Austria – VAT Authority warns against fraudulent e-mail messages with fake notices
The Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) issued a critical warning regarding an increased number of fraudulent email messages targeting both citizens and entrepreneurs. These sophisticated phishing attempts use fake notices to manipulate recipients into making unauthorised payments or revealing sensitive personal data.
Tactics Used in fraudulent messages:
– Fake Payment Reminders:
Recipients receive emails with attached “official” payment reminders for outstanding tax debts. These notices urge the victim to transfer funds to foreign bank accounts.
– Company Data Updates:
Some messages target businesses, requesting they “check and update” company data on the FinanzOnline portal via a malicious link.
How to Protect Yourself
Information from the Federal Ministry of Finance is generally provided in the form of digitally signed notices and is sent by post or to the FinanzOnline Databox. The Federal Ministry of Finance never asks entrepreneurs and citizens to transmit personal data such as passwords, credit card data or account information. Businesses are therefore recommended the following precautions:
- Do Not Click Links: Official government agencies like the BMF do not request sensitive information or payment via random emails or text messages.
- Verify via Official Channels: Always access services directly through the official BMF website or the authenticated FinanzOnline portal rather than using links provided in a message.
- Check for Red Flags: Be wary of urgent deadlines, threats of legal action, or sender addresses that do not match official government domains
- Delete and Report: The BMF advises that the best course of action is to delete suspicious messages without responding. Genuine official notices will always be delivered to your FinanzOnline “Data Box” or by post.