Fraudulent SMS messages using Digital Mobile Key name in circulation — ARTE alert
ARTE warns of fake SMS messages using the name of the Digital Mobile Key to obtain personal data. Citizens should ignore links and contact official channels.
False messages use Digital Mobile Key to steal personal data
The Agency for the Technological Reform of the State (ARTE) issued an alert on Wednesday about the circulation of fraudulent SMS messages that improperly use the name of the Digital Mobile Key (CMD). According to CNN Portugal, the messages aim to induce recipients to provide personal data or authentication codes.
In a statement, ARTE clarifies that these messages "may present themselves as legitimate communications related to the Digital Mobile Key, seeking to convey confidence to recipients and lead them to follow instructions or access links included in the text". The national cybersecurity authorities are monitoring the situation and adopting the necessary measures, the agency adds.
ARTE emphasises that it never requests personal data or information relating to bank accounts via SMS, email or telephone call.
What to do when faced with a suspicious message
The agency recommends that citizens do not click on links included in suspicious SMS messages and do not provide personal data, passwords or authentication codes on pages accessed through these messages. Anyone who receives an unexpected message should ignore it, not respond and not make any payment without prior confirmation of the legitimacy of the request.
Confirmation of the authenticity of communications should be done through the official channels of public services, ARTE reinforces.
If you have already entered data
If a citizen has provided personal data or codes on a suspicious page, ARTE advises acting quickly to protect accounts and immediately contacting the official support channels appropriate to the situation.
In case of doubt, ARTE's Citizen Line is available on numbers 210 489 010 or 300 003 990, between 09:00 and 18:00.
Source: CNN Portugal