New phishing scam on property platforms

A particularly clever scam is currently on the rise on property platforms. As part of this scam, criminals specifically ask for copies of their victims' passports or ID-cards to conclude card or banking contracts in the victim’s name.

And this is how it works: Fraudsters place an advert on a property platform for a low-priced rental flat in a prime location. Anyone who responds is contacted immediately. The cyber-criminals claim that the application deadline has already passed. However, they also say that if the applicant immediately uploads their personal details and a copy of their ID-card or passport to a specific website, the applicant can still apply for the flat. In this way, the fraudsters exert time pressure on their victims.

Anyone who uploads their data falls into the trap. Using the copy of the identity card and the personal data provided by the victim, the cyber-criminals can now apply for credit- or debit-cards, bank accounts or even insurance policies via digital channels or exploit existing accounts and cards with the stolen identity. They can therefore purchase whatever goods and services they want - all in their victims’ names. Victims often only become aware of the fraud several weeks later when invoices and debt collection letters arrive.

So #watchout ! Requests for copies of ID-cards or passports should make you suspicious. And time pressure is always an indication of a attempted phishing attack. Always think very carefully before disclosing personal data to strangers.