Watch out for scams!: This is how you protect yourself against takeaway robberies

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Swiss Post also warns on its website: If you are waiting for a package, you may become a victim of fraudsters. “Scammers are taking advantage of the situation where many people are waiting for a package and sending emails such as shipping announcements in the name of Swiss Post,” the alert says. The post office lists more than a dozen “current fraud attempts.”

Long gone are the days when criminals simply sent millions of spam emails. They now target people’s phone numbers because for many people this automatically means increased trust. The recent increase in fake text message cases shows that this can be deceptive. What’s behind the term “smishing” and why do consumers need to be careful, especially in the run-up to Christmas?

The scammers’ logic seems simple: Before Christmas, almost everyone expects some kind of package. This means that a direct text message sent from a delivery service to a mobile phone instills trust in potential victims, making them more likely to click on the attached links. But no matter how convincing SMS or messenger text messages from DHL, Hermes and Co. may seem, this is exactly what you should avoid. Apart from this, criminals are after credit card data, access to online banking or direct transfers to claim customs duties, for example.

Are you expecting a package?

In order to understand that such SMSes are fake, you must first ask yourself whether you are expecting a package. In addition to the fact that most parcel services do not send SMS messages to track shipments or request alleged customs claims, the error-free use of the German language is often the weak point of such messages. The rule of thumb for unknown SMS is: don’t follow any links, don’t download anything.

You should not install applications or download files specifically requested by SMS or other link, even if it has the official DHL logo on it. Basically, as a smartphone user, you should only install apps that are verified by Apple’s Appstore or Google’s Playstore.

Important:

• Be careful when receiving a text message from someone claiming to be a takeaway.
• If you tapped a link in the message, do not allow the new app to install!
• Such messages can be used to upload malicious SMS messages, steal your personal data or defraud you for money.

This is how you can protect yourself

As a consumer, you have little protection against these fraudulent attempts. The only thing you can do is to check whether personal data such as email address or phone number has been leaked and is therefore available on the black market on the Internet. The largest databases, each containing more than twelve billion data records, include the University of Potsdam’s “HPI Identity Leak Checker” and the website “haveibeenpwned.com”.

Additionally, most messaging apps have settings where you can block that number as spam.

Criminals are likely to increasingly resort to “smishing” (based on “phishing” in spam emails) in the coming weeks. The approaching Black Weeks and Christmas are calling for scoundrels again. (via SpotOn)

Source :Blick