Global Courant 2023-04-25 16:00:47
A family member in an emergency, Microsoft support service, or perhaps the police. In the case of unexpected calls it is recommended not to make hasty decisions in case of doubt.
When you receive unexpected and surprise phone calls, it is best to first respond with a large dose of skepticism. This happens in particular when the interlocutor tries to generate pressure, says Martin Meingast of the association Deutschland sicher im Netz (Safe Germany on the Net).
“The most important rule is not to be pressured,” says the expert, because almost all phone scams, also called “scam calls,” are based on this strategy.
Scams change like the season. Meingast believes that the fact that he often dominates a scam variant has a simple reason.
“It is also simply due to technical reasons, because a new call center has opened up somewhere, which is used by scammers and is then active for a few months until the authorities shut it down,” he explains.
The range of scams is enormous and ranges from team calls, support or data reconciliation under the misuse of the name of large companies, in which a computer virus infection is simulated, to various variants of grandchildren tricks or alleged claims pension insurance reimbursement.
In addition, there are false wins in raffles or lotteries, threats of fines and costs for freely invented crimes under the misuse of names of authorities or even the police.
In the end, the goal is always to access the personal computer, intercept sensitive data, or initiate money transfers.
People should not be intimidated, or install anything, or give or confirm any data. They should also not make any transfers, but rather hang up immediately. Thus, scammers run out of resources.
“If personal data is given, it’s already there and can’t be retrieved,” says Meingast.
But if access details to internet or even online banking accounts have been provided, the relevant companies and bank should be informed and have them block the accounts or bank account first.
In addition, the expert recommends that “in the event of one of these incidents, always go to the police and report the fact so that law enforcement can take the appropriate measures.”
Since seniors are the main target group for scammers, Meingast advises speaking directly to parents and grandparents themselves to warn them of the risks.
“The most important thing, of course, is to always inform them that these fraudulent calls exist,” he stresses. This awareness is “really half the battle,” he adds.
