Complaints about cryptocurrency SMS fraud have increased by 230 percent!

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in fraud cases carried out via SMS among cryptocurrency investors. The resolution platform Sikayetvar continues to warn users against this danger by compiling complaints received regarding such fraud. 

The 10 most complained-about topics and methods of fraud related to cryptocurrency SMS scams are listed as follows: 

SMS sent using the names of popular cryptocurrency exchanges: Messages such as 'your account is in danger' or 'your identity verification failed' are sent to users. The information and passwords of users who log in via fake links are stolen.

Investment trap messages: They direct people to fake platforms with messages like 'invest 1000 TL, earn 10 thousand TL'. Communication is cut off after users deposit money.

Money demands under the name of tax or commission: Messages are sent stating 'you need to pay tax to withdraw the money you earned'. After users make the payment, the scammers disappear.

Fake technical support or customer service numbers: Scammers send call requests via SMS by posing as exchange customer service. Login information and identity verification codes are obtained from users. And in this way, they seize their personal data and user information.

Sweepstakes and prize-winning fraud: They mislead users by sending messages like 'you won in the cryptocurrency sweepstakes, click this link to receive your prize'. Afterwards, the users' accounts are seized or malicious software is installed.

Phishing messages: Users' identity and bank information are stolen with messages coming via SMS such as 'your wallet has been blocked, log in to unlock it'.

Fake mobile application links: Instead of official exchange applications, they send fake APKs or links to steal wallets from users' phones.

SMS sent via phone numbers: Fake messages are sent using real people's or company numbers. Users are defrauded by believing the message is reliable.

Crypto SMS sent under the name of a bank or e-Government: Redirection to fake sites occurs with messages such as 'Have you made a crypto asset regulation via e-Government?'. When users log in to fake pages, their accounts are seized.

SMS fraud via social media advertisements: By gaining trust through Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube advertisements, redirection is made via SMS. No action is taken after money is received from users.

Some complaints reaching the platform regarding cryptocurrency fraud are as follows:

Must be audited under the KVKK (Personal Data Protection Law)

“Is it in accordance with the Commercial Code to redirect me to a link from a place where I have no account? I am asking you, I block you, you send the message again and again. You need to be strictly audited under the KVKK. I have neither signed up for such financial services nor do I have an account. On what basis and why are you sending the messages you send? It is impossible to expect a good-faith move from this. I reserve all my legal rights. What would elderly uncles and aunts understand? What is your problem?"

An attempt that threatens my personal information and security

“I have no relationship with the message 'This is the last asset I have left for you and I must give this fund to you in the name of love. If you still feel something for your family, please take care of my little son. Please do not contact me again in the future, I have started a new family and I do not want my family to be disturbed.' that came via Instagram DM, and I have no connection with the accounts or people mentioned in the message.  I immediately blocked this message, which contains account information, balance, and a link, and I did not perform any action. However, I consider this message an attempt that threatens my personal information and security."

While being defrauded, I can do nothing but look at the message and say “What is happening?”

“Throughout the day, I receive messages from time to time without my knowledge and without logging in anywhere. It turns out there is an intermediary company where login confirmation codes for betting companies and some applications are sent. However, I do not have a membership in any of these types of applications. It does not provide information about which betting company or money-circulating application it is an intermediary for without my knowledge of this login attempt, and I can do nothing but look at the message that comes while I am being defrauded and say 'What is happening?'. I am complaining about this institution, which hides the address and shows no responsibility other than sending codes, for all my material and moral losses and illegal transactions that will occur."

I keep receiving login passwords

"I have been receiving login passwords from somewhere for a long time. I am not logging in anywhere, but for some reason, these messages fall onto my phone. If an action is being taken regarding me, this action is outside my knowledge. If anyone has information about this, can they provide information?"

6 SMS in one day

"I received 6 messages from a person named Bosmtal saying 'Dear user, we have suspended your account. For activation: (link)' and 1 message saying 'E-D. E. V. L. E. T your 20 thousand 000 Turkish Lira dues refund registered in your name has been approved. For application: (link)'. I do not have any membership. I request that my complaint be investigated, and I declare that I do not accept any responsibility or damage regarding this matter."

WAYS TO PROTECT AGAINST FRAUD 

According to the statement, the most effective ways for cryptocurrency investors to protect themselves from fraud carried out via SMS are as follows:

Never click on unknown links: Before clicking on links in SMS messages that claim to be from a bank, exchange, or official institution, be sure to verify them on the official website.

Use the official channels of crypto exchanges: Log in to your crypto exchange accounts only through official websites or mobile applications. Do not trust suspicious links received via email, SMS, or social media.

Activate two-factor authentication: Use additional security measures when logging into your cryptocurrency accounts.

Protect your phone number and personal information: Be careful when signing up for unknown platforms to prevent your number from falling into the hands of scammers. If possible, use a different phone number for investment transactions.

Use strong passwords and change them regularly: Create unique and strong passwords for your accounts. Update your passwords regularly and avoid using the same password on different platforms.

News Source: 12punto