Cybercrime Southeast Europe Newsletter No. 74

 Dear Clients,

Recently, a new type of scam has been reported in Serbia and across the region, involving SMS messages about alleged unpaid traffic fines. These messages are designed to appear official, often including logos or references to legitimate authorities, and typically contain links that supposedly lead to payment portals or further information. In reality, these links direct recipients to fraudulent websites aimed at stealing personal data and payment information.

What makes this scam particularly dangerous is the psychological pressure it creates. The messages appear urgent, and the fear of fines can lead recipients to act impulsively. Scammers rely on this sense of urgency, hoping that recipients will click the links and provide data that allows the perpetrators to cause financial harm.

To protect yourself, it is crucial to remain calm and avoid impulsive reactions. Every message should be independently verified through official channels, such as the police or the traffic authorities. Never enter personal information or payment details through links received in SMS messages, no matter how convincing the message may seem. Pay attention to details: grammatical errors, unusual tone, or inconsistencies are often indicators that a message is fraudulent.

This type of scam is part of a broader trend of increasingly sophisticated digital fraud, which can be difficult to detect. Vigilance and careful verification of every message are essential to safeguarding your personal information and financial assets. By responding cautiously and checking information independently, you can significantly reduce the risk of financial loss.

Kind regards,
Attorney Zoran Miljaković