Warning: New Telephone Scams on the Rise – Here’s What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
In recent weeks, there’s been a sharp spike in telephone scams, with a 20% increase in reported cases just in October alone. According to Mimikama, a leading consumer protection platform, people in Germany and Austria are particularly being targeted. These scams often involve promises of unexpected winnings or health insurance refunds. However, the real aim of these calls is to steal your personal information or money.
New Telephone Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Yourself
Here’s what you need to watch out for:
1. Competition Scam: The “You’ve Won” Trick
One of the latest scams circulating involves callers claiming you’ve won a large cash prize. But don’t get excited just yet — this is a trap. For example, scammers are calling from the Berlin number 030 50931590 and telling victims they’ve won €39,000. But there’s a catch: you must first pay €900 in “fees” to claim your winnings, often supposedly for delivery via an armored truck.
Here’s what you need to remember: If you haven’t entered a competition, you can be sure it’s a scam. Legitimate contests don’t ask for money upfront.
2. Health Insurance Refund Scam
Another popular scam is the health insurance refund trick. Callers, using numbers like 0178 7405212 or +43 677 62016973 (which is often blocked due to high abuse), claim they can help you reclaim health insurance contributions. They’ll ask you to provide personal details, and in some cases, claim that processing your refund will require an upfront payment or fee.
Don’t fall for this! Your health insurance provider will never ask you to pay to receive a refund. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.
3. Fake Consumer Advice Center Calls
In Austria, scammers are posing as representatives of the “Consumer Advice Center,” claiming that data deletion or protection services require a fee. If you get a call from an unknown number claiming this, it’s highly likely to be a scam.
Real-Life Experiences: What Victims are Saying
Here are some real-life examples shared by victims:
- A person reported receiving seven calls in just four weeks from the 0178 7405212 number. The caller tried to convince them to press “1” to claim a health insurance refund. Remember, these kinds of prompts are a red flag.
- Another victim was tricked by the 030 50931590 number, where they were told they had won a €39,000 prize but needed to pay €900 in “delivery fees.” Thankfully, they suspected it was a scam and hung up before any money was exchanged.
- One individual warned others after receiving a call about a “lottery contract” they had never signed. The scammer pressured them into agreeing to terms, hoping to trick them into saying “yes” (which could be used against them).
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
It’s crucial not to let these scammers pressure or confuse you. Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Don’t answer questions with “yes.” Many scams rely on getting you to verbally confirm personal information. If you’re unsure, hang up.
- Never pay fees upfront. Legitimate contests, refunds, or services never require payment before delivery.
- Verify by contacting official organizations. If you receive a suspicious call from a company or institution (like a bank or insurance provider), contact them directly using a verified number from their official website. Do not call back the number provided in the suspicious message.
What You Can Do to Block These Calls
The good news is that there are ways to reduce the number of scam calls you receive:
- Caller ID Apps: Use apps like Truecaller or Hiya to identify and block spam numbers. These apps can filter out many known scam numbers, preventing them from reaching you.
- Do Not Disturb Mode: Many smartphones allow you to set up a “Do Not Disturb” mode, which only allows calls from known contacts. This can be a useful way to avoid unwanted calls.
- Report Suspicious Numbers: If you receive a scam call, report it to platforms like Mimikama or your local consumer protection office. This helps authorities track and block these numbers.
Stay Informed: Knowledge is Your Best Defense
With fraudsters becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest scams. Regularly check trusted consumer websites, such as Mimikama, for updates on new scams. Knowledge is your best defense against falling victim to these tricks.