Slovenia Sees Surge in Online Fraud Cases as Phishing Attacks Rise
Press Conference Reveals Alarming Statistics
A recent press conference held by Slovenia’s Computer Emergency Response Team (SI-CERT) revealed that online fraud is on the rise in the country, with a staggering 3,197 reports of online fraud recorded last year. According to Marusa Maligoj of SI-CERT, nearly 30 percent of these cases were phishing attacks, which are attempts to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware.
Phishing Attacks Disguised as Delivery Services and More
The majority of phishing attacks in Slovenia were disguised as delivery services, online advertisements, and banks, with almost a thousand cases reported last year alone. Additionally, the number of fake loan offers being circulated has also seen an increase, with 94 such cases detected by SI-CERT in 2020 and 137 in 2021.
Experts Attribute Surge to Covid-19 Pandemic
Experts attribute this surge to the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to financial difficulties for many individuals, making them more susceptible to fraudulent schemes. Banks, on the other hand, tightened their lending criteria, leaving borrowers with limited options, said Maligoj.
Fraud Cases and Damages on the Rise
According to police data, over 600 cases of fraud were reported last year, resulting in damage totaling more than EUR 12 million - a 50 percent increase in the number of cases and a 150 percent increase in damage compared to 2020. This trend has continued into 2022, with over 80 cases already reported, amounting to more than EUR 2.5 million in damages.
Other Types of Fraud in Slovenia
Other common types of fraud in Slovenia include:
- Investment scams
- E-mail breaches
- Romance scams
- Advance-fee scams
- Fake loan scams
- Remote access scams under the guise of technical support
- Money mules
Slovenian Banks on High Alert
Slovenian banks have been monitoring phishing attempts and attacks on customers for at least eight years, said Bozidar Dajcman, head of physical and information security management department at NKBM. The bank has observed an increase in such attacks recently, which is expected to continue.
Experts Urge Vigilance
As online fraud continues to rise in Slovenia, experts urge individuals to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from these scams.