More than one million potential scam attempts have been prevented over the course of the past three months, according to data from Tele2 mobile network provider.
The company’s representatives note that scam attempts were prevented thanks to a new service – Internet security. Most often scammers attempt to gain access to client’s data by using fake links, fake websites and malware.
Because people spend more and more time online, scammers use it to their advantage and regularly look for new ways to scam people.
Tele2 representatives say the number of scam cases involving malware links tripled in over the course of the past month.
Such links are usually sent with scam e-mails and various mobile apps, promising recipients winnings, discounts, etc.
At the same time, the number of identified fake internet websites has increased five times in recent months.
Tele2 notes that this is not a unique situation. Various institutions and telecommunications operations in Latvia and around the world are constantly looking for ways to limit cyber scammers’ activities.
Tele2 Commercial Director Raivo Rosts explains that children and the elderly are at risk the most because they are the ones who end up scammed due to carelessness or naivete.
Lately, however, middle-aged residents have become frequent victims of various scams. These people are affected the most by various fake bank or courier notifications.
Rosts recommends parents to discuss the topic of digital security among family members.
“For example, family members should not rush to enter the digital environment, because hastily made decisions is what scammers use. It is important to pay attention to links received, as well as general grammar, e-mail addresses and whether senders request you to provide personal details,” says Rosts, adding that there are various security solutions available for phones and other devices.
According to him, security measures have become a necessity nowadays because they help reduce the risk of accidentally opening a malicious link or fake website.
Also read: LTV: Latvian export to Russia remains stable despite sanctions