getting those called to transfer money or reveal personal information.
The scammers use the calls to identify potential victims who are trustworthy enough to call back, Atug told mimikama.org. This approach allows fraudsters to use their resources more efficiently.
You can then concentrate on the people who have already shown a certain openness to communication. And once a relationship of trust has been established, fraudsters have a variety of opportunities to rip off their victims, says Atug.
The expert’s tip: Don’t accept calls from unknown and foreign numbers (like here from India). Don’t call back either. Are you unsure whether you should have known this number? Google it, or at least the area code. You can also block and report numbers directly in WhatsApp, and you can also mute unknown callers. The setting can be found in the privacy menu of the messenger (you can find detailed instructions here).
++ Paypal: Fraudsters want to get sensitive data (02/27/2024) ++
PayPal is repeatedly misused by fraudsters for criminal purposes. Now the payment service provider is once again at the center of a fraud scam. As the educational website “mimikama.org” reports, fake emails are currently in circulation again. The letters say, for example, that “suspicious activity” was detected on the account and that it was therefore blocked.
To reactivate the account, you should then log in to Paypal using a button in the email and confirm your phone number. This is how the fraudsters want to get personal data. The news actually looks quite convincing and could certainly give the impression of being official.
According to “Mimikama”, however, this fraud attempt can be easily exposed: Paypal says it always uses the first and last name when writing. In the case of fake emails, however, the salutation is usually completely missing. Those affected should also pay attention to the sender and look out for spelling errors.
++ False Netflix letter with threat (February 23, 2024) ++
Fraudsters are once again trying to get your money with a fake Netflix letter. In the most recent email of this type, they even threaten to permanently close the account and impose a penalty of 39.99 euros if customers do not confirm their billing information by February 24, 2024.
According to the NRW consumer advice center, this sentence is particularly dangerous: “If your payment details are correct, additional authentication by your bank may be required”. Why? It is used to have the bank authorize any transfers to the criminals that are made possible by disclosing the data. “This is therefore a very bold attempt at fraud that is dangerous for your own finances. Do not be intimidated by the empty threat of a closure fee,” warn consumer advocates and advise moving the email to the spam folder.
If customers are still unsure about the authenticity of the email, there is always the option of contacting Netflix.