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[REVISION HISTORY]

Expanding SMS and phone fraud targeting European citizens

10 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-03 09:13 UTC → 2026-10-17 04:18 UTC · added removed

Since the wave of SMS‑phishing in May 2026, fraudsters have continually expanded their use of trusted communication channels across Europe. In early July, Albanian and Kosovar businesses faced a coordinated cyber‑attack targeting a national star‑rating system and the MerrJep marketplace, while ProCredit Bank client data appeared for sale online. In late July and August, parking-related fraud intensified. In the Czech Republic, police warned of messages impersonating EasyPark; similarly, authorities in Pitești, Romania, flagged fraudulent texts mimicking the TPARK app. In Rome, officials warned of SMS messages claiming traffic infractions to steal banking data. In Lithuania, a new scheme involving SMS messages regarding unpaid fees and fake QR codes on parking meters emerged. In Germany, the ADAC warned of ‘smishing’ and ‘quishing’ tactics. Most recently, in Scammers use fraudulent SMS messages impersonating EasyPark to claim outstanding bills and threaten fines, while also physically tampering with parking meters by placing fake QR code stickers over original ones to redirect users to phishing websites. In Slovakia, the Nitra Municipal Police and the Slovak Banking Association warned of SMS scams claiming unpaid parking fees—often requesting small amounts like 1.70 euros to appear legitimate—sent from suspicious numbers, including those from Morocco. In late August, EasyPark reported increased fraud in Finland and Norway, where scammers use SMS, emails, and counterfeit physical QR codes on parking signs to claim outstanding payments. Impersonation of official services has also escalated. In Greece, the Hellenic Police warned of a surge in vishing and smishing, noting that scammers use automated recordings to impersonate police, shortened URLs to mimic the gov.gr portal, and artificial intelligence for voice cloning. In Bulgaria, authorities flagged ‘Police Summons Notice’ emails that use logos from the Ministry of Interior and Europol response to threaten citizens telephone fraud, the Hellenic Police, in collaboration with arrest. In Moldova, authorities flagged scams impersonating MPay DEYAK and the Police. In Romania, the National Cybersecurity Directorate (DNSC) warned Municipality of phishing emails mimicking E. ON Karditsa, launched an information campaign targeting scams where fraudsters pose as utility employees or accountants, particularly to steal credit card details via fraudulent websites. target the elderly.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-17 04:18 UTC Expanding SMS and phone fraud targeting European citizens
  2. 2026-09-03 09:13 UTC Expanding SMS and phone fraud targeting European citizens
  3. 2026-08-28 07:50 UTC Expanding SMS and phone fraud targeting European citizens
  4. 2026-08-26 18:37 UTC Expanding SMS and phone fraud targeting European citizens
  5. 2026-08-18 16:50 UTC Expanding SMS and phone fraud targeting European citizens
  6. 2026-08-14 19:30 UTC Expanding SMS and phone fraud targeting European citizens
  7. 2026-08-12 04:14 UTC Expanding SMS and phone fraud targeting European citizens
  8. 2026-08-05 14:54 UTC Phone and messaging fraud targeting consumers
  9. 2026-08-03 10:56 UTC Phone and messaging fraud targeting consumers
  10. 2026-08-02 09:21 UTC Phone‑fraud and smishing targeting drivers – July 2026
  11. 2026-07-31 20:59 UTC Phone‑fraud and smishing targeting drivers – July 2026

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