Banks are currently facing many changes that customers need to find out about. Fraudsters are currently exploiting this situation and trying to get hold of confidential data with bogus e-mails.
Not only the banks themselves, but also the consumer advice center is currently warning of phishing emails that are allegedly sent to customers on behalf of the banks. The savings banks and the direct bank DKB are obviously particularly in focus. TECHBOOK explains the scam behind the phishing emails and how you can protect yourself.
Phishing emails in the name of Sparkasse
According to the consumer advice center, the scam has been around for a while, but is still actively used by scammers. They send e-mails on behalf of the savings bank with subject lines such as “Important change”, “We are changing!”, “Your savings bank has informed you” or “Notice from your savings bank”, in which they inform bank customers about a data check required by law. In order to carry out this quickly and to avoid restrictions in banking, the recipients should fill out a form. However, the attached link does not lead Sparkasse customers to their bank’s website, but to a fake page and an incorrect form. All data entered here are sent directly to the scammers, who can then misuse them for their own purposes.
Also read: If you get a new Sparkasse EC card, you lose two payment options!
DKB customers also in the focus of fraudsters
DKB customers also have to be careful at the moment. Here, too, e-mails are currently circulating that scammers are sending in the name of the DKB and with which they want to access data. According to the consumer advice center, the most recent phishing attempt has the subject line “confirmation of telephone number”. In order to be able to continue using all online services, bank customers should confirm their stored telephone number. Otherwise there is a risk of the account being blocked. The phone number is used for verification in online banking. It should therefore not fall into the wrong hands. The same applies to all personal data that the fraudsters try to access via the query.
Also read: What is Klarna’s new banking app good for?
Recognize phishing emails from Sparkasse and DKB
At first glance, the e-mails in the name of the Sparkasse or DKB make a serious impression. They are kept in the respective typical colors and also display the correct logos. There are no major spelling mistakes. However, a closer look reveals deficiencies, such as missing commas or the lowercase Berlin in the DKB.
In principle, it is advisable not to click directly on links in e-mails. Instead, go directly to your bank’s website. If there is a problem with your account or if the bank needs certain data, they will either inform you here after logging in or send you a letter.
The DKB has also introduced a safety certificate. If customers have deposited their postal code with the bank, the DKB displays two of the five digits in all e-mails to verify themselves. With the zip code 10961 for Berlin, it could look like this: “Your zip code is *0*6*”.
If you do fall for a phishing email, Sparkasse recommends the following steps:
- Change the access data for your banking transactions on the Internet immediately.
- Tell your bank immediately. It can prevent further damage.
- Do not delete the e-mail, it serves as evidence in an emergency.
- If you still have the malicious email, send it to [email protected] or [email protected].
- File a criminal complaint.