Online scams: phishing and the possible dangers
Nowadays, an online scam is carried out in many different ways. Probably one of the best-known methods is phishing, in which criminals use fake websites or forms to obtain customers' private data. In order to provide the best possible information about fraud on the Internet and phishing attacks, the following article takes an in-depth look at the subject, the possible damage and protective measures.
Damage caused by cybercrime runs into the millions
Phishing is a variant of digital data theft. Particularly in today's times, an enormous amount of money can be made from user data, so that phishing once again achieves tragic "fame" despite its long familiarity. The criminal attacks mainly affect banks, but also global internet portals and social networks. In German online banking alone, more than 30,000 cases of phishing were registered by the police between 2010 and 2015. The number of unreported cases is likely to be significantly higher. In Germany alone, this results in annual losses of around 40 to 70 million euros.
Patterns of phishing are similar
As a rule, fraudsters always behave in the same way. For example, the victims end up on a fake website by themselves or receive a fake e-mail with a link to it. What is particularly insidious is thanks to official and trustworthy features and logos, the phishing e-mails are often difficult to recognize. After the unsuspecting users have clicked on the link and entered their data into what they think is a recognized website, it's done. The data is transferred to the so-called phisher, who then enjoys full access to the victim’s bank account.
For every website where sensitive data has to be entered, it should therefore always be checked whether it is trustworthy. Especially with rather unknown brands, such as in the Internet gambling industry, this can be difficult for beginners. Therefore, in all of our online casino reviews on scams.info, we highlight how to find and check the security and authenticity features on the provider pages themselves. This is especially important when playing at online casinos with real money.
How phishers are unmasked
Even though fake e-mails have become increasingly "better" in recent years, users can still follow a few tangible steps to protect themselves against phishing. A typical example of a fake mail is that an entire distribution list is attached as the recipient. Of course, this is done with the aim of sending such a mail to as many customers as possible. In addition, phishing mails often give themselves away by the call to action, which is very prominently displayed in the subject line.
Numerous clues can also be discovered within the text. Savings banks and banks, for example, usually write directly to their customers and do not use an impersonal address. Under no circumstances should links be opened that are attached to these fake e-mails. Possible files in the attachment should also remain untouched in the best case. Another typical tactic is the build-up of pressure through requests for action and pointed wording. However, this is merely "hot air" intended to urge quick payment.
Another tip: If you get a bad feeling about a website, you can easily compare the URL of the homepage with the address from your own favourites, for example. Anyone interested in online gambling should always make sure to visit only trusted online casinos to protect themselves from fraud.
In case of a scam, the account should be blocked
If the login details have already been entered, important steps can also still be taken. Immediately after the fraud has been noticed, the bank's blocking hotline should be called to block one's accounts. This hotline is available around the clock. In addition, it is always advisable to contact a lawyer for Internet fraud. Finally, the phishing e-mail should also be forwarded to the bank or other affected companies so that such incidents can be avoided in the future.
Protection against phishing: tips at a glance
Here you will find the most important tips for effective protection against online phishers, fake websites and data theft. With these tips, users can effectively protect themselves against scams and be on the safe side when surfing the internet or shopping on online stores.
- Do not respond to e-mails that ask for financial information
- Check the full e-mail address of the sender
- Never enter personal data via e-mail
- Do not be redirected to the bank's web pages via a link in an e-mail
- Visit bank pages only by typing in the URL
- Check bank accounts regularly
- Use modern anti-virus software and update it regularly
Frequently asked questions about phishing
To conclude the article about phishing and online fraud, here are the answers to the most common questions that arise in connection with this topic. This way, you can see some of the most important info at a glance.
What are phishing mails?
Phishing mails are supposedly legitimate e-mails, which actually have the goal of enabling fraud. The aim of the masterminds is to obtain financial information, access data or sensitive personal data. They often try to do this in a very creative way.
Where to report phishing mails?
The best thing to do is to contact the companies from which the scam e-mails allegedly originate. Many larger companies have even provided a special email address where phishing attempts can be reported. It can also be useful to contact the consumer advice center to play a part in putting a stop to such activities.
Why do I receive phishing mails?
In order for phishing mails to be sent, the scammers must first obtain e-mail addresses. When people register in online forums or subscribe to newsletters, for example, wire-pullers can obtain these addresses. In addition, malware exists that can also be used to launch phishing attempts.
How can you recognize phishing?
Phishing mails often sound urgent and encourage action. Threats can also be found in them. In addition, recipients are asked to enter their PIN or other confidential data. Unknown links and attachments can also be found in such fraudulent mails.