New scam about classified ads – salzburg.ORF.at
timeline
In Hallein (Tennengau), three people have been the victims of fraudsters who work through classified ads. The perpetrators are interested in expensive items on platforms such as willhaben.at, Ebay or Shpock – then credit card data are tapped.
The perpetrators, who specialize in classified ads, use web links to lure sellers of expensive items to fake sites that steal credit card data. This method has been booming lately, police investigators say.
The three people from Salzburg entered their credit card number and the “card verification code” on a website that was deceptively recreated. Then they confirmed everything via pushTAN to start the sale. Instead of getting money from the supposed buyer, the amount was deducted from their own account. According to the police, the fraudsters were each able to swindle a medium three-digit amount of money. Further investigations are ongoing.
Dubious justifications
According to watchlist-internet.at, the post office does not even offer such a courier service. In order to convince their victims that collecting the items in person is out of the question, the alleged buyers often use pretexts such as a stay abroad or a CoV infection.
Pinzgau woman cheated with “crude oil” investment
A Pinzgau woman was taken in by another form of internet fraud in January, the police reports. The woman became aware of an allegedly lucrative investment in crude oil via an advertising window on the Internet. After filling out a contact form, several investment advisors allegedly contacted her by phone. THEY persuaded the woman to release her PC for remote access, promising to double the money invested within a short period of time.
The scammers then created a new email address and two bitcoin accounts for the victim. The woman transfers a total of 25,000 euros to these accounts in several installments. After the transfers, the scammer immediately changes the credentials of the bitcoin accounts and cut off contact with their victim. Investigations into the suspects are ongoing.
warnings for a long time
The Salzburg police have been pointing out for weeks, months and years that quick money and high chances of winning do not exist on the Internet either. If something seems too good to be true, it is most likely a scam.