Increasing online frauds - Don't let the scams fool you!

The National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (NATCP) is reiterating its call for consumers to be aware of the increased number of online scams and cyber-attacks. With the rise of cybercrime at home and globally, Hungarian families suffer losses of HUF 8 billion every year. In recent weeks, Netflix subscribers, WizzAir passengers, Google users and MBH Bank customers have been targeted by fraudsters. NATCP underlines that consumer awareness is the only way to effectively fight against phishing attempts on banking and other services, protecting the savings in our bank accounts.

In recent days, there have been repeated serious cyber-attacks in which fraudsters have used the names of well-known companies, including one of the largest streaming service providers, to try to obtain consumers' personal information and money. NATCP has previously warned on several occasions about the dangers of this type of misuse - but the phishing campaign has reached a new level.

According to experience, that scammers send a warning message in Hungarian about the suspension of Netflix. For example, the text of the fake message reads "Netflix - Welcome, Your account will be deactivated on 30.05.2025. Please update your details.” By clicking on the attached link however we don’t get to the service provider's website, but to a fake website created by scammers, where victims give their data voluntarily - putting their own financial security at serious risk.

It is important to underline that fraudsters are not hacking the systems of banks and service providers, but are misusing people's trust. It is particularly worrying that criminals are becoming more and more professional, using messages and websites that appear to be credible, making it easy for even more experienced users to fall victim.

In recent weeks, fraudsters have targeted MBH Bank customers, Google users, and WizzAir passengers with similar methods. The rise of cybercrime at national and global level is causing huge damage: Hungarian families suffer losses of eight billion forints a year - and the criminals are often linked to foreign organised crime rings.

The President of the NATCP Dr. Lilla Német-Weingartner Lilla, drew attention to the fact that "never give out your personal or banking details through unknown sources, via inquiries or links! “Digital awareness is essential today. As consumers, we need to be aware of how to identify phishing attacks and what steps we can take to protect our data.”

Internet awareness is no longer an option, but an essential guarantee. It is everyone's responsibility to recognise the signs of danger and react accordingly.