If O2 asks you to extend your SIM card via text message, then there is something wrong with it. We’ll tell you what to do.
O2 fraud via SMS. (Source: O2/voronaman /depositphotos.com)
Every now and then, your mobile phone provider will contact you via SMS. For example, to send you information about your contract. But be careful, just because the SMS supposedly comes from your provider, you shouldn’t trust it blindly. O2 customers in particular are currently experiencing first hand what can happen otherwise.
According to the provider’s message, your SIM card expires today. To continue using it, you only need to reactivate it. An attached link supposedly takes you to the corresponding process. However, you should not follow the request.
SMS as a scam
The SMS is not a helpful tip from the mobile phone provider, but an attempt at fraud. Cyber criminals want to use this method to get your personal data. If you follow the link, you will first be led through a Captcha process and then land on a fake O2 page. There you will be asked to log in.
This short message poses a danger. (Source: Screenshot / Netzwelt)
If you do that, the SMS senders will get access to your data. Service from O2 warns against such scams. The scammers can use the stolen information to order new cell phones at your expense and in your name, for example.
Recognize the scam in time
This fraud attempt is not a new idea. Such texts are sent repeatedly via SMS in the name of O2. In addition to the expiration of your SIM card, the supposed closure of your phone number is also popular. Only the sender number and the link are constantly changed.
The links used in these scams are particularly perfidious because they look very real. O2 points out that official links from the provider always take you to the o2.de or o2online.de pages. Short links are also always sent with g.o2.de. For example g.o2.de/o2_app.
Fallen for it? This is what to do now
If you have fallen for the fraudsters and clicked on the convincing phishing link and provided your data, you must act immediately. This is the only way to prevent data misuse.
We recommend that you first change all your passwords that are associated with your O2 account. Your customer ID number also needs to be changed urgently. To do this, contact O2 customer support and inform them of the situation. The employees will ensure as quickly as possible that your data is no longer visible on My O2.
Always remember not to trust unknown numbers and especially not to click on unknown links. If you are unsure whether a message really comes from O2, you can always contact the Support or the O2 Community turn around.
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