I receive messages like this a couple of times each week, claiming a refund (taxes, fines, etc.).
These are scam, don’t click the link.
There are several indicators to identify the scam:
– the phone number. Usually official SMS (like your covid test result, info from your provider, BE alert). are from numbers like 8811 or 8810, nut full digit numbers, although that is possible
– the link. I blacked it, don’t want to temp anyone checking it. The link has no belgium.be in the address, which gov website have. Also it only provides a Dutch version. An official link would be both languages
– the fact that it is an SMS. The financial services would not text this to you, they use e-box
– I haven’t paid a fine in years. Why should I be eligible for a refund then? Always check that, is there a reason to reach out to you?
– bad translation – which Belgian republic is this about?
I am not sure what their aim is. Could be to only verify your number by clicking the link and the use it to spam, could also be to get more data from you. Anyways, don’t fall for these, stay safe and use official communication tools (e-box, mail).
1 comment
I receive messages like this a couple of times each week, claiming a refund (taxes, fines, etc.).
These are scam, don’t click the link.
There are several indicators to identify the scam:
– the phone number. Usually official SMS (like your covid test result, info from your provider, BE alert). are from numbers like 8811 or 8810, nut full digit numbers, although that is possible
– the link. I blacked it, don’t want to temp anyone checking it. The link has no belgium.be in the address, which gov website have. Also it only provides a Dutch version. An official link would be both languages
– the fact that it is an SMS. The financial services would not text this to you, they use e-box
– I haven’t paid a fine in years. Why should I be eligible for a refund then? Always check that, is there a reason to reach out to you?
– bad translation – which Belgian republic is this about?
I am not sure what their aim is. Could be to only verify your number by clicking the link and the use it to spam, could also be to get more data from you. Anyways, don’t fall for these, stay safe and use official communication tools (e-box, mail).