Cyber ​​fraud increased in Ramadan: Watch out for fake messages!

The month of Ramadan has come with new traps for scammers. Cyber ​​scammers reach out to citizens via social media, SMS and WhatsApp, aiming to access personal data and bank accounts through various methods.
 
Beware of fake aid campaigns
 
Scammers are exploiting the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan and demanding money under the names of "zakat," "fitra" and "Ramadan package aid." People who present themselves as needy are using the goodwill of citizens by making calls for help through fake accounts. Experts state that aid campaigns shared on social media must be organized with the permission of the governor's office and that it is important to do good research before making a donation.
 
Aydın Ağaoğlu, the President of the Consumer Confederation (TÜKONFED), made a statement on the subject and said, “People who want to do good can become the target of scammers. These people not only demand money, but can also obtain personal data. The people and organizations that will be helped should definitely be investigated well. The most reliable method is to help through official institutions and foundations.”
 
Fake rewards and iftar reservation trap
 
Scammers are trying to deceive citizens not only with requests for help, but also with fake prizes. They are directed to malicious links through messages such as 'You have won a Ramadan package', 'You have won a gift card'. Citizens who click on these links can have malicious software loaded onto their phones, which can then access their bank accounts.
 
Consumers Union Chairman Mahmut Şahin warned against such fraudulent methods, saying, “Free cheese is in a mousetrap. No institution distributes gift certificates or aid packages to random people. Therefore, do not click on the links that come to your phone. In addition, aid should be delivered not only to those who request it, but also to those who really need it and do not request it.”
 
Another method used by scammers is the 'iftar reservation' trap. With messages that say 'your iftar reservation has been activated', citizens are directed to fake links and their account information is seized. Experts emphasize that citizens should be careful against these types of scams, which increase during Ramadan.
 
 
 
Source: CUMHA - CUMHURS NEWS AGENCY