A trial is currently taking place relating to an online scam which allegedly affected a significant number of people in France. And this, for a scam that is quite simple to carry out.
We know that the internet is the playground for all scammers and other people with bad intentions. In a virtual world where malware and phishing operations abound, it is always better to be careful about the links you can click on. This is what these numerous victims of an online scam have learned, whose case is currently being judged by a French court.
A fake technician offers a fake subscription
There are a certain number of people in the country who have unfortunately fallen for a very basic scam, according to information from the courts. Hackers were indeed sending more and more emails in which they included a link, hoping that potential victims would click on it.
Once this first step was completed, the computer would freeze, and a support number would be displayed, so that a technician could help the person with their device. Once contact was established, the pseudo technician “repaired” the system, which was working very well, and freed the victim from their worries.
But before leaving her, he suggested that the latter, if she wished, take out a “subscription” for an IT protection service in order to avoid this type of problem in the future. Subscription just as fake as the identity of the technician, but which was unfortunately accepted by many.
A sector established in Tunisia
The sum extorted in this way was 131 euros per victim. A fairly small amount per unit, but which allowed the pirates to grow a significant loot given the total number of victims, namely 1,700 people.
The team behind these attacks was based in Tunisia. 15 people are thus accused by the courts, so seven are currently present before the judge (including three already incarcerated for a year and a half). At the end of the trial, the defendants risk a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Source : France Info
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