Anonymous messages with fraudulent sales offers on the OLX platform are a well-known scam. This is also the main topic that CERT Orange Poland has decided to remind users about. The organization warns about fake messages and provides an important phone number for reporting scams.
The number 508 700 900 belongs to CERT Orange Poland, and every mobile phone user, regardless of the network, can report fake messages to this number. The links contained in these messages will then go to CyberTarcza, and the most interesting cases will be further analyzed.
According to the report, the incident described in the article took place on December 27th. The user received a message from a sender pretending to be from OLX, informing about the sale of an item offered by him on the platform.
The link in the fake message was not active, and the user was asked to copy and paste it into the browser. The reason for this is the Apple devices’ software, which automatically deactivates links from unknown numbers.
After clicking on the link, the user is redirected to a fake OLX page, where they are guided by a Russian-speaking “consultant”. When the conversation becomes unconventional, the operator becomes disoriented. Eventually, they redirect the user to a fake payment gateway.
Scammers aim to obtain the login and password to the transaction service. If they cannot log into the stolen account, they send a form asking for credit card details.
CERT Orange Poland warns that scammers operate not only during the holiday season. It is always important to be vigilant and avoid suspicious messages. The organization also provides some advice that is worth taking to heart.
If you use sales platforms, always contact potential buyers through the interface of the website or application. Do not respond to SMS messages or attempts to contact you through applications such as WhatsApp. If you have suspicions, check if the link leads to the official website of the service (e.g., OLX), and if not, report it to [email protected] to help other users.
Article Source: Telepolis.pl (Przemek Banasiak)
The source of the article is from the blog papodemusica.com