OCU warns of an increase in online fraud related to the holiday period

The Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) warned on Thursday of an increase in online fraud related to the holiday period. In this regard, it explained that these are dates in which hackers take advantage to develop seasonal techniques of “Phishing” (via email) or “Vishing” (via SMS) related to travel, accommodation or leisure.

As an example of types of fraud, the organization has highlighted “ false messages from the DGT ”, informing of an unpaid fine or, “the false message of a spectacular discount ” on a tourist apartment, a trip, a hotel or a leisure activity.

Given the possibility of suffering some type of fraud, OCU has recommended not opening emails or SMS from unknown sources. If the sender of the message is known, but when opening it is “alarmist” and indicates the use of a “link”, you should be suspicious and immediately call the sender through a registered telephone number or the official website. Finally, if you receive a call or SMS directly requesting your bank details, it is a scam since “no company or bank does that ”.

The Bank of Spain estimates that losses suffered through this type of fraud already amount to almost 500 million euros per year. In addition, OCU has detailed that the European Banking Authority not only defines unauthorised payment transactions as fraudulent, but also those in which “ the payer was manipulated into accepting a payment order ”. In short, no payment made under the effects of deception can be considered authorised and the financial institution will be responsible for “dealing with the reimbursement”.