It wasn’t that long ago when a large part of scam messages were of very low quality and easily recognizable as scams. Nowadays, fraudsters know how to do much more believable frauds in factories. However, this email coming in the name of Prisma is not one of them.
In fishing messages using Prisma’s name and logo, the recipient is enticed to click on the link. A valuable novelty phone acts as an enticement. Tiina Somerpuro / Colourbox
- In scams sent in the name of Prisma, the recipient is lured with a free novelty phone.
- The messages, which are partly written in Italian, contain even exceptionally clumsy language by today’s standards.
- According to S Group’s information security manager, there is almost nothing that can be done about scam messages.
On Tuesday, an Iltalehti reader’s e-mail received a fishing message sent in the name of Prisma. Prisma’s name, logo and color scheme have been used in the message. The message had not remained in the spam folder of our reader’s Gmail email, but had slipped through like a sock.
“You have been selected to participate in our loyalty program for FREE!”
In addition, Italy and Finland are mixed up in the fishing message.
“Participate un breve for 4 minutes and a fantastic reward” mixed “Grazie in anticipo per il tuo tempo e il tuo feedback – START IMAGE NOW” do not actually swear trust in the sender or the authenticity of the message.
The end of the message is no better than the beginning.
“The latest model IPHONE 15 PRO.”
“It only takes a minute to earn this amazing prize.”
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Would you fall for this scam? Reader’s photo
A classic example
The qualitative development of scams is indicated by the fact that fishing at this level was once commonplace, but nowadays it is a little rarer.
Even though Prisma’s name and brand have been used in this message without permission, it is easy to spot the scam from the many linguistic clumsiness and the very fact that valuable electronics are being shared for free.
However, you have to be careful. Even if you recognize this message as a scam from below, you may be lulled into the feeling that other scams are just as easy to recognize.
Don’t be fooled
Information security manager Kirill Filatov SOK’s risk management tells Iltalehte that fraudulent messages made in the name of S group brands have been “unfortunately common” for years.
“Significant brands are always used to deceive people, because they can be used to create a sense of security for the recipient,” says Filatov.
Filatov states that, as a rule, the company does not send invitations to raffles by e-mail or text message.
– Raffles sent in the name of our brands should be treated with caution. If customers are notified of a raffle or win by email, we try to avoid links in the emails.
He recommends checking the sender of an e-mail that seems suspicious. By clicking on the sender’s name, you can see from which address the message was actually sent. S Group’s customer communications mainly come from addresses ending in s-kanava.fi.
– You should also pay attention to the general tone and appearance of the message, and if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
I’ve seen better ones
S group’s risk management has also come to the knowledge of more well-executed scams.
– In the future, they may become even more common, for example with the use of artificial intelligence. Scammers may also call or approach in another way.
Filatov says the company is extremely sorry that their brands are being used to mislead customers. There are almost no means of intervention.
– Over the years, we have explored options for limiting scam messages and websites, but unfortunately, tackling them is extremely challenging, Filatov states.
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“Nothing requires an immediate reaction”
According to Filatov, it is easy to fall for even a low-quality scam in a hurry. Fraudsters often try to take advantage of the sense of urgency.
– Nothing requires an immediate reaction, Filatov reminds.
He recommends using patience when it comes to all kinds of contacts.
– You should wait a moment and think about what the contact is about. If you are not completely sure of the appropriateness of the message, it is good to get in touch with the contact person in another way, for example by calling customer service or doing business with S-Mobile, he urges.
Filatov reminds that the S group never asks to pay anything or to enter payment card information or more detailed personal information in possible contacts.