Fraudulent messages ostensibly from SWISS

Mobile phone users are currently receiving an increasing number of so-called RCS messages apparently from Swiss International Air Lines. RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a communication protocol that, for example, makes sending read receipts, multimedia content or the transmission of high quality content possible.

The fraudulent messages from SWISS state that the recipient's accumulated mileage points will soon expire and must therefore be traded in immediately. A link is sent which leads to what looks exactly like a genuine SWISS website. Personal information and credit or debit card details must now be entered on the fake website in order to redeem the supposed points. Once entered, the fraudsters attempt to trigger a payment, as a result of which the recipient receives an SMS with a verification code. If this code is now also entered on the fraudulent website, the cybercriminals immediately use the card to make an unauthorised payment.

How to protect yourself from card fraud:

• Never click on links and never open attachments.
• Always check the sender’s email or URL.
• Only log in via official websites.

• Never disclose confirmation codes to third parties.