There are currently supposed Serafe invoices in circulation that criminals use to entice recipients to transfer money. However, if you look closely, the scam is easy to see through.
In the past few days, alleged Serafe invoices have found their way into Swiss households, as the Zurich cantonal police write on their portal cybercrimepolice.ch. The senders want to entice unwary recipients to make a transfer – and cash in.
According to Kapo Zurich, the supposed invoices look deceptively real and come in Serafe’s corporate design. But an important detail in the company logo exposes the fakes: the company name is slightly changed in the cover letters: instead of “Serafe” the logo says “Searfe” at the top right – so the criminals swapped the letters R and A. Otherwise, the letter gives an official impression, says the cantonal police.
Behind the letter are fraudsters who linked their own bank account using the QR code printed in the letter. Anyone who follows the payment request does not pay the radio and television tax, but instead loses money to the criminals.
In the letter, the senders demand a fee of 335 francs and claim that the amount is “due 15 days after the invoice date.” In this way, the fraudsters try to create time pressure.
Kapo Zurich recommends:
- Thoroughly check any letters or invoices you receive to see whether they actually come from the relevant sender.
- When making deposits using the QR code, check the recipient details.
- If you are unsure, contact the biller by email or telephone using the official contacts.
If you have already transferred money to an incorrect address, the police recommend:
- Contact your financial institution and initiate a payment recovery process.
- After making an appointment by telephone, go to your local cantonal police station and file a report.
Cybercriminals are currently using the same scam supposed parcel emails, and they are currently particularly frequently abusing the Fedex logo. Here you can read more about it.
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