Banks are currently popular phishing targets

Especially recently, banks in particular have become a popular phishing target. Not only the banks themselves, but also the banks' customers are targeted. Therefore, it is important to take the right protective measures to avoid becoming a victim of data misuse in terms of phishing attacks.

Cyber criminals are sending phishing emails to bank customers. It is actually made to look as if the email comes directly from the customer's own bank. It is often disguised as a customer message. Allegedly there is a problem with the account, the user is asked to log in again or reinstall various software. The download link is included directly in the phishing email. However, it is not the actual bank that is behind this, but the scammers.

Recognizing fake emails

It is not at all difficult to recognize such a fake email and phishing attack that supposedly comes from the bank. In a genuine email, the recipient is always addressed directly by name. In a fake one, on the other hand, the salutation is "Dear customer". In addition, typing errors can often be found in a fake email. A genuine banking institution would never ask its customers to log in via a link in an email. Such messages should not be responded to. It is much better to delete them immediately.

PayPal is affected as well

Online fraudsters are also targeting the online payment system PayPal with their phishing emails. They also try to seduce people into a fake login via PayPal by means of deceptively real-looking messages. However, the hoax can be quickly detected if you take a closer look at the messages. Both the layout and the salutation are incorrect. Even with PayPal fraud, the goal of the criminals in the background is to obtain the login data. After all, this is a purely online service provider. Very often, it is stated that the PayPal account has been deactivated for security reasons. The user is asked to remove the alleged blocking. One should not react to such a false message.

Typical signs of phishing emails regarding banks and PayPal

There are typical peculiarities and signs that can be used to identify such dangerous phishing messages:

·       Inserted forms or links

·       Request to open a file

·       Request to provide personal data

·       There is an alleged urgent need for action

·       The form of address is impersonal

·       The emails are often written in wrong or foreign language

·       The emails contain a lot of spelling and grammar errors

Anyone who is unsure should contact the company directly for clarification. This way, you will quickly find out if it is indeed a nasty phishing scam.