Cybercrime: Fraudsters camouflage themselves as a ÖGK - be careful with phishing!

A dangerous fraud stitch is currently spreading in Austria, in which cybercriminals pretend to be the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK). They manage to send emails in which alleged repayments are announced. This deception has already caused a damage of around 150,000 euros, as reported by the Kosmo . The emails lead the recipients to fake websites where sensitive bank details are queried. The State Criminal Police Office recommends being extremely careful and examining the sender addresses closely, because many of these emails show spelling mistakes and impersonal addresses that can indicate fraud.

In this context, the alarming reporting of the Consumer center NRW is worth mentioning. Numerous other fraud stitches are documented there that are based on similar principles. Criminals use current topics and national security to send supposedly authentic emails or SMS that promise repayments or important information. These phishing attempts are designed to steal personal data that can then be misused for identity theft.

support in dealing with fraud attempts

The consumer center explains that it is essential to be suspicious of such emails and SMS. You should not click on the links and only enter personal data on official, verified websites. E-mails that pretend to come from ministries are often fraud. The authorities will never announce reimbursements or the like by email or SMS without being asked. In the event of doubt, it is advisable to contact the corresponding institutions directly and to inform the police if suspected fraud.