Cybercriminals trick victims into subscribing to a paid service costing 43.50 euros, automatically charged every 14 days
Spain’s Guardia Civil police force has warned of a campaign of fraudulent messages via WhatsApp which claim to come from drinks firm giant Coca Cola in a fuel scam.
Victims are directed to a website and asked to enter personal data to purchase a card worth 500 euros for fuel at Shell service stations, which actually hides a subscription to a service for the amount of 43.50 euros, charged every 14 days.
Spain’s Internet Security Office has warned that if you have accessed the link and provided your credit card details, you should contact your bank as soon as possible to inform them of what has happened.
“In addition, we recommend that you remain vigilant and regularly monitor the information published about you on the internet to prevent your private data from being used without your consent,” the security office warns.
The Spanish Data Protection Agency provides guidelines for consumers to exercise their rights.
Recommendations to avoid becoming a victim of phishing:
• Do not trust advertisements or chain messages with incredible promotions and read the small print.
• Always keep your computer operating system, applications and software up to date. Check that your antivirus software is active.
• Always use common sense and, if in doubt, consult directly with the company or service involved or with trusted third parties, such as the State…
