In the last few hours, cybercriminals have been at it again, using their social engineering techniques to steal data left and right. To do this, they are using the sending of fake SMS text messages that impersonate the bank ING. This is misleading information that compromises the security of users and ends up turning them into victims of fraud without them even realising it. What should be done in these cases?
Nowadays we spend most of the day on our cell phones, as they are one of the most necessary accessories for work or for entertainment. However, they are one of the primary sources for criminals to commit their criminal acts and manage to get their hands on a good loot.
One of the most common scam attempts is the smishing technique, a dangerous cyber attack launched via SMS to attract the attention of users with the aim of getting them to download a virus or provide confidential information through suspicious websites or forms. The latest warning is the impersonation of the ING bank, which has already been identified by the OCU (Organisation of Consumers and Users) and in the following lines we will tell you how you should act.
ING SMS: How to know if it is fake?
If you are an ING customer, you have probably received dozens of messages from the entity informing you about movements in your account, such as Bizum, or even emails with offers and news. But there is one SMS in particular that is circulating on smartphones indicating that a mistake has been made in your account and it must be resolved.
In order for you to identify it, the SMS contains an alert about an unauthorized login from a new device, so you will have to verify it if you do not recognize it by indicating an attached link that you must click on to continue with the process. Precisely, that is what they expect you to do, click on the link and agree to fill in all your data to commit their crime.
The company itself has echoed this cyber threat and wanted to share a series of tips to warn you that this type of messages are a scam:
- At ING you will never be asked to verify your personal details via SMS.
- Do not trust SMS messages with attached links, as ING never includes them.
- If you are tempted to click on the link, take a good look at the URL and if it is a bit.ly shortened link, it may be suspicious.
- ING is always identified as ING or ING DIRECT, but never as ING BANCO SA
What to do if I receive the SMS?
If you have received an SMS from ING, the first thing you should do immediately is block it and mark it as spam. This way, you will be sure that the same sender will not be able to send you any more text messages.
The next thing you need to note down is to completely ignore any links sent with the SMS. If you click on one of them, you will be trapped and they can take control of your mobile phone or collect all your credentials if they ask for them.
Finally, check your accounts and contact the bank to cancel them if transactions have been made without your consent.
