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During holidays and major sales events, not only does the number of online purchases increase, but so does the activity of fraudsters. Scammers take advantage of the excitement around discounts, deliveries, and gifts to gain access to bank cards, online accounts, and personal information.
The Most Common Scam: “Your Package Has Been Delivered”
Scammers call pretending to be from a courier service and ask you to provide the verification code sent via SMS to confirm delivery. Once they obtain the code, they may gain access to your accounts or even take out a loan in your name.
In many cases, victims then receive calls from people posing as bank employees or law enforcement officers. They claim there have been “suspicious transactions” and persuade the victim to install an application, transfer money, or perform other actions. Their ultimate goal is to steal your funds.
Common Scam Schemes
Fake Sales.
Scammers create counterfeit versions of well-known online stores offering huge discounts. Once you make a payment or enter your bank card details, both your money and payment information fall into the hands of fraudsters.
Fake Customer Support.
After you post a complaint on social media, someone posing as a company representative contacts you and offers to process a refund through a special link. The link leads to a phishing website.
Failed Delivery Messages.
Users receive messages asking them to pay for a second delivery via a link. Along with the payment, scammers obtain the victim’s bank card details.
Marketplace Account Hacking.
After gaining access to a user’s marketplace account, criminals use the linked bank card to make unauthorized purchases.
Fake Delivery Tracking Apps.
A malicious application disguised as a delivery tracking service may intercept SMS verification codes, gain access to banking apps, and steal personal data.
How to Protect Yourself
- Always check the website address before making a purchase.
- Never share SMS verification codes with anyone.
- Do not click suspicious links in text messages or emails.
- Never install applications at the request of strangers.
- Be cautious of offers with unrealistically large discounts.
- Use a separate bank card for online shopping.
- Never disclose your full bank card details, including the CVV security code.
Even if the caller claims to represent your bank, a delivery service, or law enforcement, do not make hasty decisions. If you have any doubts, end the conversation and contact the organization yourself using its official contact information.
Source: Fingramota.kz
