Beware of fake emails: IHK warns of data fraud

Beware of fake emails: IHK warns of data fraud

increased risk for Osnabrück traders: fake emails in circulation

The IHK Osnabrück-Emsland-Grafschaft Bentheim warns companies of a current threat from fake emails that are supposedly required to update company data in the commercial register. The fraudsters use print tactics to move the recipients for fast action.

threatening subject lines and false claims

The phishing emails bait companies with subject lines such as "Commercial register: mandatory data control" and claim that a review of the data is required within three working days. The threats range from the deletion of the company in the commercial register to the information of financial institutions to the blocking of the sales tax identification number at the tax office.

reaction of the IHK and safety instructions

Robert Alferink, a lawyer of the IHK Osnabrück, clarifies: "There is no nationwide portal to update IHK data. Companies should always get in touch with their local IHK. The IHK would never invite you to enter data." Recipients of such emails are urgently asked to delete them. The IHK warns that the fraudsters are trying to steal confidential company and personal data as well as bank details.

The sender email addresses that cannot be assigned to the IHK are particularly suspicious, as well as the lack of a clear signature with a contact person. Companies that have doubts about the authenticity of a letter or email should contact the IHK directly to check the authenticity.

importance of awareness and caution

The youngest wave of fake emails illustrates the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals in their attacks on companies. It is crucial that traders are aware of this threat and take appropriate precautions to protect their data and business.