Beware of fraudulent gift vouchers: how to protect yourself from online scams

Recently, there have been many cases of fraudulent offers of gift vouchers that abuse the names of well-known companies such as Alza.cz, Mall.cz or various retail chains. These fake offers are spread via social networks, emails or SMS messages and aim to get your personal data or money.

How does the scam work?

Scammers often reach out to users via social media, such as Facebook or WhatsApp, with an enticing offer of a free gift voucher. They ask for a phone number and then a code, which the victim receives via SMS. In this way, the attackers can activate mobile payments on your account or gain access to your personal data. Similar cases have been reported, for example, with fake Mall.cz e-bezpeci. cz discount cards or fraudulent competitions abusing the Alza.cz name.

How to protect yourself?

• Don’t give your personal information to strangers: be cautious when sharing your phone number or other sensitive information online.
• Check the authenticity of offers: if you receive an offer of a gift voucher or discount, check the authenticity of the offer on the company’s official website.
• Ignore suspicious messages: If you receive a message from an unknown sender with an enticing offer, do not respond to it or click on the attached links.
• Activate your security measures: set up two-factor authentication on your accounts and check your privacy settings regularly.

How can we help you?

BOIT offers comprehensive cyber security services, including phishing tests and IT security training. We can help you identify weaknesses in your organization and teach your employees how to recognize and respond to fraudulent activity. For more information, visit our website.

Be vigilant and protect your personal data from fraudsters!