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Open Circle AG – Zurich
Freilagerstrasse 32
8047 Zürich

Open Circle AG – Bern
Lagerhausweg 30
3018 Bern

What is phishing used for?

What is phishing?
Phishing is a combination of the words “password”, “harvesting” and “fishing”. Phishing is a technique used to obtain confidential data from unsuspecting Internet users. The affected victim loses double, data and money!

A phishing attack usually starts with an email asking you to reveal confidential data. A phishing email may make an enticing offer or demand immediate action.

In most cases, you will receive a link that leads to a fake website where you can enter confidential data, such as:

  • Access data from your e-banking
  • Credit card data
  • Passwords
  • PIN codes
  • Security codes
  • Access data to online auction providers

How does phishing work?

This is how you unmask phishing e-mails

To avoid becoming a victim of phishing, look out for these typical characteristics:

How to act correctly

  • Do not open any listed links in the mail
  • Do not call the telephone number given in the mail
  • If you are unsure, contact the company using the method you are already familiar with

Did you enter your data by mistake?

Don’t worry – something like this can happen.
Here is how to react correctly in such a situation:

You can find more information on the topic of “phishing” in our accompanying handout.

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