Fraudsters often pose as banks, government agencies, courier companies, and other well-known organisations in emails and text messages. The content may appear credible and familiar, but a closer look at the sender’s details or the web address may reveal that it is a scam.
Liis Klein, prevention manager at RIA, says that before clicking on a link, you should pause, think carefully, and check who actually sent the email or message and which web address the user is being directed to.
‘If you come across a suspicious website, please let us know by emailing [email protected]. Please include the web address of the fraudulent page and, if possible, a screenshot as well,’ explained Klein. ‘We will check the information provided and take the necessary steps to ensure that the fraudulent website is no longer accessible online. Even if you saw through the scam, the same website may still pose a threat to others. That is why it is important to let us know about any suspicious websites.’
RIA recommends that, where possible, you should avoid clicking on links in emails or messages, and instead type the address manually into your web browser’s address bar or use a search engine to find the official website. As you do so, scroll past the advertisements and select the correct result from the search engine. If a website looks suspicious, do not enter any passwords, PINs, bank card details, or other personal information.
Scam websites are also circulated on social media, where people are lured to websites that mimic news portals, for example. Such fake websites are often used in investment scams to gain people’s trust and lure them into investing their money. It is also important to report these pages to protect others who may not realise that they are fake.
‘Every report is important and helps to remove the fraudulent page from the internet before the next person falls victim to the scam,’ emphasised Klein.
During Cybersecurity Month, RIA, together with its partners, is drawing attention to scam websites and encouraging people to report them. Elisa, Enefit, the Police and Border Guard Board, Omniva, and SEB are taking part in the campaign, which runs from 12 October to 8 November.
Further information: itvaatlik.ee
