AOK customers are currently being targeted by cyber criminals who are trying to obtain your personal data with a sophisticated e-mail scam. The scam involves alleged refunds, which you might even think are harmless at first glance. But beware: if you accept this message, you are not only risking your wallet, but also your safety! Find out here what you need to know to avoid falling into the trap.

How does the scam work? - How the fraudsters get your data

You receive an e-mail that supposedly comes from the AOK and promises you a refund of 473.42 euros. That sounds tempting, of course, but there's a catch! The e-mail asks you to click on a link to apply for your "refund". However, this link takes you directly to a fraudulent website designed to steal your personal data. What the scammers really want? Your name, your address, your bank details - they can get hold of all this by simply entering it on the fake site.

Signs of fraud - How to detect phishing messages

How to recognize a scam email at first glance: The message comes without a personal address and without any details that would accompany a genuine refund. A reputable company like the AOK would never announce a refund without a comprehensible explanation and only by e-mail. And the sender's address? It is usually unclear and does not look like an official AOK address. Don't miss out on recognizing these red flags - and never click on suspicious links!

What should you do if you receive the e-mail? - How to act correctly

Do not panic! If you have received this e-mail, it is best to ignore it completely. Move it straight to your spam folder and never open the links. If you are unsure whether a refund is actually imminent, check the official AOK website or call the health insurance company directly. The AOK itself also regularly posts warnings about such phishing attacks on its website - a valuable tip to avoid becoming a victim.

The AOK is not the only provider to be targeted by cyber criminals. E-mails are also currently circulating that pretend to be information on electronic patient files or competition offers. The same applies here: stay away!

The legal process must become more consistent!

Such scams are not only annoying, they also show how vulnerable we as a society still are to digital crime attempts. We need stricter laws and a much faster response time from the authorities when such phishing attempts are detected. After all, it is not just our money that is being gambled with here, but also our trust. It is high time that the protection of citizens against such cyber attacks became just as self-evident as protection in real life.