Fake bank caller tricks man into five-figure loss

A 54-year-old man from the Eisenstadt-Umgebung district lost a five-figure sum after a woman posing as a bank employee persuaded him to install an app, ORF reported.

The caller first asked him to approve a bank transfer. When he refused, saying he had not ordered one, she claimed it could be a fraud attempt and sent him a link to an app intended to prevent further incidents.

The next day, the man went to his bank and received confirmation of two transfers in the low five figures, which he had not authorised. The fraudster is also believed to have requested an additional bank card in his name.

Police spokesperson Viktoria Krojer said criminals use various methods to access victims’ data, including phishing pages, WhatsApp messages with links and persuading people to install apps. She advised people to be cautious, ask questions and contact the police if in doubt.