Photo: Printscreen
The method of fraud through sending phone messages with the aim of financial gain has raised concerns among citizens. Recently, mobile phone users in Kosovo have received messages falsely claiming to be from the Kosovo Post.
“Dear customer, your package was damaged during transport, causing the loss of the house number. Please update the delivery details here,” the message reads. It also includes a link with the domain “post-kosoves.xyz”, which, when clicked, actually sends personal data to scammers. Users are lured by being told that the package will be delivered within 24 hours after updating their information.
Following the raised concerns, the Kosovo Police have responded through a post on Facebook, urging caution against SMS fraud.
“We are noticing an increase in citizen complaints regarding fraud cases through phone messages (SMS), where citizens receive messages containing suspicious links. By clicking on these links, scammers may gain access to citizens’ bank accounts or other personal data, enabling them to illegally withdraw funds,” the Kosovo Police statement reads.
Furthermore, the Kosovo Police have urged citizens not to click on any suspicious links sent via SMS, not to share personal data such as passwords or banking information through unknown websites, to verify any suspicious message by directly contacting the institution or company allegedly sending it, and to report the case to the relevant authorities or their bank.
The Agency for Information and Privacy has also responded, calling on citizens to follow the Kosovo Post’s guidelines regarding SMS fraud.
Similar cases have occurred in the past, with the aim of deceiving citizens and stealing personal and banking data through fraudulent content. The Kosovo Post has responded to some of these cases, informing the public not to fall victim to such scams.
A few months ago, mobile phone users received similar messages falsely claiming to be from the Kosovo Post, in which bank account details were also requested.
*This article is published as part of the Western Balkans Regional Initiative against disinformation. “Western Balkans Anti-Disinformation Hub: exposing malign influences through watchdog journalism.”
