People are being told to be careful with bogus GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) emails from companies relating to data protection legislation due to come in on Friday.
Companies have been sending emails to people with whom they have previously contacted asking for their permission to stay in touch as per the new rules.
GDPR is a new, EU-wide law that will allow regulators to fine companies who are not transparent about how their business uses personal data or those who simply misuse it.
A senior member of the Garda National Cybercrime Unit told RTÉ criminals are using the emails to attack customers.
Detective Superintendent Michael Gubbins said people need to make sure they have previously communicated with the company before clicking on any links. If they haven’t then they should delete the email straightaway.
In the nick of time! #DataProtection Bill is passed by the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) & will now go to the President to be signed into law. Gives further effect to #GDPR, transposes law enforcement Directive & gives further underpinning to structures & functions of @DPCIreland
— Data Protection Commission Ireland (@DPCIreland) May 22, 2018
He also said that another thing people can do is hover over the link to get an idea of what site you are being redirected to before clicking it.
People should also be aware that banks and financial institutions will never ask you to verify your information via email.
The Superintendent said people should inform their bank or financial institution if they have already sent this information on before alerting the gardaí.
According to Superintendent Gubbins, there are four things can happens if you communicate with these bogus emails.
- You can be redirected to a fake site that can download your personal information
- Malicious malware could be downloaded to your computer which could infect your machine
- They will obtain your personal, private and financial information
- They can verify that your account is real, which they can sell on to other phising/ marketing companies.
Make sure you don’t get caught out.
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