More and more consumers opt for online shopping. Practical and often economical, this allows you to do shopping without having to leave your home. On the other hand, it is a habit that can represent risks for your bank accounts. 60 Million consumers alerted the French.
A scam that empties bank accounts
Due to the increase in online shopping, scams have exploded. Indeed, scammers continue to demonstrate ingenuity in extracting money from their victims. And because of these scams, many people end up with their bank accounts emptied.
The scenario is simple, but effective. Scammers send fraudulent emails or text messages. These seem to come from reputable carriers such as Mondial Relay or Colissimo. The message informs the user that a package is blocked.
Before adding that rapid intervention must take place to resolve the situation. This stratagem plays on consumers' trust in these brands and their fear of not receiving their order.
At the heart of this scam is a well-known technique used by cybercriminals to empty bank accounts. This is phishing. This process consists of usurping the visual and digital identity of a company or service.
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Scammers identically reproduce the logos, design and even tone used by official carriers. The trap closes when the victim click on the link provided in the fraudulent message.
She is then directed to a counterfeit website. The latter was created to resemble an official platform. On this site, the user is asked to provide personal information. This is the case for his bank details.
It is at this precise moment that the scammers collect the data necessary to access the victims' bank accounts. They can then carry out fraudulent transactions, often to significant amounts.
Advice from 60 Million consumers
This scam can also have serious consequences for the victims. Once sensitive information is collected, scammers can drain an account with just a few clicks. Although these frauds peak during the holiday season, they are not limited to this period.
In fact, scammers remain active throughout the year. They do not hesitate to adopt their approaches to consumer habits. To avoid falling into this type of trap which empties your bank accounts, 60 Millions de consommateurs offers several tips to put into practice.
If you receive a message regarding a package, do not click on the link provided. You must go directly to the official website of the carrier by entering its address in your browser. But that's not all.
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Also be aware that fraudulent messages often come from suspicious addresses or numbers. Take the time to verify their legitimacy. In addition, no recognized carrier charges fees for rescheduling a delivery.
If you believe you have disclosed sensitive information, you should contact your bank immediately to report the fraud and secure your account. Online shopping will continue to be part of the daily lives of many French people.
On the other hand, vigilance remains the best defense against these scams. By taking the time to check each message and adopting prudent behaviors, it is possible to significantly reduce the risks.
As 60 Million consumers remind us, it is possible to thwart this scam which will empty your bank accounts. Cybercriminals rely on consumer haste and trust.
Source: 60 Million Consumers
