Beware of unsafe postal parcel text messages


PostNL

Police warn of fake text messages circulating. The messages appear as notifications of a parcel. The enclosed link tries to install malware on your smartphone. This is how you handle it safely.

The Dutch police warns against false text messages, which masquerade as messages from parcel services. These text messages state that a parcel will be delivered with a link that supposedly informs you when you can expect your parcel. However, when you press the link, the opened site tries to download an app installer file. This installation file installs a fake banking app that aims, among other things, to rip off money.

When should I be concerned?

The text message is usually from a 06 number, which you may not have in your contact list. Chances are that the criminals use spoofing for this, a way in which they use a number that they do not own as the sender. The number used will therefore not lead to the criminals. The text messages are sent en masse to all kinds of Dutch telephone numbers. When you receive such a text message, it is therefore not a cause for concern, as long as you do not press the link and simply delete the message.

The fake banker app that the criminals try to install on your device in this case only works on Android devices. For example, if you use an iPhone and you receive this SMS, this app cannot be installed, because iPhones do not allow app installations outside the App Store. You do have this option on Android, and criminals try to use it.

DHL phishing
DHL phishing

DHL’s impersonation site is trying to download an APK file.

What is the best thing to do?

When you click on the link you do not have to worry immediately, although you should not do that. The browser then tries to download an app installation file called an APK file. Even before downloading the file and before installing it, your smartphone will give a warning and you must allow app installations outside the Play Store. If you want to be safe on your Android, it is always advisable to never install apps in this way.

Did you accidentally install the app after receiving such a text message? Then do not use this app, and it is better not to log in to the app of your own bank. Go through the following steps with Android Safe Mode.

Appearance

Unfortunately, you cannot avoid receiving SMS from criminals and unfortunately this form of mobile fraud is more common. In this case, a link is sent to an impersonation app, it is also common for a link to be sent to a phishing site. In addition to SMS, WhatsApp is also often used for this. WhatsApp fraud also easily reaches iPhone users.

By consciously dealing with received messages, you may prevent a lot of trouble:

  • Never install apps on your Android smartphone from APK files. If you have doubts about a message from a parcel delivery service or your bank, open the Play Store yourself and search for the relevant app. You can also contact the customer service of this parcel service or bank.

  • Never just open links that you receive from unknown numbers via SMS or WhatsApp, for example. Even if the other person pretends to be known.

  • When a site asks for personal data, check that the site really belongs to the relevant service and not a phishing site.

  • If you suspect that something has gone wrong, do not hesitate to contact your bank. By responding in time, you may be able to prevent worse.

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