A new, highly dangerous wave of fraud floods the phones of Poles, and experts from the Credit Information Office (BIK) beat the alarm. Cybercriminals, impersonating the operator of the e-TOLL system, are mass-sending SMS messages with information about the alleged underpaid road toll. The amount is seemingly small, frequently just a fewer zlotys, which aims to lull the victim's vigilance. However, clicking on the attached link and trying to "regulate" payments is simply a simple way to lose all savings from your bank account. The mechanics is perfectly simple and based on our haste and fear of the consequences of debt. In 2025, erstwhile digital payments are standard and road toll systems are full automated, this kind of sociotechnique becomes even more effective. Cheaters hope that a driver who has late utilized a paid road will unreflexively click the link to avoid problems. It's a mistake that could cost a fortune.
How does the fraud mechanics work? Step by Step to Lose Money
The attack script is precisely planned and implemented in a fewer simple steps that aim to take over our data and money. knowing this mechanics is the first and most crucial step towards effective defence.
Step 1: SMS message. You get a text from an unknown number. Its content is designed to look like an authoritative message, e.g.: “E-TOLL: An account debt of PLN 3.85. delight pay immediately at [false-link] to avoid blocking your account and entry into the BIK". The usage of the name "e-TOLL" and the threat of entry in the BIK are key elements of manipulation.
Step 2: False payment page. Upon clicking on the link, the victim is moved to a website that resembles the authoritative payment gate or e-TOLL strategy page to be imagined. Logo, colors, layout – everything is copied. In fact, it's a phishing page whose sole intent is to extort data.
Step 3: Data fraud. On the fake page, the user is asked to choice his bank for the intent of making a ‘payment’. After clicking on the bank logo, a false login panel appears. Entering your login and password in it is tantamount to handing them right into the hands of criminals. In more advanced variants, cheaters ask for full credit card data (number, expiration date, CVV code).
Step 4: Stealing funds. erstwhile cheaters get login data, they immediately log into the victims' real bank account and order transfer of all available funds to a substituted account, frequently located abroad. Sometimes they besides ask for a code from the authorization SMS under the pretext of "confirmation of payments", which allows them to authorize theft.
Why are Poles fooled? Psychology of Fear and Rush
The effectiveness of this fraud lies not in advanced technology, but in superb sociotech. Criminals exploit respective universal human weaknesses. First of all, the amount is low. Seeing 4 gold debt, we seldom turn on suspicious mode – it is easier to pay and have peace. Secondly, Time force and threat of consequences. Expressions specified as "immediate repayment", "an account lock" or "inscription into the BIK" origin fear and prompt impulsive action without verification. Finally, in 2025 we are utilized to doing everything online, which unfortunately reduces our vigilance.
Red flags that gotta light a informing light. How do you defend yourself?
Protecting against specified attacks requires vigilance and following a fewer simple rules. Always pay attention to the following alarm signals:
- Message sender: authoritative institutions specified as the e-TOLL operator seldom communicate on debt from random telephone numbers. They always usage authoritative channels or dedicated names (so-called alpha-donors) that appear alternatively of the number.
- Link address:Always analyse the URL before clicking on it. The finger stick on the link (without clicking) frequently allows you to see its full address. Search for typos, unusual domains (e.g. .xyz, .club alternatively of .pl or .gov.pl) or additional words (e.g. etoll-payments.com).
- Language and stylistic errors: Messages from scammers frequently contain insignificant grammar, stylistic or punctuation errors that should not appear in authoritative communications.
- Pressure and threats: Any message that forces you to act immediately under serious consequences should be treated as possible fraud. Financial institutions and offices give time to clarify the case.
- Verification at source:Most crucial rule. If you have doubts about your e-TOLL account status, never usage the links in SMS. Sign in to your account via an authoritative mobile application or manually enter the website address in your browser.
It's done. What to do erstwhile you fell victim to fraud?
If you realized you might have fallen victim to phishing, time is crucial. Act immediately by following the following steps:
1. Contact the bank. Call your bank hotline, notify the situation and reserve your card and access to electronic banking. The consultant will instruct you on the next steps.
2. Call the police. Make an authoritative notification of the anticipation of committing a crime. Confirmation of the notification will be needed in the bank during the complaint procedure.
3. Notify the CERT Polska team. It is an institution liable for cybersecurity in Poland. Give them the text of the fake text and the address of the phishing site. This will aid to block the site and inform others.
Remember, in a digital world, our vigilance is the most crucial line of defense. Any unexpected text with a payment link is simply a possible trap. The "check before clicking" rule was never more fresh than today.
Continued here:
The urgent alert of the BIK concerns thousands of Poles. That text about the road is simply a dangerous trap!
