Scammers posing as Telekom and DHL employees have launched a new wave of fraud, exploiting unsuspecting customers to gain access to sensitive data and financial information.
As of March 20, 2025, the fraudulent scheme involves con artists making phone calls impersonating representatives from Telekom or DHL, demanding verification through text message codes sent to victims' phones. The perpetrators use various fabricated scenarios to induce a sense of urgency, often claiming to be from the "Telekom security team" and referencing the need to verify information regarding package deliveries or the expiration of service contracts. This tactic aims to trick customers into providing SMS codes, which are often used for account logins and two-factor authentication.
The Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI) has confirmed these recent occurrences and issued a warning against sharing personal information over the phone. Victims of vishing—an amalgamation of "voice" and "phishing"—should recognize these calls for what they are: a deceptive ploy to compromise their accounts.
According to Telekom, the fraudsters often introduce themselves with phrases like, “Here speaks the Telekom security team,” creating a false sense of legitimacy. Following this, they send a text message code to the customer, encouraging them to share this seemingly legitimate code during the call. Such requests can lead to further probing for additional sensitive information, including passwords and account numbers. Telekom urges customers to refrain from disclosing these codes, especially as reputable companies typically do not request them during phone calls.
Both the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) and the Landeskriminalamt NRW (LKA NRW) have provided guidelines for dealing with vishing attempts. Their recommendations include:
- Be cautious with unsolicited phone calls.
- Request the caller's number, indicating that you will return the call.
- Look up the organization's official contact number, rather than using the one provided by the caller, which could be fraudulent.
- Never disclose personal information, including passwords or financial details.
- Avoid transferring money or following through on requests from unknown callers.
- Do not feel rushed; take time to think and verify the situation before acting.
- Report suspicious calls to the police and the respective phone provider.
Fraud tactics like "smishing"—phishing via SMS—and "quishing" involving misleading QR codes have also gained traction recently. Reports indicate that in early 2025, numerous false QR codes were registered in Franken, suggesting the rising sophistication of these threats.
The public is urged to adopt protective measures and remain vigilant against such tactics. As of now, the Bundesnetzagentur has taken action by shutting down over 6,500 fraudulent phone numbers in a bid to combat this growing issue.
Experts emphasize that users must remain skeptical of unexpected interactions, especially those that involve urgent demands for personal information. By following the recommended precautions, customers can better protect themselves and their accounts from malicious attempts.
The ongoing campaign against vishing aligns with a growing awareness of digital security, which is paramount in preventing these types of scams from taking hold. With the pressure from various authorities and the promotion of educational resources, there is hope for a decline in such fraudulent activities.
In conclusion, awareness is the first step toward prevention. Individuals need to be educated about how to recognize fraudulent characteristics in unsolicited calls and to practice caution when dealing with unknown numbers. By remaining informed and vigilant, customers can help thwart the efforts of criminals attempting to exploit their personal and financial data.
