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In the run-up to Christmas, it’s not just parcel volumes that increase—fraudulent SMS messages are also on the rise again. RTR warns against fake messages from parcel services, banks, or authorities.
With the start of the intensive online shopping phase before Christmas, Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH (RTR) is once again seeing a significant increase in fraudulent text messages. In October, just under 700 complaints were received, slightly fewer than in the previous month, but the authority expects a sharp increase soon. The reason is apparent: the high number of parcel orders and the growing time pressure in the run-up to Christmas offer ideal conditions for fraudsters. The messages currently in circulation often pretend to be from parcel services, banks, or government agencies and contain links to fake payment pages, fraudulent forms, or dangerous downloads. In recent weeks, there have been increased warnings about phishing text messages with the identifier “Austria-ID” or “FinanzOnline.” These are attempts to steal access to data or install malware on smartphones.
More fraud attempts due to parcel stress and Christmas shopping
Experience shows that the weeks before Christmas are peak season for criminal tricks. In addition to phishing SMS messages, scams such as the well-known daughter/son trick or fake messages from alleged online retailers are becoming increasingly common. The goal is always to obtain personal data, passwords, or account access—often under significant time pressure and with supposedly urgent payment requests. It is almost impossible to trace the fake messages. The sender IDs are manipulated so that real companies, such as parcel services, banks, or payment services, are often displayed. The scams are perpetrated mainly by international networks that send automated mass text messages.
How to recognize phishing text messages
Phishing text messages are often deceptively genuine, but they can be exposed with a few precautions. Three basic rules help to avoid scams: First, it is worth taking a critical look at the content of the message for a moment. If the timing or wording seems implausible, you should contact the company yourself via the official hotline or website. Second, don’t trust the sender ID displayed. Even if the sender appears to be your own bank, the post office, or a parcel service, this display is often fake. Third, never click on links in text messages. The URLs usually hide fake websites, malware, or malicious apps that can enable complete takeover of the device.
Fake calls also remain a major problem
In addition to SMS fraud, the number of fake calls also remains high. Automated messages on behalf of large service providers such as Amazon or PayPal are reported particularly frequently. They usually ask you to press a button to solve an alleged problem. However, anyone who does so is redirected to fraudsters who urge them to install malicious software. Malware of this kind often gives perpetrators access to account data or personal information.
Report suspicious text messages and calls
Suspicious cases can be reported to the reporting center at rufnummernmissbrauch.at. There, RTR collects information on frequent fraudulent activities and can quickly inform the public if necessary.
About RTR
Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH (RTR) is a federal agency whose goal is to promote fair competition in the telecommunications, postal, and media sectors. It is divided into two departments and regularly publishes information on current developments in the field of digital communications.
How can I recognize a fraudulent text message?
Fraudulent text messages often look deceptively genuine, but usually contain a link that leads to a fake website. You should be suspicious if the message arrives unexpectedly, contains linguistic errors, or urgently requests payment or personal data. Even if the sender appears to be a bank, postal service, or parcel delivery service, this may be fake.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious text message?
It is best to delete the message immediately and under no circumstances click on the link. If you are unsure, you should contact the alleged company via an officially known telephone number. You can also report the number or sender to rufnummernmissbrauch.at.
What happens if I do click on a fraudulent link?
In this case, you should take immediate action. First, disconnect your smartphone from the internet and check whether an unknown app has been installed. Any access data you have entered must be changed immediately. You should also contact your mobile phone provider or bank and report the incident.
- source: 5minuten.at/picture: pixabay.com
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