Warning of a new wave of online fraud. Romanians, targeted by fake websites imitating media institutions and public figures
The cyber security authorities draw attention to a new wave of online fraud attempts targeting users in Romania, through web pages imitating the identity of well-known media institutions and promoting fictitious investment platforms.
PHOTO Freepik
The Romanian Police, the National Directorate of Cyber Security (DNSC), the Romanian Association of Banks (ARB) and Mastercard warn, through the national digital education and cybercrime prevention project #SigurantaOnline (www.sigurantaonline.ro), that these schemes are distributed mainly through sponsored advertisements and promotion campaigns on social networks.
According to authorities, attackers abuse the image of public figures or media publications to gain users' trust. The content appears in the form of seemingly legitimate articles, but directs victims to fraudulent sites.
The method used by fraudsters usually follows a multi-step pattern. Users are first attracted by promises of quick-earning investment opportunities presented by advertisements or articles imitating news sites. These materials often include images of public figures and accounts of alleged short-term profits.
Victims are then persuaded to leave their personal details through online forms, after which they are contacted by phone by individuals posing as financial advisors. In the next step, users are asked to transfer money, bank details or create accounts on platforms indicated by the attackers. In some cases, they are required to install applications that allow remote access to their devices.
Authorities recommend increased caution and careful web address (URL) verification, avoiding entering bank details on unknown sites and refusing to install applications at the request of unknown persons. Also, investments exclusively through authorized institutions are recommended.
Fraud attempts can be reported on the pnrisc.dnsc.ro platform or to the emergency number 1911, in order to limit the impact of these attacks and prevent other incidents. On the safeniaonline.ro platform, users can find guides and examples of fraud, as well as interactive tools to test knowledge about digital security.
The national project of digital education and prevention of computer crime #SigurantaOnline is meant to offer the best cyber security practices, by accessing the Sigurantaonline.ro platform, to avoid young people and adults becoming victims of computer fraud. Examples of scams and the techniques used can be consulted here: siberniaonline.ro/uniti-impotriva-escrocheriilor. The project is an initiative of the Romanian Police, the National Directorate of Cyber Security and the Romanian Association of Banks, along with which other partners have come along the way, including Mastercard.
