Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fraudsters impersonate your bank, government agencies, or tech companies to steal your money or personal data. In this article, you'll learn how to recognize and protect yourself from phishing, fake calls, and online fraud.

What is phishing?

Phishing is a form of fraud where criminals pretend to be a trusted organization. They try to trick you into sharing personal information such as:

  • Passwords and login credentials
  • Bank details and credit card numbers
  • Personal data (social security number, date of birth)
  • Verification codes and PINs

Recognizing phishing emails

Pay attention to these warning signs:

  • Strange sender: The email address doesn't match the company
  • Urgency: "Act now!" or "Your account will be blocked"
  • Impersonal greeting: "Dear customer" instead of your name
  • Spelling errors: Legitimate companies check their messages
  • Suspicious links: Hover over links to see the real URL
  • Requests for data: Banks never ask for passwords via email

Example of a phishing email

A fake bank email might say: "We detected unusual activity. Click here to verify your account within 24 hours or it will be blocked." The link leads to a fake website that looks like your bank.

Recognizing fake phone calls

Criminals also call by phone. Common scams:

  • Bank employee: "There's suspicious activity on your account"
  • Microsoft support: "Your computer has a virus"
  • Police or tax authority: "You have an outstanding fine"
  • Grandchild scam: "Grandma, I'm in trouble, I need money"

How to protect yourself

  1. Never give out personal information over the phone
  2. Hang up and call the organization directly via their official number
  3. Don't trust caller ID - it can be spoofed
  4. Never give remote access to your computer

Recognizing fake websites

  • URL: Check if it's the real website (ing.nl vs ing-login.xyz)
  • Lock icon: A padlock doesn't guarantee legitimacy
  • Design: Fake sites often look slightly different
  • Contact info: Legitimate sites have real contact details

Recognizing fake text messages

SMS phishing (smishing) is increasingly common:

  • "Your package couldn't be delivered. Pay shipping costs via: [link]"
  • "Your bank card is blocked. Activate it here: [link]"
  • "You won a prize! Claim it here: [link]"

Rule: Never click links in unexpected text messages.

What to do if you've been scammed

  1. Contact your bank immediately if you've shared financial data
  2. Change passwords of compromised accounts
  3. Report it to the police and fraud helpline
  4. Warn others - share your experience

Prevention tips

  • Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Keep software updated
  • Use a password manager
  • Be skeptical of unexpected contact
  • When in doubt, always check directly with the organization

Need help? Our support team is ready for you! Send a ticket via the customer portal and we'll usually help you within a few hours.