Greek Authorities Issue Warning and Safety Tips Amid Surge in Phishing Scams

In response to a recent surge in phishing scams, Greek authorities have issued a set of safety guidelines aimed at protecting citizens from online fraud.

The Ministry of Digital Governance has reported a significant increase in fraudulent messages masquerading as communications from the government portal, gov.gr.

Many Greeks have received alarming messages urging them to visit a specific website to check for "unclaimed benefits." This tactic is part of a broader phishing scheme where scammers deceive unsuspecting individuals into revealing personal information.

To combat this issue, the National Cybersecurity Authority, under the Ministry of Digital Governance, has released essential tips to enhance user security and privacy. These recommendations include:

- Do not share personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive details such as TaxisNet, e-Banking codes, card numbers, PINs, or passwords with anyone claiming to be an intermediary, including law firms or accountants.

- Access trusted websites: Always navigate to official websites of institutions, organizations, or banks directly through their official platforms or mobile applications rather than clicking on links in emails.

- Verify suspicious emails: If you receive a questionable email, confirm its authenticity by contacting colleagues or the sender before taking any action.

- Examine the sender's address: Phishing emails often originate from addresses unrelated to the legitimate sender, so careful scrutiny is essential.

- Be cautious with information requests: Reputable institutions typically do not ask for sensitive information via email, so remain sceptical of any such requests.

- Watch for urgency: Scammers frequently employ pressure tactics, creating a false sense of urgency to prompt hasty actions.

- Exercise caution with refund or subsidy messages: Messages claiming to offer refunds or subsidies should be approached with suspicion.

Authorities encourage citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspected phishing attempts to help combat this growing threat.