Scammers exploit new customs regulations. Police warn of fake SMS messages about parcels
Cybercriminals are sending text messages demanding payment for shipments from abroad. Officers from Rzeszów are urging caution.
Scammers exploit new customs regulations. Police warn of fake SMS messages about parcels
Since the beginning of July, amended EU regulations governing customs on goods imported from outside the European Union have been in effect. Criminals have immediately exploited this change as a pretext for mass text message attacks.
Officers from the Municipal Police Command in Rzeszów are warning of a wave of SMS scams. Unknown senders are distributing messages in which they impersonate Polish Post or popular courier companies. The messages contain various arguments intended to force the recipient to click on an attached link. These may be notifications about a blocked shipment, the need to pay a small additional fee, or alleged tax or customs arrears.
The message always includes a link directing to an external website. This site mimics the appearance of electronic payment services or internet banking login panels. Scammers employ two main psychological mechanisms. Firstly, they create time pressure by claiming that failure to respond immediately will result in the parcel being returned to the sender. Secondly, they demand small amounts, usually a few złoty, which is intended to lower the potential victim's guard.
Entering bank login details or payment card numbers on the fake website results in criminals gaining control of the account and emptying it of accumulated funds.
Officers remind people of several fundamental rules. No courier sends SMS messages with links to direct customs payments. The status of each shipment should be checked exclusively through the official website of the given operator or its authorised mobile application, by manually entering the tracking number. Logging into a bank account should never be done through links contained in text messages.
In the event of receiving a suspicious message, it is recommended not to click on any links or respond to the message. Suspicious content can be forwarded to the free number 8080 operated by the CERT Poland team. People who have already provided their details should immediately contact their bank to block access to their account and cards, and then report the incident at the nearest police station.
Source: TVP Rzeszów
Source: Google News PL — Crime (pl)