More and more Poles are victims of telephone scammerswho usage ignorance and indifference to extort data or exposure the user to immense bills. Just 1 unthinkable callback with an exotic prefix to lose money, and in any cases besides personal data and access to bank accounts.
The threat is so serious that both Policeand Office for Electronic Communications (UKE) issued authoritative warnings on a fresh wave of fraud. In particular, calls from numbers are worrying. from Ascension Island (+247), Cuba (+53) and Premium numbers (e.g. 703, 242, 225).
How Criminals Work
The strategy of deception is based on a simple but effective intellectual mechanism. The victim receives a short call from an unknown abroad number. Criminals expect curiosity or concern of the userWho unwittingly calls back. At this point 2 possibly dangerous scenarios occur:
- High charging — connections to exotic numbers can cost even A fewer gold for a minute.. In any cases the conversations are artificially extended, for example by sound imitating disconnectwhich increases costs even more.
- Data fraud — frauds can pretend to be representatives of institutions, simulate automatic hotlineand even ask questions leading to obtaining individual datasuch as:
- PESEL
- ID card number
- login data to the bank
The common method is besides urging a caller to say yeswhich can be utilized as alleged agreement to conclude a contract.
Hazardous numbers and prefixes – informing list
Police and UKE pay attention to circumstantial prefixes and numberings that should rise our vigilance:
- +247 – Ascension Island (e.g. 247 501 042, 247 553 130)
- +53 – Cuba (e.g. 535 884 2850, 534 728 1770)
- 703, 242, 225 – Premium numbers, frequently utilized in high-risk paid services
Calling specified numbers is the easiest way to receive space account for a telephone — frequently exceeding several 100 zlotys.
How do you defend yourself from telephone frauds?
Cybersecurity experts and services urge some simple rulesthat can defend us from financial losses and identity theft:
- Don't call me back. unknown numbers, especially from abroad.
- Check suspicious numbers on the Internet, there are specialist services where users share opinions and warnings.
- Do not give individual data over the phone – no bank, office or telecommunications company asks for specified information in an unannounced conversation.
- Pay attention to questions that require answers “yes” – it can be utilized to impersonate you.
- Report suspicious cases to the operator, UKE and police.
What if you fall victim?
If your telephone bill shows up unusual, costly global calls, act quickly:
- Contact your operator – it is possible to competition the fees charged and to include a block of premium calls.
- Report the substance to the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) – the Authority monitors specified incidents and can influence blocking problematic numbers.
- Make a call to the police – all application is simply a chance for faster recognition of criminal patterns.
- Inform loved ones – in peculiar elderlywho are more prone to manipulation and may not be aware of the threat.
The telephone scams from exotic numbers are a real and increasing threatthat can affect any mobile telephone user in Poland. Effective protection is based primarily on awareness, fast consequence and education.
That is why it is so crucial to inform not only the applicable institutions but besides family and friends. In particular, peculiar care should be provided seniorswho are frequently The easiest mark for telephone scammers.
More here:
An urgent informing has been given. Under no circumstances do you receive calls from these numbers