What does it look like?
A ‘good’ investment
Arnold comes across an ad on the internet offering a great deal on buying cryptocurrency. He likes the ad so he clicks on it. He decides to set up a cryptocurrency investment account with the company and transfers CZK 300 into it. A couple of days later, he gets a call from someone who introduces himself as a representative of the company. Let’s call him a salesperson. This salesperson tells Arnold that he would like to show him how his new investment account works. He convinces Arnold to install remote access software which he says will make it easier for him to use his account. Arnold installs the software and enables the remote access. The salesperson can now access his computer and do whatever he wants. Perhaps he will convince Arnold to log in to his online banking, where the salesperson could then make a payment himself. Then all he needs to do is to talk Arnold into providing him with the confirmation SMS to authorise the transaction or to convince Arnold to confirm the transaction himself. If Arnold were to do this, he can say goodbye to his money.
‘Microsoft’ calling
Marie gets a call, allegedly from ‘Microsoft’. The call could even be in English. The caller informs Marie her computer is infected with a virus and he will help her remove it. He asks her to install software that she needs in order to clean her computer. Marie is happy that she will be able to get rid of the virus and willingly installs the program. Unfortunately, the software is actually a tool that will allow the fraudster to control her computer remotely. As soon as the caller connects to the computer, he starts showing Marie all the problems with her computer. He then tells her he has fixed everything and is owed a fee for his ‘work’. He convinces Marie to log in to her internet banking. There the fraudster submits the payment order himself. Marie confirms the transaction and is thereby defrauded of her money.
What to watch out for
- Be wary when reading ads on the internet or in emails.
- If an offer interests you, search the internet for more information about it.
- Consult someone you trust.
- Never install software on your computer on the basis of a phone call!
- Do not allow strangers access to your computer.
- Only confirm transactions which you have submitted yourself – do not confirm a transaction that someone else has submitted!
- Do not give the security details to your internet banking or card to a third party.
What to do if you become a victim of fraud
- Call 800 207 207 and block your internet banking (as well as your card if you have given the security details to the perpetrator).
- Ask about how you can cancel any transactions already made (it may not always be possible).
- File a criminal complaint with the Czech Police.
- Have your computer checked by an expert who will remove the dangerous program and any viruses it might have.
- Change your internet banking security details.