How do you recognize online fraud?

Fraudsters use various techniques to lure you into their trap. Below, we list some characteristics to help you identify fake messages.

Credibility: They use the identity of known individuals, government entities, or institutions, making the victim believe they are dealing with a legitimate person or organization. For example, a fake email you receive from your energy provider.
Time pressure: They simulate an urgent situation. For instance: "Your card is being blocked NOW."
Fear of not acting: Fraudsters play on the fear of missing out, also known as "FOMO." For example: "This offer is only valid for a limited time. Buy now!"
Salutation: The salutation is rarely or never personalized: you are addressed as 'Dear' or 'Respected,' but your full name is never used (because they don't have it).
Details: Absence of details (e.g., a supposed traffic fine lacks information about time, location, etc.).
Too good to be true: Unrealistic proposals like an 8% return on a savings account (if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is).
Clicking on a link: The email or message often asks you to click on a link (which leads to a fraudulent website).

Never provide your internet banking codes via email, social media, SMS, or phone. Your internet banking codes are as confidential as your bank card PIN!
Never access the payment site or mobile app of your bank through a link. Your bank will never ask for your codes through a link.
Always type the address of your bank's website into your browser yourself. You can also save the address in your browser's favorites list or open your bank's mobile app.
If in doubt, stop. If you receive a suspicious message and don't know what to do, it's better to be safe and stop everything.

Have you shared your codes?

Did you receive a phishing message? Be sure to send it to suspicious@safeonweb.be.

With your help, the false website behind the message can be blocked. So, make sure to report it!