Η Hellenic Banking Association (EET) informs the trading public about a new typology of fraud that has emerged.
Η fraud by the method of repairing an alleged computer fault or providing technical support services (“technical support scams").
The perpetrators call, usually from abroad, unsuspecting citizens and impersonate technicians from a large IT company. In fact, the telephone conversation takes place several times in English. Under the pretext that their computer and / or mobile device are "infected" with malware, they ask to install remote access software, to allegedly repair - fix the problem.
These applications, once installed, allow perpetrators to have complete control over the electronic devices of unsuspecting citizens, who are then tricked into "telling them"give»And their personal passwords to e-banking (user name, password, etc.), as well as the disposable codes they receive through SMS (SMS One-Time-Password / OTP). The perpetrators then transfer money from the accounts (e-banking) of their victims in bank accounts controlled by themselves or their associates.
As the perpetrators use the real data they have stolen from the citizens, the banks are not aware that their e-banking customer has fallen victim to such fraud and they themselves can not take appropriate measures to prevent and deter such malicious actions.
For this reason, they inform the trading public, as the awareness and cooperation of all stakeholders is the best way to prevent and deter electronic fraud, especially at a time when the use of electronic services has increased significantly worldwide due to the pandemic crisis. . The potential perpetrators are trying to take advantage of this situation and you must prevent them with prevention.
Regarding the actions that should be followed to avoid fraud, the EET advises:
- If someone calls you from an unknown number, especially from abroad and claims to be from any IT company, without having reported any damage to your computer, end the call.
- Never install the remote management software suggested by strangers.
- Do not disclose to third parties your e-banking passwords, the one-time passwords you receive via SMS, as well as your personal and financial information.
- If you have been the victim of this type of fraud and have found transactions that do not have your approval, inform your Bank immediately.
