Phishing scams are no longer limited to the online world—they can also appear in traditional mail. A recent warning from Germany’s State Office of Criminal Investigation of Lower Saxony highlighted a new form of phishing via mail, where criminals impersonate banks in an attempt to steal personal information.
These phishing letters often look strikingly similar to legitimate bank communications, with official logos and personalized details, making them difficult to distinguish from authentic mail. Some of the banks targeted so far include Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank, although any financial institution could be impersonated in this way, potentially on a global scale.
How the Phishing Scam Works
The scam letter typically informs you of an “urgent matter regarding your account,” which could include anything from a request to update your information to alarming warnings or threats. Accompanying the letter is often a QR code, suggesting that you scan it to resolve the issue.
However, scanning the QR code leads you to a fake website that closely resembles your bank’s legitimate page. If you enter your login credentials on this fraudulent site, the scammers gain access to your sensitive data, including banking information.
How to Protect Yourself
- Be cautious of unsolicited letters: Always be suspicious of unexpected mail, especially when it asks you to take urgent action.
- Contact your bank directly: If you’re unsure whether the letter is genuine, call your bank to verify the legitimacy of the message.
- Avoid scanning suspicious QR codes: Never scan a QR code from an unsolicited source. Before scanning, disable the feature on your phone that automatically opens links when scanning QR codes. This allows you to check the destination URL before visiting any site.
- If you’re a victim, act fast: If you’ve already scanned a phishing QR code and entered your details, immediately contact your bank to block your account access. Then, change your passwords and work with your bank to restore your account.
Stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself from such scams.
