Phishing wave: Fraudsters pretend to be Paypal

Criminals are currently repeatedly pretending to be PayPal on the phone and claiming that a large transfer is about to be made to your account. A large sum is usually mentioned. A computer voice speaks at the other end. Calls are often made from a suppressed number, but in recent cases telephone numbers have also been recognized.

The computer voice asks you to press a button to stop the alleged payment. Anyone who does so is connected to a real person who tries to obtain personal data such as bank information or e-mail addresses – or even initiate money transfers. The methods used by the fraudsters vary. The criminals often don't just try one way, so users should be alert to unusual calls or messages.

However, PayPal and other companies do not contact customers in this way. Such calls are always an attempt at fraud. It is therefore best to hang up and not disclose any data. You can check your account directly in the official app or on the website. If anything is unclear, you can contact customer service via the official channel. There was an increase in such cases at the beginning of the year and in May.

Phishing: attempts on customers of Netflix, DHL and co.

In June, the consumer advice center warned of phishing attempts targeting customers of banks, online services and shipping companies. The fraudsters are trying to obtain personal data and login details. At DHL, for example, they claim that a delivery cannot be delivered due to an incorrect address. Deutsche Bahn customers, on the other hand, are lured by fraudsters offering refunds. Phishers are also trying to obtain data from Netflix and ING. Apo-Bank customers also need to be careful.

(mack)