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4 clusters · 7 sources · 20 days · First seen · Last updated

Phishing and tax fraud scams in Europe

Overview

Authorities in Northern Europe continue to issue warnings regarding various phishing and fraud schemes targeting citizens through digital and telephonic channels.

In the Netherlands and Belgium, scammers have utilized impersonation tactics. In the Netherlands, the St. Franciscus Parish reported fraudulent emails and phone calls requesting money via electronic gift cards or seeking confidential information. In Belgium, a campaign impersonating the FOD Financiën (Federal Public Service Finance) used MyMinfin branding to falsely claim tax refunds were approved, prompting victims to click links to ‘confirm bank details’.

In Denmark, the Danish Tax Agency (Skattestyrelsen) has previously warned of phishing emails claiming recipients are owed tax refunds. Recent alerts from Nets indicate a continuation of these tactics, with fraudulent emails misusing the company’s name, logo, and address to claim a user’s MitID account is blocked. Additionally, a rise in prize scams has been reported in Denmark, specifically targeting elderly individuals through messages or automated calls claiming they have won lotteries like Eurojackpot.

Following a leak of 8.8 million CPR numbers, names, and addresses in early October, Danish authorities have warned of a surge in sophisticated phishing attacks. Scammers are using this stolen data to send fraudulent emails and SMS messages impersonating MobilePay, MitID, or banks to steal digital identities and bank access.

Furthermore, a new wave of fraudulent advertisements is utilizing artificial intelligence. These scams feature deepfake videos of well-known figures, such as TV doctor Peter Qvortrup Geisling, appearing to endorse health supplements. The organization Faglige Seniorer has warned that these videos are entirely fabricated.

Entities

MitID · Denmark · St. Franciscus Parish · FOD Financiën · MobilePay

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Denmark warns of rising phishing and deepfake scams

    Danish authorities warn of rising fraud involving CPR number leaks and AI-generated deepfake videos used to impersonate officials and doctors to steal identities and money.

  2. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Denmark warns of MitID phishing and prize scams

    Danish authorities and Nets are warning against rising phishing scams involving MitID impersonation and fraudulent prize claims designed to steal personal and financial data.

  3. [CRIME] 3 sources
    Denmark: Fraud warnings issued for MitID and Skattestyrelsen

    Danish authorities have issued warnings regarding phishing scams impersonating MitID, AL Sydbank, and the Skattestyrelsen to steal personal data and banking information.

  4. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Phishing scams target taxpayers and religious organizations

    Fraudsters in the Netherlands and Belgium are using phishing emails and phone calls to impersonate religious organizations and government tax authorities to steal money and personal data.

Sources

denoffentlige.dk · emmaus-apeldoorn.nl · nyheder24.dk · pensionist.dk · presse-fotos.dk · redactie24.be · trend.dk

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history