More and more ads – The new old tricks of internet scammers

While the state of Carinthia is currently being blackmailed by hackers, PayPal users in the Alpine Republic should also be careful: the fraudsters try to get hold of sensitive data and money with a clever trap. An email that may appear deceptively genuine at first glance states that the PayPal account requires action.

Many people in Austria use this online payment service, the final letter is kept in the original design of the payment provider. Potential victims are asked to enter their details, as is usually the case when using the offer. The professional scammers pretend to follow a link to unlock the account again.

Also check all transactions on your mobile phone
At first glance, nothing seems out of the ordinary, especially for those who want to use the service on their mobile phone while on the go. But on closer inspection, it is clear that on the one hand, the umlaut characters are missing in “Action required for your PayPal account” and on the other, the Internet address is not that of the stated operator of the online payment service.

“If you receive an alleged PayPal email, always check your own dashboard to see if a message actually got there. If it hasn’t, it’s definitely not an official email,” the local cybercrime said. expert Erhard Friessnik (see interview below). Therefore, ignore the email and delete it immediately. For those who have fallen into the treacherous trap, change PayPal passwords and contact the credit card provider and house bank!

Keep your eyes open when shopping online
But internet fraudsters aren’t just using the new old tricks right now. Criminals also try to trap so-called fake stores to get their hands on sensitive credit card information. For example, it is claimed that expensive bicycles can be bought much cheaper than commercially available bicycles.

Again, the rule of thumb applies: “If something seems odd, don’t touch it and don’t enter any details or click on links.” Friessnik continues: “The internet address often contains indications for safe or unsafe payment methods. A store whose address does not contain the S in https:// will not use encrypted data exchange for the connection.” Personal data can be intercepted.

Cryptocurrencies popular with the money launderers
However, the current annual report of the Austrian Money Laundering Registration Office (A-FIU) shows that in 2021 gangs relied heavily on cryptocurrencies for money laundering. The number of reports of suspicious activity from crypto trading platforms has increased from 44 to 250!

Interview: “Prepaid cards for online shopping!”
Erhard Friessnik, head of the Federal Criminal Police’s Domestic Competence Center for Cybercrime (C4), fights against online crime. He tells the “Krone” readers how to protect themselves against fraud on the Internet.

Crown Mr Friessnik, as head of the local Cybercrime Competence Center (C4), what do you recommend when shopping online?
Erhard Friessnik: In principle, it is important to deal with the store where something is to be purchased. If the prices are suspiciously low or if there is no valid imprint, do not make a purchase under any circumstances.

What are other criteria that make you suspicious?
If there is only the option to pay by credit card, this is also an indication of a possible fake store. A transaction service like PayPal, on the other hand, is often a good sign.

Fraudsters are currently trying to set up PayPal traps via email. What should be considered here?
Never click on a link from an email. If an alleged PayPal e-mail has been received, always check in your own dashboard whether a message has arrived there. If not, it’s definitely not an official post.

What should you pay attention to when buying with a credit card?
The safest way to shop online is with a prepaid credit card.

What if I gave my information to a scam site?
Have the card blocked immediately and report it to the police!