What is phishing?
We talk about phishing when a fraudster tries to trick you into giving them sensitive information (username, password, credit card number etc.) which they can later use for fraudulent purposes.
Important: Companies normally never ask for sensitive information by telephone or email, so be suspicious when you get such a phone call or email.
Fraudsters send deceptive emails that have the logo or layout of a company. You are asked to enter your details on a website or send them an email.
Did you receive a suspicious email?
- Do not open or answer the email.
- And if you opened it before you realize it's suspicious... Don't click pictures or attachments and don't enter any personal details.
- Check if the email address of the sender contains a strange domain name (the part after the @). If it does... Delete the email(s) immediately, and then delete them from the trash too.
- Do not unsubscribe via the email. You might open a fraudulent link.
- Did you enter details before you realized something was wrong or are you having other problems with phishing mail? Let us know at Report. Are there serious crimes involved, such as child pornography or stalking? Then contact your local police.
Phishing via website
Fraudsters create a fake website that contains a company's details. Instead of the real customer service phone number, there is an expensive premium number. They connect your call to the real customer service, but you pay additional costs because you are calling via the premium number.
Phishing via pop-up
More and more fraudsters are using pop-ups to get your details. You may see such a pop-up when you point your browser to a popular website. They may announce that you have won a contest and that you are eligible for a free smartphone, for example. They say all you have to do is provide your details or complete a brief survey. The fraudsters use the name of other companies, such as BASE. Don't ever fall for this!
Phishing pop-up while browsing? Report it! You can do this by sending an email to verdacht@safeonweb.be and abuse@telenetgroup.be. Your mail should contain additional info about the content of the pop-up (preferably a screenshot), the website on which you saw the pop-up, and which browser and operating system (and version) you were using. Then Safe on Web and BASE will look into this further!
Sometimes fraudsters try to trick you into giving them your details by telephone. They call you or send a text asking you to send them certain information or take certain steps.
- A fraudster calls and asks for personal details. Then often call from an 'unknown number'.
- You get a text asking you to call them back. Usually the number they provide is an expensive premium number.
- You receive a missed call from abroad, in the hope that you will call back.
- You get an offer by phone but don't receive a written confirmation. More about telephone scammers (in Dutch of French).
Receive a suspicious phone call?
- End the call immediately.
- Do not follow the instructions.
- Never provide personal details (such as identity information, card numbers, passwords or PIN codes).
- File a report with the police or submit a complaint to the Ombudsman. They will then contact the authorized provider. BASE cannot start an investigation on its own.
Receive a suspicious text message?
- Do not follow the instructions.
- Delete the SMS immediately.
Tip
Have you been victim of phishing and did you provide personal bank information? Then contact your bank immediately and block your card via Card Stop. Read more about safe internet banking (in Dutch or French).
