Internet Fraud Techniques and How to Fight Them

October is Cybersecurity Month

Every year, the Dutch government runs the Don't Be Fooled campaign in October, which is Cybersecurity Month. The campaign aims to educate people about the methods used by online criminals and teach them how to effectively protect themselves.
According to the data, in 2023, 2 out of 3 Dutch people aged 15 and over encountered phishing emails or other fraudulent messages. One in 1,4 actually fell victim to a scam – around XNUMX million people in total. This confirms the need to be attentive and careful in the digital environment.

The Main Techniques of Internet Fraud and How to Fight Them

1. Phishing

Criminals send emails or messages posing as banks, government agencies, or other reputable organizations. Their goal is to gain access to your data or money.
Advice: Always check the sender and links in messages! If something looks suspicious, do not click on the links or disclose your details. If in doubt, close the message and contact the organization listed as the sender directly.

2. Time pressure

Criminals create a sense of urgency, for example by claiming that your account will be blocked unless you provide details immediately or pay off the debt.
Advice: Official organizations never demand immediate action! Take a break, think, do not react under pressure. Contact the organization to verify the information.

3. Emergencies

Scammers may claim that there is a problem (such as your account being blocked) and demand a quick response.
Tip: Be careful if the message makes you feel anxious or panicked - real organizations rarely report problems this way. Close the message and contact support directly.

4. Great deals and discounts

Scammers often attract attention with offers that are too good to be true or promotions that seem too good to be true.

Council.

If an offer looks suspiciously good, check it through the company's official website. It's better to double-check than to become a victim of fraud.

If you doubt the authenticity of a message, close it and check the information through the organization's official website. It is also useful to regularly update passwords and use two-factor authentication.

Don't be fooled - be vigilant and protect your data!