Villacher loses thousands through unscrupulous fake hotline!

Villacher loses thousands through unscrupulous fake hotline!

A 57-year-old Villacher has recently become the victim of a perfidious online fraud who has heavily burdened her patience and finances. On June 30, 2025, the woman wanted to contact the customer service of an online vacation provider after a misfortune in the form of a double booking had occurred at her appointment. In the hurry, she entered the German telephone number she found at an online search engine without guessing that she went into the catch of a fraudster. According to meinbezirk.at At the other end of the management, a man who with charming words and apparent authority immediately contacted the woman won.

The fraudster demanded personal data and bank information to arrange for a return transfer. To make the whole thing even more credible, he sent a remote link that the woman clicked on her mobile phone. This gave him access to her e-banking app, which led to a painful result: several transfers were carried out without her knowledge. Only one of these transfers over several hundred euros actually came about. When the woman noticed the fraud, she panicked her to get her money back, but the manipulative caller did not react, but disappeared into digital anonymity.

rights of consumers and tips against online fraud

The number of cybercrime cases increases threatening. In 2024 alone, the Federal Criminal Police Office recorded an increase of 15 %. As Anwalt.de , consumers often lose liability. But the legal foundations are at the side of the victims. This is how Section 675U BGB banks are obliged to be liable for unauthorized payments, unless the customer has grossly negligent.

is important to inform the bank immediately after a fraud in order not to lose claims. In the case of unjustified transactions, consumers are entitled to extensive rights. Banks are obliged to reimburse such payments if the loss is reported in good time. Here it is worth acting quickly and taking legal action if necessary.

protective measures in online banking

The latest wave of fraud shows how relevant security precautions are in online banking. Clear recommendations for prevention from always use two-factor authentication, keep software and passwords up to date and to be particularly caution when surfing. In addition, you should keep an eye on suspicious links and unusual senders so as not to fall into the next fraud trap.

For the Villacher, the bitter experience with the fake customer service was by no means the end of the path of suffering. After the incident, she immediately blocked all bank accesses and filed a complaint with the police. Fair compensation is now in the hands of the banks, which should react according to the legal foundations, but could possibly dismiss the incident as a gross negligence.

The action serves as an urgent memory of how important it is to be vigilant in online banking and always find out about your own rights. Finally it can affect everyone - whether in Villach or elsewhere.