Commerzbank customers have recently been receiving spam emails informing them of a supposed update. We show why you have to be careful with these emails.
Commerzbank customers receive spam emails informing them of an alleged update to the PhotoTAN app. (Source: depositphotos.com / rclassenlayouts)
In the new year, cyber fraudsters will continue to target bank customers with their usual tricks. This time Commerzbank is affected. Phishing emails are sent in their name. They point out that you have not updated the PhotoTAN app despite the alleged request.
Last year, the activation of the PhotoTAN Card procedure was also used by fraudsters as a phishing trap in January.
Additionally, previous spam emails warn that if you do not comply with the new update, your account will no longer be usable by the January 6th deadline. The exact date has certainly been pushed back a bit since then. With a supposed reference number and the link, it appears that this is an official message from Commerzbank.
Commerzbank customers have recently received a phishing email asking them to update their PhotoTAN app. However, those affected should not click on the supposed link to the online portal. (Source: consumer advice center)
But under no circumstances should you click on the apparent link to the online portal in order to be redirected. This is not secure access, but rather a scam that criminals can use to gain access to your account.
Signs of a spam email
An indication that this is a spam email is the unknown salutation (“Dear Customer”). This will be used at the beginning of the email instead of your name, which your bank should actually know and use for official emails. So you can tell at first glance that it is a dodgy phishing email.
An official logo is also used in many spam emails, as in this case from Commerzbank, but that is no guarantee of authenticity. The images are usually copied and pasted from the official website of the credit institution. Pay more attention to the email senders, who look completely different than your usual Commerzbank emails.
If the email seems strange to you when you read it or contains many spelling errors, this is also a sign that it is a nasty phishing attack. The fraudsters often do not write their own emails, but instead send automatically generated messages or translate known emails using a translation program. This creates errors and strange formulations that sound unnatural and stand out.
What is the purpose of phishing attacks?
Such phishing attacks and spam emails primarily collect user data from you, which is then monetized on the Internet. This includes your email addresses, names and other information, which is then sold for advertising purposes or distributed in criminal forums.
Have you received a suspicious email?
Forward it to [email protected]
or follow us on:
Phishing checklist
- ✔
Spelling mistake? - ✔
Sensitive data requested? - ✔
Official logos? - ✔
Unknown sender?
Attachments and links included in such emails often introduce malware or viruses onto your computer or laptop. If you are alerted to suspicious emails, you can forward them to us at the email address above and help drive reporting on future phishing attacks.
More fraud warnings on netzwelt – stay one step ahead of cybercriminals
But phishing emails are not the only danger lurking on the Internet. In addition to attempted fraud, there are all sorts of viruses, Trojans and malware that can infect your computer. Unfortunately, data scandals are also part of everyday digital life. You can see the five most recent articles on the topic of “fraud warnings” below:
If you want to stay informed about the latest fraud reports, subscribe to netzwelt on X, Facebook and Instagram. You can also find all articles on the topic on the next page.
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