There are so many convincing scams out there where the scammers target the vulnerable and the busy. They are hoping for us to make a knee-jerk reaction and click on that link! Here is the latest information as part of our regular #SaturdayScamSpecial feature.
Having just had problems activating a new card for an account at Caixa bank, one of our editors was not surprised to receive an email from them. The email told her that after July 16, she could not use her card as it needed to be activated on a new security system online.
It went on to inform her that once she update her account information, it will begin to function normally once again. The entire process would seemingly only take a minute.
Take action
She was then urged to take action now to fix the problem as soon as possible. Moreover, their new system was guaranteeing her the best security in my financial operations.
All she had to do was click the link!!!
Convincing scams
It can be so easy to get caught out, especially if you were coincidentally having issues with a bank card or similar. Or if you are in a hurry, or even tricked because the email is about security. There are many ways the scammers can fool us.
However, after a minute or two, the editor checked the sender email address. Sure enough, it was not an official email from the bank. This was a scam trying to get her personal information and bank details.
Subscription scam
Another convincing scam is circulating via SMS notifying of an alleged subscription to a gaming service to charge €50 per week. The message then provides a link to cancel the supposed subscription. However, by clicking on the link and following the process, the money will actually be taken from your account.
⚠️#ALERTA‼️ Si recibes un SMS indicándote que estás registrado a un servicio de juegos por cuantía de 50 € a la semana y te facilitan un enlace para que canceles la suscripción #NoPiques, se trata de un fraude que efectúa un cargo de dinero a tu cuenta👇https://t.co/cInjNSkqpD pic.twitter.com/d1T1HBJf2k
— Guardia Civil 🇪🇸 (@guardiacivil) July 4, 2022
If you receive an SMS indicating that you are subscribed to a service that you are unaware, do not click on the link. Instead, you can check directly what you have subscribed to.
On Android devices, access the Google Play app. Then, at the top right, select your profile icon > Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions. Finally, select the subscription you want to cancel.
On iOS devices, through Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions, where you can check the list of active subscriptions and expiration date as well as inactive ones.
If in doubt, check it out!
Read more: Last week´s scams