With the help of fake SMS messages in the name of the Austrian tax administration, internet fraudsters are trying to get personal data from citizens.
Vienna (OTS) – The Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) is currently warning of an increasing number of fake SMS messages that are being sent to citizens in the name of the Austrian financial administration (e.g. FinanzOnline). The fraudulent messages contain information that the recipient should access a link and enter personal data there. The BMF continually warns against such and similar fraud attempts, which occur via various communication channels such as SMS, email and telephone calls.
The hyperlinks contained lead to fake websites in the style of FinanzOnline, which ask you to enter personal data, especially account details.
The BMF emphasizes that this is an attempted internet fraud and that the messages sent and linked websites are fakes.
Information from the BMF generally takes the form of notifications and is delivered by post or to the FinanzOnline Databox. The BMF never asks citizens to submit personal data such as passwords, credit card details or account information.
Therefore, if you receive such SMS and email messages with similar content, it is most likely an internet fraud attempt.
• Under no circumstances follow the instructions contained therein!
• Do not click on any links or files contained therein! • Do not under any circumstances disclose personal information such as passwords, credit card details or account information!
• The BMF recommends deleting such SMS and email messages immediately!
Further information about the fraudsters’ scams, the characteristics of fraud attempts and necessary security measures can be found in our folder “Beware of fraud! Don’t give internet fraudsters a chance.” The folder is available for download on the BMF website and is available for collection in all tax offices.
Questions & Contact:
Federal Ministry of Finance, Press Office
(+43 1) 514 33 501 031
bmf-presse@bmf.gv.at
http://www.bmf.gv.at
Johannesgasse 5, 1010 Vienna