Increased Number of Internet Scams
The preventive project “SafetyNet – Battle for Security” of the Split-Dalmatia Police Department is expanding its focus on informing and advising citizens about internet safety. The project is implemented through direct contact with citizens, providing them with information about real events and criminal reports, with a special emphasis on self-protection. Despite warnings, it has been observed that citizens do not always follow the advice of experts and the police regarding internet scams, which is particularly evident in December, the month of pre-New Year shopping.
Recently, there has been an increase in cases of “smishing,” or identity theft via SMS messages, where citizens receive fake messages from alleged delivery personnel with a link to enter personal information. There is also an increase in extortion messages via email, where an unknown person claims to possess intimate recordings and demands payment in euros to a Bitcoin wallet.
Internet investment scams have also increased. The victims are usually citizens of wealthier countries, and the perpetrators generally operate from outside those countries. After the initial investment and promised secure returns, victims establish contact with a personal broker. Problems arise when they decide to terminate the investment and withdraw profits. At that point, brokers request additional payments, citing various reasons such as commissions, taxes, or confirmation from the European Central Bank. After these additional payments, brokers and internet sites disappear, leaving victims without their money.
Therefore, the Split-Dalmatia Police Department advises citizens to: be suspicious of SMS or calls from companies that ask for personal information, officially contact the company, never follow suspicious links in SMS or e-mails, avoid unsafe websites, especially those that don’t use HTTPS in the URL address, never share bank card details like PIN, CVC or online banking password, never send money to an unknown person’s account, etc.
