In Ukraine, a mass distribution of counterfeit emails has been recorded, allegedly sent on behalf of the State Tax Service of Ukraine. This was reported by Acting Head of the State Tax Service Lesya Karnaukh, emphasizing the danger of this new fraudulent scheme.
This is reported by Finway
How the Fraudulent Scheme Works
Fraudsters use email addresses that are in no way associated with the State Tax Service of Ukraine and send messages with the subject of conducting a “financial audit regarding the legalization of funds” concerning certain organizations. Along with the email, an attachment containing malicious software is sent.
“The subject of the email is a notification about conducting a ‘financial audit regarding the legalization of funds’ concerning a specific organization. I emphasize! The State Tax Service has no relation to this distribution, so we ask everyone to be vigilant,” Karnaukh stressed.
What Risks Users Face
Opening attached files in such emails leads to the activation of a virus program that can provide attackers with hidden access to the personal computer. Such activities pose a real threat to users’ cybersecurity, as they can result in computers being infected with malware and the loss of personal data.
The State Tax Service urges citizens to be particularly cautious when receiving any suspicious emails, even if they come from familiar senders, as modern fraudulent schemes allow for the forgery of the sender’s address.
Recommendations from the State Tax Service on Cybersecurity:
- Do not open attachments in suspicious emails.
- Follow personal cyber hygiene rules.
- Be careful and attentive even when receiving messages from known senders.
- If possible, verify the authenticity of the received email by confirming its sending directly with the sender.