SMS scams in Zadar: two victims lost thousands of euros through fake bank messages
Zadar police have received two criminal reports of computer fraud in which citizens lost thousands of euros after following fake SMS messages from banks.
Fake bank SMS messages cost Zadar residents thousands of euros
Zadar police have received two criminal reports of computer fraud, Index.hr reports. In both cases, victims received SMS messages on their mobile phones that appeared to come from their banks.
The injured parties opened a fake page via a link in the message and entered their banking details on it, believing they were updating their mobile banking application. Soon after, they noticed unauthorised transactions and money disappearing from their accounts.
Police are conducting criminal investigations and warn the public not to open links from unknown or suspicious messages and not to install applications according to instructions from unknown persons. Fake websites often faithfully imitate the appearance of official websites of banks and other institutions, with the aim of stealing access credentials.
Any person who suspects they have become a victim of fraud should immediately contact their bank to block their account or cards and without delay file a report at the nearest police station or by calling 192.
Police advise citizens to take the following precautions:
- Do not open links from suspicious SMS messages or emails.
- Before entering data, check the exact web address of the page.
- PIN, one-time activation codes and security credentials must never be shared.
- Verify any request for urgent action by calling your bank directly.
- Regularly monitor activity on your account and enable notifications for transactions.
Source: Index.hr