This two-step scam traps many victims…
Digital scams have exploded in recent years, affecting millions of people around the world. In various forms (phishing, fake sites, fraudulent calls or even SMS scams) scammers compete in ingenuity to deceive their victims. These scams, often well disguised as urgent messages or tempting offers, can have dramatic financial consequences.
Among them, a new SMS scam, recently brought to light, represents a real danger, capable of trapping a large number of people, even the most vigilant. Its subtle and two-stage operation makes this fraud particularly insidious, and victims can find themselves robbed in just a few hours, without having had time to defend themselves. How does it work and, above all, how can you spot it in time to avoid falling into the trap?
This scam, called the “double trigger scam”, takes place in two stages. It aims to trick victims into transferring money or providing sensitive information. First, the scammer sends a seemingly innocuous message, often an alert of a problem with a bank account, a delivery, or a winning prize. This message usually contains a link or a premium rate number to call, prompting the victim to react quickly. When she clicks or responds, the scammer uses the opportunity to collect personal data, such as banking details or login information.
In a second step, after a short delay, the scammer sends another message, usually more urgent, pretending to be customer service or an official institution, and asks the victim to confirm a money transfer, a security code or the installation of malware. This two-step mechanism makes the scam more credible and better manipulates the victim, already weakened by the first contact.
To avoid falling into the trap of this scam, it is essential to adopt an attitude of systematic caution when faced with messages received, especially those coming from unknown numbers or dubious sources. Never click on a link or call a number in a suspicious text message. If in doubt, contact the company or institution directly through their official contact details, not through a link or number provided in the message. It is also advisable to regularly check your bank accounts and transactions for any unusual activity. Finally, activating double authentication on online accounts strengthens security and limits the risk of hacking. By remaining vigilant and applying these best practices, it is possible to effectively protect yourself against this type of fraud.
