Author: Celular Iberia
Date: 28/12/2024
Categoy: Tecnología

“n an increasingly connected world, devices such as smartphones and tablets have become essential tools in our daily lives. However, this connectivity has also opened the door to new forms of internet fraud and scams that put our personal and financial data at risk. At Celular Iberia, as technology experts, we want to offer you some key recommendations to keep you protected against these threats”

The rise of internet scams: a growing problem

Internet scams are constantly evolving, and cybercriminals are perfecting their techniques to trick even the most cautious users. Among the most commonly used methods are phishing, scam calls and id spoofing, a technique whereby fraudsters impersonate phone numbers to impersonate banks or other trusted institutions.

A clear example of this is the ‘fake bank manager’ scam. In this type of fraud, fraudsters impersonate employees of your bank, using social engineering techniques to generate a sense of urgency to obtain your personal or financial details. Alarmingly, these calls often appear legitimate, as criminals can spoof the phone number to match that of your bank branch.

Warning signs in suspicious communications

To protect yourself against these scams, it is essential to watch out for certain signs that may reveal that something is not right:

• Requests for sensitive information: Your bank will never ask you for passwords, access codes or coordinate card details by phone, SMS or email.
• Excessive urgency: If someone tries to pressure you to make quick decisions, such as making a transfer or sharing information, be wary.
• Grammatical or wording errors: Fraudulent messages often contain errors that can give them away.

Recommendations for keeping your data safe

In addition to recognising the warning signs, these actions will help you protect your devices and your data:

1. Be wary of unexpected calls
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be your bank manager, but you were not expecting their contact, hang up and call your bank directly to verify the situation. It is important to use the official number that appears on your financial institution’s website or official documents.

2. Protect your devices with up-to-date software
Make sure your smartphone or tablet has the latest version of the operating system and installed applications. Updates often include security patches that fix known vulnerabilities.

3. Use a secure network
Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks to conduct financial transactions or access sensitive information. If you need to do so, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and protect your data.

4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Many banking services and applications allow you to enable two-step authentication. This measure adds an extra layer of security, as it will require an additional code that you will receive on your device or email to access your account.

5. Set up bank alerts
Many banks offer the option of receiving real-time notifications about movements in your account. These alerts will allow you to detect suspicious activity immediately.
6. Avoid sharing information on social networks
Be careful what you share on your social profiles, especially information such as your date of birth, address or contact details. Scammers could use these details to try to gain your trust.

Most common bank frauds: know your methods

Among the most common scams are:

• Fake bank manager: As mentioned above, fraudsters pretend to be bank employees and use id spoofing to make the call appear legitimate.

• Loan cancellation scam: This involves alerting the victim to a loan supposedly granted in his or her name. When trying to cancel it, the person is directed to a fake page where they enter their banking credentials, handing them directly to the fraudsters.

• SMS or email scams: Messages that contain malicious links and seek to steal your personal details.

What to do if you have been a victim of fraud

If you suspect you have fallen for a scam, act quickly:

1. Inform your bank: Contact your financial institution immediately to block your accounts or cards if necessary.
2. Change your passwords: Change your login credentials for all your accounts, especially if you were using the same password for several services.
3. Report the incident: File a report with local authorities and, if appropriate, inform specialised cybercrime agencies.
4. Be vigilant: Regularly review the movements of your bank accounts and report any suspicious activity.

Education is your best defence

At Celular Iberia we believe that prevention is key. Therefore, we recommend staying informed about the latest fraud techniques and sharing these tips with your contacts. While cybercriminals are looking for new ways to attack, we, as users, can counteract their efforts by adopting safe habits and using technology responsibly.

Remember: security starts with you. Protect your devices, be vigilant and be wary of any communication that looks suspicious. The combination of caution, knowledge and technology will help you keep your personal and financial data safe.