Throw such a message straight into the trash
The Finnish Cyber Security Centre warns about phishing messages disguised as police communications, urging recipients to ignore and delete them.
The Finnish Cyber Security Centre, managed by the Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, has issued a warning regarding phishing emails that appear to come from the police. These messages are designed to evoke fear and urgency by mimicking official communications and claim that the recipient is involved in a case. The emails often include attachments and threaten repercussions if the recipient does not respond in time, creating a sense of panic. Traficom advises that these emails should be easily discarded without any engagement.
The phishing messages typically feature alarming subject lines, such as "VIOLATIONS - identification notice," and are crafted in a tone that resembles official governmental language. They assert that the recipient must review the attached document and provide a reply by a specified deadline. The Cyber Security Centre warns recipients to be cautious since these messages incorporate official-sounding seals, flags, symbols, and the names of policing authorities to establish credibility and compel victims into compliance.
Authorities emphasized that legitimate police communications will never threaten legal repercussions via email. People are reminded to remain vigilant and to disregard any such messages, ensuring their personal information stays protected from potential scams. This warning highlights ongoing challenges in combating cybercrime and the need for public awareness in digital communications.