Many O2 customers are currently receiving a strange text message. It says that your contract is being terminated. How serious is the message?
A strange O2 SMS is circulating. (Source: O2/PantherMediaSeller /depositphotos.com / Collage Networld)
It is not unusual for your mobile phone provider to contact you via SMS. This could include information about your contract or a new offer, for example. However, you should not blindly trust these messages. It is also possible that fraudsters are posing as your provider and luring you into a trap. O2 customers are currently affected by this method of phishing.
An SMS will be sent on behalf of O2 informing you that your contract ends today and will be blocked. To prevent this from happening, you will be asked to extend the contract via a link. However, you should not do this under any circumstances. It can have serious consequences.
Malicious SMS
As already mentioned, the SMS is not information from your mobile phone provider, but an attempt at fraud. Cyber criminals want to use this method to obtain your personal data. If you tap on the link, you will be redirected to a fake O2 page and asked to provide sensitive data.
This SMS is not serious. (Source: Screenshot Netzwelt)
The Service from O2 is aware of the threat and warns against it. According to the provider, the fraudsters could use the stolen data to order new cell phones at your expense and in your name, for example.
How to recognize the scam
This type of attempted fraud is nothing new. Such texts are regularly sent via SMS in the name of O2. In addition to the end of the contract, the closure of your phone number and the expiration of your SIM card are also often used as a pretext for data theft. The sender number and link are always different.
Purely stylistically, the messages are not immediately recognizable as fake. The links used are particularly perfidious. They look very real. To help, 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.
This is what those affected must do
Did you realise too late that it was a fake, clicked on the link and entered your details? Then you must act immediately. First, change all your passwords that are associated with the account. The customer ID must also 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 can no longer be viewed on My O2.
Only if you follow these steps can you prevent data misuse. 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.
- » Tipp: The best VPN providers for more security and data protection
- » Buy a balcony power plant: Comparison of the best solar systems
Don’t miss anything with the NETWORK-Newsletter
Every Friday: The most informative and entertaining summary from the world of technology!
