You check the authenticity of important messages

You should check the authenticity of emails, chat messages and text messages, especially if they ask or request you to take an action. For example, if you are asked to enter your personal details or password.

More information

You should also thoroughly check the request to transfer money. You can do this by contacting the person or company in a separate way. For example, simply give them a call. This way you can make sure that the message is genuine. Be skeptical if you are told that a call is not possible. The type of scam described here is also known as phishing. Real-looking messages are sent to certain people in the form of emails, text messages or chat messages in order to steal login details or bank details, for example. Perpetrators sometimes try to enrich their messages with real information about the target person to make them appear more genuine. This data can come from data leaks from various platforms. It also happens that supposedly trustworthy accounts of friends or family are misused to persuade you to take action. In important matters, always contact the people or companies again via a different channel!

Sources and further links

  1. Phishing

What is this task relevant for?

  • Fraud and rip-off
  • Behavior-based risks
  • Dangers on the Internet
  • Rather simple