In phishing attempts, cybercriminals try to steal your personal or login details. With this information, they can access your account, make changes to your data, or scam you in other ways. Phishing often happens via email, but also through SMS (smishing), mail, WhatsApp, phone calls (vishing), QR codes (quishing), or fake websites. These messages are now so realistic that they are hard to distinguish from genuine ones.
How does phishing work?
In phishing, criminals often try to guide you to a fake website that resembles a trustworthy one, such as a bank or insurance company. Without realizing it, you log in to such a counterfeit website, enter sensitive information, or infect your device with malicious software (malware). Criminals can then access your real account to make changes or use the information for other malicious purposes.
Unfortunately, Zwitserleven’s name is sometimes misused in phishing attempts as well. Therefore, it is especially important to remain vigilant.
How do you recognize phishing?
Phishing can occur via email, SMS, WhatsApp, social media, mail, or phone calls. Pay extra attention if a message has one or more of the following characteristics:
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An unusual or suspicious sender address
Always check the email address in emails. Criminals often use addresses that look similar to those of official organizations. If the address does not match the company’s website, it might be phishing.
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There is pressure to act quickly
For example: “Your account will be immediately blocked” or “Respond within minutes.”
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You are asked to click on a link or scan a QR code and enter your details immediately
The accompanying text for links or QR codes often contains words like overdue payment, log in, personal page, or verify your details. Never enter sensitive information via a QR code or a link in an email, SMS, or app.
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The link does not lead to the expected page
Hover over the link (without clicking) to see where it actually leads.
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The message is not personally addressed to you
For example: “Dear customer” instead of your name.
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Your email program or spam filter flags the message as spam
Take such warnings seriously.
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Do you doubt a link?
Check it using the online tool checkjelinkje.nl. This shows where it leads and whether the link is safe. You can also contact us.
Note: phishing messages often used to contain spelling mistakes. However, due to the use of AI, they are now much better written.
Good to know
Emails from Zwitserleven can contain links to e.zwitserleven.nl. This is a domain we use for our newsletters.
What can criminals do with leaked data?
Criminals can use your data to gain your trust or misuse your identity. For example:
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Breaking into accounts
Do you use the same username and password combination for multiple accounts? A single data breach can make all those accounts vulnerable.
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Help desk fraud
With your data, criminals can convincingly pose as an employee or an official organization to gain your trust for their criminal activities.
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Targeted phishing
Using your name and other details, phishing messages can appear even more convincing.
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Identity fraud
Criminals can take out subscriptions, incur payment obligations, or carry out criminal activities in your name.
What can you do?
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Use strong, unique passwords
A password manager can generate them automatically and store them securely for you.
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Regularly check if your data has been leaked
For instance, check Have I Been Pwned or Check je hack by the police. Change your password immediately if it has been leaked.
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Enable two-factor authentication (2FA/MFA) where possible
With 2FA, logging in requires more than just your password.
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Use only trusted devices and networks
Avoid public Wi-Fi networks: others may be able to see your activity.
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Did you receive a suspicious email?
Forward it to valse-email@athora.nl. This helps us identify new phishing attempts.
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Did you accidentally share data?
This unfortunately happens to thousands of people every day. Don’t be ashamed, but act immediately: contact us.
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Have you become a victim of cybercrime?
Always report it to the police: I want to report phishing | politie.nl.
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Would you like more tips on online safety?
Visit the safe internet page for practical and reliable information. For more information on the associated police website, see: Phishing / smishing | politie.nl. Additionally, you can find more general tips and advice on secure online behavior at veiliginternetten.nl.