Over the past week, there has been another spike in cases of attempted fraud in the form of fraudulent SMS and email messages. Phishing, as well as phone calls masquerading as a company’s tech support to steal identities.
Without a doubt, this is something that is on the agenda, but there are always key times when the number of computer crimes increases, coinciding with key dates like the launch of the campaign each year. tax return by the Tax Agency.
Fraudulent SMS, emails and calls
This is the usual behavior of cybercriminals, who try to get a piece of everything that, because of its relevance and interest, is on everyone’s lips, no matter how much damage they may cause, be it either through notifications of convocation for the Covid vaccination or bank communications.
The mail and transport sector is not spared either, as we learned both this week DHL What MRW have been affected by SMS scams. The victim receives an SMS informing him of the existence of a package with delivery problems and inviting him to download the fake mobile application of the company.
If you continue with the process, you will install a malware capable of stealing information from your profile and impersonating your identity, with the consequent risk that it could be used when you return to work with your bank or carry out another transaction.
Both companies report attempted internet fraud and offer recommendations to their customers so they don’t fall for the scam. The Civil Guard Telematic Crimes Group also offers security Council and a decalogue of safe navigation.
A while ago we saw scams associated with corporate technical support, which seems to be on the rise again. Microsoft was one of those affected by these fraudulent phone calls and is urging users to increase user safety with a video produced by its Digital Crimes Unit.
MICROSOFT VIDEO
What are the most common internet scams?
According to studies conducted by the state attorney general’s office and security forces and organs, the most common scams that can occur on the internet are usually associated with the purchase of items in places with a bad reputation, as well as ‘identity theft of banking entities.
- Purchases online of products in fictitious or unsavory places
- Gift certificates, widely used on social networks. They ask for your personal information in exchange for discount checks that never arrive or bogus promotions.
- Fake job offers with high pay in which you are asked to fill in the data of social security or any other body in the country.
- Donations to organizations masquerading as NGOs.
- the Phishing bank, pretending to be the portal of a financial institution. As a customer, you are asked for account passwords, which your real bank would never do.
- Low interest loans, from reputable financial institutions, asking for an initial amount for loan processing.
- Family heirlooms that do not exist, for which a letter is sent beforehand, and it should be noted that in exchange for a small sum of money, he will keep the inheritance.
- Win bogus lottery coupons.
- Scams in the rental of housing or other property during holidays or summer dates, simulating rental service when the property does not exist.
- Victims of the intermediation of scams, called “muleros”, in which someone tells you that you cannot receive money in an account in a foreign country and that in exchange for a commission or a percentage, you provide your own account and transfer the rest to another. It is money that other victims have been scammed with in the past.
What should I do if I have been scammed?
State security forces and corps recommend collecting all possible data about the scam (web address, email or message, invoice or company data) and reporting it to the Civil Guard office or the police as soon as possible.
These rogue organizations move very quickly to avoid detection. For this reason, you can always resort to setting complaint via Internet electronically. In addition, you can claim the TO DAD (Office of Consumer Affairs).
Subsequently, you must ratify the complaint lodged with a post of the Civil Guard within a maximum period of 72 hours from the electronic formalization. It will suffice to print the receipt of the complaint and present it to the nearest office.
How can I be notified of the most common scams?
The best weapon against online scams is to be informed and to know everything that is going on around us. The media play a key role in this regard, alerting and highlighting operating mode of every scam.
For some time now, social networks have also become messengers, but unfortunately, they do not always do an exemplary job for the citizen and sometimes they manage to amplify hoaxes or false news considered. fake news.
It is therefore advisable to always consult reliable sources and follow the recommendations of official accounts such as that of the National Police: @National Police.
How can I protect myself from scams?
As a primary measure, start by deploying security measures on your devices, whether they are computers, mobile phones or tablets. The main manufacturers of Software security has tools to protect your digital life.
We have different cybersecurity related content that can help you choose the security solution that is best for you and your family situation, as well as the number of devices you want to protect.
During the state of alarm and pandemic, the average time we spend in front of a computer or consume online content has increased. We have an article related to Coronavirus Fraud: How To Protect Yourself From Online Scams it can help you.
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