More and more banks are asking their customers to check their data. Apparently at least. In fact, behind this are phishing emails that scammers use to try to get hold of your confidential data. TECHBOOK explains what meshes they use and how you can protect yourself from them.
New fraud attempts have been coming to the fore over several weeks that put customers of various banks at risk. TECHBOOK explains why right now seems like a good time for criminals – and how you can spot phishing and protect yourself.
“Suspicious” Transfers at Savings Banks and Volksbank
Phishing radar stopped at Schleswig-Holstein Consumer Advice Center. It’s about Sparkus and the Volksbanken banks. According to this, scammers are currently trying to get customer data through e-mail. Under the topic “System Alarm Codes”, a reference to an allegedly “suspicious” transfer is made which has since been cancelled. A required account verification should now be done using the attached link. But according to the association, this link actually leads to a wrong website. All the data entered here is sent directly to scammers, who can then misuse them for their own purposes.
Also interesting: Postbank customers will have to agree to the new terms and conditions, otherwise the account will be destroyed
Phishing emails disguised as “significant change”.
The last attack on Sparkasse’s customers happened not long ago. Your bank is currently facing several changes which the customers need to be aware of. The situation is exploited by fraudsters for phishing.
It was not until March that e-mails apparently were circulating in the name of Sparkasse, in which bank customers were to be informed of the data checks required by law. They had subject lines such as “Significant Changes”, “We’re Changing!”, “Your Savings Bank Notified” or “Notice from Your Savings Bank”. To expedite the said verification and avoid restrictions on banking, recipients are required to fill out a form. However, the attached link does not take Sparkasse customers to their bank’s website, but to a fake page and an incorrect form.
Read also: If you get a new Sparkasse EC card, you lose two payment options!
DKB customers also on target of fraudsters
DKB is also one of the banks where customers should beware of phishing. Because here too, emails were in vogue recently which fraudsters send under the name of DKB and with whom they want to access data. According to the Consumer Advice Center, the subject line in the most recent phishing attempt is “Verified Telephone Number.” In order to be able to continue using all online services, Bank customers must confirm their stored telephone number. Otherwise there is a risk of the account being blocked. The phone number is used for verification in online banking. So it should not fall into wrong hands. This applies to all personal data that fraudsters try to access through queries.
Read also: Who is Klarna’s new banking app good for?
Identify phishing emails from alleged banks
At first glance, phishing e-mails from banks seem to have a serious impact. They are kept in the respective distinctive colors and also display the correct logo. There are no major spelling mistakes. However, a closer look reveals deficiencies, such as commas or lowercase berlin in DKB.
In principle, it is advisable not to click on direct links in e-mails. Instead, go directly to your bank’s website. If there is a problem with your account or the bank requires some data, they will either inform you here or send you a letter after logging in.
DKB has also introduced a safety certificate. If customers have submitted their postal code with the bank, DKB displays two of the five digits in all e-mails to verify themselves. With the zip code for Berlin 10961, it might look something like this: “Your zip code is *0*6*”.
If you do fall for a phishing email, Sparksey recommends the following steps:
- Quickly change the access data of your banking transactions over the Internet.
- Tell your bank immediately. This can prevent further damage.
- Do not delete the e-mail, it serves as proof in case of emergency.
- If you still have the malicious email, send it to [email protected] or [email protected].
- File a criminal complaint.
