Although more and more people recognise phishing messages, the number of victims remains unnecessarily high. In 2020, the Federal Police recorded 7,502 victims of phishing. That is an increase of 204% on 2019.
In 2020, 67,000 fraudulent transactions were carried out via phishing, for a total net amount of 34 million euros. Moreover, 12% of Belgians have never heard of phishing. Among young people, this percentage rises to 30% (Febelfin, 2021). These numbers point to an ongoing threat to potential victims, especially with the end-of-year period just around the corner. Phishers also strike en masse on popular shopping days such as Black Friday. Their messages are tailored to current events, and are also becoming increasingly numerous and inventive. Therefore Safeonweb launches a new campaign.
Install the Safeonweb app and you always have up-to-date information in your pocket
The central message is: outsmart phishers and never share personal data, codes or passwords.
The campaign wants to draw attention to a brand new app that collects all the news about phishing and warns of cyber threats and new forms of online scams. It offers a quick and easy way to stay informed. The information disseminated by the app is the result of a careful analysis of the thousands of messages Safeonweb receives every day. The app also sends an alert if an infection is reported to Safeonweb on your registered Wi-Fi network. The Safeonweb app is available free of charge for iOS in the App Store and for Android in the Google Play Store. This is a unique partnership between alert members of the public and authorities that are taking quick action.
What should you do if you have become a victim of phishing?
If you have fallen into the phishing trap, take the following steps:
- Call Card Stop immediately on 078 170 170 (+32 78 170 170 from abroad).
- Inform your bank as soon as possible.
- Report it to the police immediately.
- Change your passwords and run a virus scan if you think you have installed malware.
- Always forward suspicious e-mails to suspicious@safeonweb.be
