Attention, fraud! New SMS trap threatens with high loss of money in Austria

Attention, fraud! New SMS trap threatens with high loss of money in Austria

Österreich - In Austria, the number of phishing attacks by SMS has increased significantly since the beginning of May 2025. This fraud stitch is aimed at consumers and claims that loyalty or bonus points soon expire. Recipients receive messages that contain a link to a fake website that specifies gifts, often high -quality electrical appliances. In fact, fraudsters try to get sensitive payment information such as credit card data, which leads to unauthorized debit.

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) urgently warns of this stitch, which is characterized by impersonal speech and time pressure. So far, 20 cases have been reported until the calendar week, with a well -known financial damage of around 27,000 euros, with the number of unreported cases significantly higher. The perpetrators often act under the guise of serious companies and spread their attacks via various channels such as SMS, email or messenger services.

measures to protect consumers

In order to protect yourself from such fraud stitches, the BKA recommends not to request sensitive data via SMS or email. In addition to the general caution not to click on the links in suspicious messages and not pass on passwords or tans, consumers should always question the credibility of the message. Official websites or apps are the safest way to check information.

The handling of suspected cases also requires quick action. Affected persons should contact the alleged company immediately, lock affected credit cards or bank accounts, change passwords to affected online services and regularly check the account statements for unauthorized debit.

General development of internet crime in Austria

The current incidents are part of a worrying development in internet crime in Austria. According to Statista, over 65,000 advertisements were filed for internet crime in 2023, with fraud crime the most common forms. Phishing, as one of the most common fraud forms, users sedate to reveal personal data about fake websites.

Also alarming are the numbers of the Internet Ombudsman, who worked over 10,000 complaints in online trading in 2023. The most common reason for these symptoms are fraud. Despite the multitude of reported incidents, about every third advertisement leads to the crime. Compared to other crimes in Austria, however, the clarification rate for Internet offenses is relatively low.

Prevention against internet crime is just as important for private individuals as for companies. The BKA also advises that if you have any problems with online contracts, contact the Internet Ombudsmann. This independent advice center offers free support for consumers affected by fraud mesh.

informed about all aspects mentioned 5min as well as the Federal Criminal Police Office and the website of Statista .