Phishing email or text: what to do?
An email or text demands that you urgently click a link and 'confirm' your data, supposedly from your bank, a parcel service, Amazon or PayPal? That is phishing. Here is how to react correctly.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
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What you should do now
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1. Do not click, check
Look closely at the sender address and links. When in doubt, check the message here in the scam check.
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2. Already entered data? Change your passwords
From a secure device, first your email and online banking, then everything linked to them.
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3. Block your account and card
For banking or payment data, call the blocking hotline 116 116 immediately.
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4. Report it
Report the phishing to the real company and to the consumer advice center, then delete it.
How to spot the scam
- Urgency and threats ('the account will be blocked', '24 hours').
- An impersonal salutation, spelling mistakes.
- The link looks 'almost right' but is slightly altered or shortened (http instead of https).
Frequently asked questions
I clicked the link, what now?
Only clicked and entered nothing? Usually not a problem. If you entered data, change your passwords immediately (secure device) and block your account and card (116 116).
How do I recognize phishing?
By urgency, threats, an impersonal salutation and links that only look almost real. Banks and reputable companies never ask you to enter data via a link.
Where do I report phishing?
To the real company (for example your bank) and to the consumer advice center (phishing radar).
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.