Fidelidade raises alarm over emerging phishing scheme

Fidelidade, one of Portugal’s largest insurance companies, is warning its customers about a new phishing campaign that aims to deceive them into entering personal information on third-party websites. This campaign primarily spreads through SMS and email, with potential victims receiving a message claiming to be from Fidelidade about a possible refund for overpaid amounts. The message includes a link where users are prompted to enter various personal details. However, both the message and the link have nothing to do with Fidelidade; they are part of a phishing scheme that has been gaining popularity in recent days.

In a statement, Fidelidade urges consumers not to engage with the message, respond to it, or click on any of the links provided. The company emphasizes that it never asks for passwords or sensitive data via email, SMS, or any external link other than its official website. If individuals have already interacted with these messages, Fidelidade recommends contacting the insurance company or insurance broker immediately for more information on how to file a complaint with the authorities.

Phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent in today’s digital landscape. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick unsuspecting individuals into divulging their personal information, which can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and other serious consequences.

It’s important to remain vigilant and skeptical when receiving unsolicited messages, especially those that request sensitive data or financial information. Always double-check the source of the message and verify its legitimacy before taking any action. If something seems off or too good to be true, it probably is.

To protect yourself from falling victim to phishing attacks, here are a few tips:

1. Be cautious with links and attachments: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These can contain malware or direct you to fake websites designed to steal your information.

2. Verify the sender’s identity: Check the email address or phone number of the sender to ensure it matches the official contact information of the company or organization they claim to represent. Remember, scammers can easily spoof email addresses or phone numbers to appear legitimate.

3. Use strong, unique passwords: Create strong passwords that are difficult to guess and use a different password for each online account. This way, if one account is compromised, the others remain secure.

4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable 2FA for your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.

5. Stay informed and educate yourself: Keep up-to-date with the latest phishing techniques and scams. Familiarize yourself with common red flags and warning signs to help you identify potential threats.

Remember, your personal information is valuable, and cybercriminals will go to great lengths to obtain it. By staying vigilant and following these precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to phishing attacks and keep your data safe.

Technology Explained

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2FA: Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a technology used to protect computer systems from unauthorized access. It requires two separate pieces of information to verify a user's identity before granting access. The first factor is typically something the user knows, such as a password or PIN. The second factor is usually something the user has, such as a physical token or a mobile device. By requiring two pieces of information, 2FA makes it much more difficult for an unauthorized user to gain access to a system. It is commonly used in the computer industry to protect sensitive data and accounts from hackers and other malicious actors. 2FA is also used to protect online banking accounts, email accounts, and other sensitive information.

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