Email phishing scams are on the rise. Although the technique is known, it nevertheless still seems to work. So be careful with the emails you receive!
Follow meA TCS kit or an electric toothbrush from Migros as a thank you gift: These are some of the gifts we promise you in exchange for participating in a brief online survey. Criminals attempt to deceive recipients by imitating emails in the name of Swiss companies and organizations that are well known to the general public. They preferably choose names that exude high credibility.
The objective is obviously not to be generous before Christmas, “but to access personal information as well as credit card data”, the Zurich cantonal police already warned early October. The wave of phishing continues and, according to specialists, will reach its peak before the end of year holidays.
This is how it works
We told you above, Scammers arouse interest with rather tempting so-called gifts:
Whether it’s an electric toothbrush…
screenshot: watson
A TCS emergency kit…
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Or a set from Ikea…
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It is in fact nothing of the sort. When we click on the button, we are sent to a fake brand site, as illustrated below:
screenshot: watson
And obviously, to receive the gift, you must participate in a survey:
screenshot: watson
A countdown on the criminal site in question puts pressure, encouraging the Internet user to complete the investigation as quickly as possible. Then, as a thank you, you can then claim the reward. All that remains is to pay for the shipping of the package…
screenshot: watson
Once the questionnaire is completed, you must enter your personal data as well as delivery costs, and enter your credit card details.
screenshot: watson
screenshot: watson
A small padlock and the Visa and MasterCard logos make everything more serious. Scammers additionally work with fake customer reviews. For example, we read:
“I received my product yesterday. Fast and excellent customer service! Thank you so much
What if we fall for it?
The police provide a clear answer to this question. If, obviously, we never receive the promised gift, once the amount has been validated:
“It turns out that instead of the minimal shipping costs shown, much higher amounts were also charged, in addition to an unintentional subscription to an online store. In addition, we never receive the promised thank-you gift.”
How to react?
The authorities advise you to forward these fraudulent emails to cybercrimepolice.ch and then delete them immediately. It is also possible to report them as spam. Another essential point:
“Never share sensitive personal data without first doing thorough research. If in doubt, it is advisable to inquire directly with the company concerned in order to establish the authenticity of the message.
People who have entered their credit card information should immediately have it blocked. The police also advise you to file a complaint.
(Translated from German by Valentine Zenker)
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