Fraudulent competitions on the rise

The Federal Office for Cybersecurity (BACS) received around 63,000 reports of cyber incidents in 2024. What is apparent is that the number of fraudulent competitions has tripled compared to the previous year, with around 3,400 cases reported.

In most cases, the competitions claim to be organised by or on behalf of well-known companies, for example companies in the food industry, electronics retailers or transport companies. However, cyber criminals lurk behind these “competitions”. Users are only asked to answer a few very simple questions to take part in the competition. You are then redirected to a phony page where you have to enter personal data such as debit or credit card details, email address or mobile phone number. Hidden somewhere on the website or in the terms and conditions is a statement that a multi-year subscription is concluded immediately after completing the form. The fees for this subscription are charged directly to the card you have just indicated on the phony page.

So always be suspicious of competitions and check the retailer's general terms and conditions.

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