Friday is Black Friday again, a shopping day that originated in the United States. Monday is Cyber Monday, the start of the Christmas sales at online shops. On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can get some great bargains, but cyber criminals also use this period to flood you with phishing messages. Every year, we see many phishing messages circulating around this period and during the holidays in general.
What should you look out for?
Is the offer too good to be true? Then it's probably not true. Do you need to decide quickly? Cybercriminals try to pressure you into acting fast so you don't take the time to unmask false messages. So be extra vigilant.
What should you do?
- Do you see a message that you find suspicious? Forward it immediately to suspisious@safeonweb.be. We will have the links in these messages blocked.
- NEVER give out passwords, bank card codes or response codes through an email, phone call, text message or social media.
- Delete the message.
In doubt and don't want to miss out on a special offer?
Take a look at the shop's website, by entering the correct url in the browser. Do you find the offer there too? Then it is probably a real offer.
Did you make a purchase? Or did you give your bank details?
- If you gave your bank details, notify your bank immediately and block your bank card via Card Stop on 078 170 170 (+32 78 170 170 from abroad).
- If you have shared a password, immediately change it in all the places you use it.
- If the phishing message is sent to your contacts, notify them. File a complaint with the local police.
