The phenomenon of cybercrime: online fraud is exploding

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Many people continue to fall for it, whether it is hacker attacks or the son-daughter trick. Crime at the click of a mouse is on the rise.

Data protection is a top priority in Austria. But for many, it quickly stops when it comes to their own smartphone or PC. All cookies are quickly activated, and lots of data is revealed.
A look at the cybercrime statistics shows: There were 60,195 reports in the previous year, a 30.4 percent increase over 2021, and the trend is expected to continue as IT advances. “Fake cops,” international call centres, and digital investment fraud drive the statistics. There seem to be no limits to the ingenuity of criminals.
The cases range from blackmail to drug trafficking on the Darknet. Private individuals and businesses are both affected, with computer systems paralysed and money required to restore them. The daughter-son trick is particularly popular. Victims receive the WhatsApp message, “Hi mum, this is my new phone number.” The fraudsters pose as children and claim to have a new phone number.
However, the banking app on the new cell phone does not yet work. The victims may transfer a higher amount to a specific recipient …

False email addresses cause trouble
Phishing e-mails and websites, such as those with the false sender e-mail address finanzOnline@bmf.gv.at, are repeatedly causing trouble. If you follow the link, you are taken to a phishing website that asks you to enter personal information and credit card details.