SCAMMERS PRETEND TO BE A PARCEL SERVICE – SPELLING MISTAKES SHOULD BE CONSPICUOUS
For a few days now, scammers have been causing a stir by pretending to be a parcel service, sending out SMS (mostly with gross spelling mistakes) and trying to get us to click on the link sent along.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I CLICK ON THE LINK?
The scammers with the prefix “+43 676” pretend to be the parcel service “DHL” and ask to download the parcel tracking app. When this is done, however, malware is installed on the cell phone.
According to some media reports, several hundred thousand people in German-speaking countries have already clicked on the link and downloaded the app. 10,000 people have been affected in Austria. Many report that several hundred SMS messages – expensive – have been sent abroad shortly afterwards.
The link is used to download malware and install it on the cell phone. The app (most likely) serves to spread the software even further and spy on the owner of the phone by means of data theft.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAVE ALREADY DOWNLOADED THE APP?
It’s best to switch on “flight mode” immediately – so no messages can go in or out. Then the phone should be turned off. When switching on, then go into “secure mode” (varies depending on the device – refer to the user manual) – there “third parties” can then no longer cause any damage. In this mode, the app can then be safely uninstalled.
- sources: krone.at and APA
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