With the help of a cunning Facebook scam, loot of thousands of euros has been swindled.
The police warn especially the elderly about a scam that could be behind “your friend”. Illustration image. Mostphotos
The police warn of a cunning Facebook scam, the risk group of which is especially the elderly.
There are different forms of fraud, but the basic principle is the same: a friend sends a message on Facebook asking for the recipient’s account information and online banking credentials. The scammer pretending to be an acquaintance says he needs the information to transfer a monetary reward to the victim’s account.
In reality, the recipient’s account is emptied below the time unit. The friend whose account has sent the phishing message may not even be aware that his account has been hijacked.
Several cases have occurred in North Ostrobothnia and Kainuu. Also Cyber Security Center has warned about the scam in May.
According to the police, the financial losses of the victims have ranged from hundreds of euros to more than ten thousand euros.
An example of scam messages sent on Facebook Messenger. Traficom Cybersecurity Center
This is how the police instructs:
– The recipient’s bank IDs are never needed for money transfers. The account number is enough.
– Do not give up your online banking credentials or passwords to anyone.
– If your friend asks for your personal information online, approach him another way to make sure that the sender is really him.
– If you have forwarded your bank ID, please let us know direct to your bank and report a crime to the police.
– Warn your loved ones about scams.
