Experts explain why you shouldn’t click on links from messages
Ukrainians are being warned about a new wave of phishing attacks disguised as messages from Telegram. Users are receiving SMS about an alleged account violation with a demand to urgently click on a link.
This is reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the social project BRAMA.
Read also: How to recognize a scammer in Viber in 10 seconds: tips to avoid losing money
How the scheme works
In the messages, the attackers claim that the account is “marked due to a violation” and may be blocked within 24 hours. Along with this, they include a link for “verification.” In reality, this is phishing.
The scheme looks like this:
- the user is frightened by the threat of account blocking;
- they are forced to click on the link;
- the person lands on a fake website;
- they enter their data;
- after that, the attackers gain access to the account.
In addition, the scammers create a sense of urgency, disguise links as official ones, and try to obtain phone numbers and confirmation codes through fake forms.
Ukrainians receive fake messages (screenshot: Dmitry Levitsky)
What is important to know
BRAMA notes that Telegram never sends SMS with links for account verification.
All official messages from the service are sent only within the app through service chats.
How to protect yourself
To avoid losing access to your account, users are advised to:
- not click on suspicious links;
- check the website address;
- enable two-factor authentication;
- enter data only in the official app;
- ignore such messages.
If you receive such an SMS, it is recommended to delete it immediately and warn your loved ones so they do not fall victim to the scam as well.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported on a fraudulent scheme in Ukraine, where fake messages about “financial assistance” from international organizations and energy companies are used to steal bank card data.
They also discussed a fraudulent scheme in Telegram, where a fake channel posing as “energy assistance” from the EU collects personal data from Ukrainians. In reality, there are no such payments, and people are urged not to share their data and to verify information only through official sources.
