If you are contacted by unknown persons who promise you payment of "dividends" that you were not even aware of, it is very likely that you are dealing with fraudsters. In this article, we talk about the fraud method based on so-called fake dividends and offer you useful advice to protect yourself.
How does the fake dividend scam work?
Fraud usually starts with an unexpected phone call. A person pretends to be a representative of a well-known company or even of the stock exchange and "informs" the potential victim that they are supposed to receive a significant amount from dividends.
When contacting the victim, fraudsters use credible details:
- for example, I refer to real companies listed on the stock exchange
- or, in some casesreported, they even used the names of well-known financial experts to gain the victim's trust.
After the called person is convinced that they have to receive a large sum from unexpected "dividends," usually the second step follows. The initial wrongdoer or an accomplice presenting themselves as a "bank representative" contacts the victim and claims that they will assist in receiving the money. They may request "account separation," the opening of a "special online bank account," or the installation of a remote access application (such as AnyDesk), under the pretext of facilitating the transfer.
In reality, the objective of fraudsters is to gain access to the victim's phone, their banking applications, or financial data. Once the victim discloses personal information or allows access, they take control of the device and can compromise bank accounts, stealing the available money. Thus, instead of receiving "dividend money," the victim risks having their accounts emptied.
Recommendations:
- Be wary of unsolicited calls and messages that promise quick and unexpected winnings;
- Do not disclose personal or banking data over the phone – never share your personal numeric code (CNP), IBAN account number, PIN codes, passwords, or authentication codes, regardless of who the caller claims to be;
- Do not install applications at the instruction of an unknown caller – this is the most commonly used method to take control of your device;
- Don't let yourself be pressured by an "emergency" – take a few moments to analyze the situation, interrupt the conversation, and contact the targeted institution through its official channels.
If you are approached by fraudsters or have certain suspicions and you are a BT client, please contact us as soon as possible: 0264 308 055, contact@btrl.ro.
