5 more ways to steal money from your account

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

As time goes on, the schemes of fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated.

It seems that even those who do not use the services of the bank have learned that no one can tell passwords from SMS and speak three numbers from the card turnover, but theft from accounts is not decreasing. In 2018, cybercriminals stole 44% more money than in 2017. There are no data for 2019 yet, but they are unlikely to please.

Thieves constantly come up with new ways to steal and improve old ones. Lifehacker has collected several common schemes of recent years.

1. A very convincing call from the bank

History itself is as old as the world of online banking. They call you supposedly from a financial institution and, under any pretext, try to find out the password from the SMS, the code on the back of the card, or force you to take actions that will somehow lead to the withdrawal of funds from your account. But every year thieves hone their skills.

If earlier the calculation was made mainly on naive and financially illiterate people, now a critical cardholder can also become a victim.

For example, not long ago one of the recommendations was to check which number they are calling from. The real contacts of the bank are indicated directly on the card. Now cybercriminals have learned how to display the necessary numbers on the screen of your smartphone. For believability, thieves create a call center ambience with its characteristic noise to lull your vigilance. Sometimes the idea is played out: you should not tell the code to the bank employees, so tell it to the bot, which will talk to you in a metallic voice.

Finally, the cherry on top is the awareness of the attackers. Previously, they could act rudely, knowing nothing about the person and pulling out information during the conversation. Now at the disposal of criminals are huge databases of data leaked into the Network. On the other end of the line, they may know more about you than your own mother.

So stop thinking of phone scammers as dumb people who just randomly ring everyone up - suddenly someone will take the lead. Almost anyone can become their victim, especially if they are caught by surprise.

How to resist

The schemes are new, but the recipes are still the same. Do not tell anyone confidential data, even if you are sure that the call is from the bank. Because "never" means "never", without any conventions. To be faithful in any incomprehensible situation, when calling from a financial institution, hang up and call back yourself.

2. Special application

This method is designed for gullible people who have memorized that no one needs to tell codes and passwords, but do not really understand how everything works. They are supposedly called from the bank, but they are not asked to name anything. On the contrary, it is advised to install an application that will protect them from unauthorized transfer of funds.

We are talking about services that provide remote access to the device, for example, Teamviewer and the like. True, here it is necessary to say the ID, and not the code from the SMS, for which the victims are being made. With the help of such applications, they gain access to smartphones and computers. Losing money isn't the only thing that might follow. For example, finding an intimate photo on the Web is also very unpleasant.

How to resist

Install applications only if you clearly know what it is and why you need it. Convince your less tech-savvy relatives not to download anything at all without your supervision.

3. Call a friend

Fast payments by phone number is a very convenient thing. It is enough to enter a few numbers, and the money went to the addressee. Some banks allow transfers via SMS, and this creates risks.

We are used to thinking that mysterious, insidious strangers are stealing money. But the culprit may be closer than it seems. Imagine you meet a former classmate on the street. He is glad to meet him, says that his phone is gone and asks to call. You, of course, agree (sorry, I suppose) and unlock the device. The acquaintance leaves, five minutes later returns the phone to you. And then you find that there is less money in your bank account. This is because a person transferred money to himself via SMS, immediately received a confirmation code for the operation, and then erased all messages.

It may not necessarily be familiar. In Saratov, the police detained the violators and took their phones from them, ostensibly for checking. And then they cleaned their accounts by sending SMS to a short number.

How to resist

The smartphone is full of confidential information, so think of it as a hairbrush: in general, this is a tool for personal use, but in extreme cases it can be shared with someone who has passed the “lice test”. To help out a distant friend, you can independently send an SMS to the number that he dictates, or ask to call in front of you.

4. Fake receipts

QR codes are often placed on utility bills, tax notifications and other documents. It's convenient: you can scan the paper using your smartphone and pay the bill immediately. The catch is that the document could be printed and put in the mailbox by intruders, so that the money would flow to them. It is especially sad that the losses will not be limited to this. As long as you regularly pay on fictitious accounts and lose money, your debts to the management company or the state grow. And you have to pay them one way or another.

Important: the danger is fraught not only with the codes on the document. You can drive in the wrong details yourself if you don't double-check the data.

How to resist

Check the details at each stage of payment to make sure that these are the correct papers and that your money goes exactly where it should be.

5. Pressure at the ATM

You are queuing at an ATM. The person in front of you "forgets" to pick up the card, and the machine gives it to you. You pick it up, and here the owner returns. He accuses you of withdrawing money from the card. There will certainly be a witness-accomplice who will confirm his innocence. To avoid conflict, you must return the named amount.

There is no room for clever fraud in this scheme. This is outright extortion, seasoned with threats and accusations. Approximately the same scheme is used for auto-substitutions. The expectation that you will be scared and give the money.

How to resist

Remember that the area next to the ATM is equipped with video cameras that will make it clear exactly what is happening. Call the police, ask passers-by to do this, try to attract the attention of the bank's security service.