Be wary of the spread of an unpaid rent scam in France
Heads Up: Watch Out for That Rent Scam!
Who'd have thought those sneaky cyber crooks would take a stab at tricking unsuspecting tenant victims? Recently, a clever new scam has raised its ugly head in France, targeting the French tenants.
According to cybersecurity experts at Proofpoint, this scam involves contacting tenants through email, announcing that their rent payment is in arrears. The cybercriminal then invites the tenant to make the payment instantly using the details provided in the email, with a message hinting that "bank details have recently been changed".
Their messages aim to induce fear in their targets, prompting them to make the transfer without thinking twice. According to Proofpoint researchers, these scam emails are designed to cause panic in recipients, fearing potential eviction, late fees, and penalties. Once the money is transferred, it swiftly finds its way into the cybercriminals' bank account.
Since the hackers frequently alter their IBAN accounts, it becomes challenging to detect these scams. Research indicates that these cybercriminals organize two to three scam campaigns using the same account before switching to a fresh one. So far, over 50 campaigns have been traced back to a single hacking group named TA2900.
So, how do we avoid being ensnared in this trap? It all starts with vigilance. If you receive an email of this nature, it's crucial to remain cautious. Verify the identity of your landlord or the property manager by verifying their documentation and contact information. Resist the pressure to rush into a lease or payment, and take time to research and validate the property and terms.
If you suspect you've been a victim of this scam, be sure to contact your bank immediately. By taking proactive measures to educate ourselves and one another, we can minimize the risk of falling prey to these scams.
Related Topics:
- Scams
- Cyberattacks
- Computer Hacking
- Fraud
Interesting Facts:
- These scams try to create a sense of urgency to prompt quick decisions.
- Be wary of unconventional payment requests and verify the identity of your landlord/rental agency.
- keep your guard up, especially in a French rental context. Always verify payment accounts and communicate directly with the rental agency.
- Despite the rising realm of technology in general-news, cybercriminals continue to develop cunning strategies, such as the one using rent scams as a platform, exploiting the fear of tenants in France.
- As reported by Proofpoint, the recently unearthed rent scam involves cybercriminals sending emails to tenants, pretending to be landlords, and requesting immediate rent payment, often hinting at changes in banking details.
- To combat this cybersecurity threat, it's essential to question unverified emails and verify the identities of landlords or rental agencies, resisting the impulse to make hasty decisions, especially when it comes to paying rent.
- In cases of suspicion or victimization, it's imperative to contact the authorities, banks, and report the crime to crime-and-justice channels to help curb this growing problem in the real estate sector.
