Spain’s DGT Warns Of A New Scam Circulating Which Tricks Users Into Giving Their Data

A new hoax is circulating the web, pretending to be the General Directorate of Traffic and asking for money to pay for a fake fine.  

THE coronavirus pandemic may have limited the circulation of criminals on the streets; however, it has not stopped crime online. Despite everyone being quarantined at home, criminals now try to conduct illicit practices online and steal sensitive information.

Since the beginning of the crisis, several hoaxes have circulated the web through the use of fake emails or fake mobile messages which actually aim to get a hold of the user’s bank details.

Now, the General Direcotreate of Traffic (DGT) warns of yet another scam. Hackers are now using a fake fine to scare users and entice them into sharing their data by clicking on a link.

The DGT has noted that online scammers do not stop trying to deceive drivers. More specifically, from the Internet Safety Office, they explain that “in less than a week, a new scam attempt has been detected. This has been done by supplanting the identity of the DGT. Emails are being sent demanding that users pay a fine registered under their name,” but this is actually fake.

The DGT has advised that it does not use this format to notify drivers about fines nor does it use the kind of language observed in the malicious email.

It seems incredible that we continue to fall for these hoaxes, but the truth is that the email seems very real, especially since the sender’s email address is admin@sede.dgt.gob.es. It is easy to deceive someone with such a realistic email which can often be confusing for the reader.

When this fake email is sent, the driver receives an email with the subject ‘Pay your fine.’ A small piece of information about the event itself is explained in the body of the email and you are then invited to click a link for more information.

The Internet Security Office affirms, that if you only open the email without clicking the link then you are fine. The problem arises when you click the link. Clicking the link then allows the “download of a malicious file which will infect your computer and illegally obtain your personal and confidential information, which can later be used for other crimes, such as identity theft or theft.”

If this has happened to the user, they are advised to immediately contact the support team of the Internet User Security Office in order to eliminate the hoax and try to solve the possible problems caused by the computer.

Written by

Laura Kemp

Originally from UK, Laura is based in Axarquia and is a writer for the Euro Weekly News covering news and features. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.

Comments