The data leak after the cyberattack on the Free operator is currently being used again by hackers. The person the scammers are targeting will tell us about their scheme.
Name, name, address, IBAN… all these data are currently reused by fraudsters. Cyber attack against Free revealed at the end of October allowed everyday cybercriminals to obtain sufficiently “fresh” and rich databases to update their operations with new scams. The media space given to the hacking of the French operator and the fears that such an announcement may cause are widely used during these schemes. Two recent examples prove this to us.
Rock, customer at Revolutwas called recently in the middle of the afternoon. A phone number starting with “01” and a voice on the other end of the line ” seriously and clearly in your remarkss,” the thirty-year-old tells us. contacted by Numerama.
The purported banking advisor begins by introducing the topic of recent cyber attacks and mentions data breach that affected Freebut also claims of attack against SFR, a rival operator. He continues with other alarming examples and tells his partner IBAN can be misused for fraudulent purposes, starting with illegal direct debits, and concludes by pointing out that the young man himself would fall victim to this type of trickery.
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” It alerts me to three pending withdrawals from my bank account by a casino in Germany. These transactions would be blocked for now but the fake advisor would need to know the amount in my bank account to avoid any withdrawals », Pierre testifies.
IBAN, address… the fraudster gives all the details
This approach may seem crude, but Pierre explains that everything is well presented and expressed with professionalism. When the person asks him for proof, the so-called adviser dodges the questions and goes back to talking about bank security. A good example of data reuse by the fraudster: they talk to him about his personal details, give him his address and his IBAN numbers to reassure him that he is managing his bank account correctly.
” He is starting to feel guilty, telling me he will have to let the payments go through because of the lack of information. “, adds Pierre. ” I end up lying to him by telling him that I only have 80 euros in my bank account. His tone immediately changes “. The scammer insults his partner and tells him that he wasted his time for a ridiculous amount of money before hanging up.
These frauds, which usurped the Internet bank Revolut, became the target of other people. On the social network Reddit, explains the user have received messages followed by a call from a fake advisor. The scenario remains the same, using the same arguments associated with fraudulent direct debits.
How to spot these fake bank advisor scams
Pierre has learned some good reflexes: ask your partner, ask for proof, lie to him.
If your advisor would like to connect with you, invite them to join you directly through the official website or application of your bank. Communication with your bank always appears in your secure personal space. If you give him false information, you can also see how responsive he is.
In general, we advise you not to answer directly. Banks rarely contact you by phone, and if in doubt, it is better to take the initiative and contact them through another channel. A few minutes of your time is worth more than a financial loss.