Targobank email: Fake ITAN authentication - this is how you should proceed

Dangerous Targobank phishing emails are currently being sent that appear deceptively real. There is a link in the message that leads to a fake website. Here we explain how you should proceed with such Targobank fake emails.

Targobank fake emails circulating

Targobank is currently warning its customers of dubious fake emails. In the messages, customers are asked to authenticate their TAN in order to continue using the account.

• You should be particularly careful with the Targobank phishing email, as the spam email makes a very serious impression. The sender wants to get your data with the fake mail.
• Once fraudsters have access to your data, you have access to the account and other services. Criminals can therefore steal your identity and transfer and withdraw money freely.
• In addition, malware can be hidden in the attachments of the fake mails, which gives fraudsters, for example, unhindered access to your devices such as laptops or smartphones.

This is how you should react to the fake mail

If you have received a Targobank phishing email, you should react as follows:

• First of all: Are you a customer of Targobank at all? If not, you can delete the mail right away.
• Are you a Targobank customer? Then first check whether it is a legitimate email or a fake message. You can usually recognize this from the grammar and spelling. Phishing emails often contain an unusually large number of errors. But be careful: in the meantime, fraudulent emails are also of a very high language standard.
• In the mail in question you will be addressed as "Dear Targobank user". The Targobank, on the other hand, would probably address you directly by name.
• The email sender also often provides information as to whether the email is a fake or not. Move your mouse cursor to the sender's email address (without clicking on it). You'll see the full email address, which is often adventurously long or complicated.
• If in doubt, you should contact the Targobank directly and ask whether corresponding emails have been sent.
• If the mail you receive turns out to be a phishing attempt, you should never click on the link it contains.
• Also attached attachments should never be opened.
• If you have clicked on the link and are asked to enter personal data, you should refrain from doing so. Serious providers - in our case the Targobank - would never ask your customer to enter such sensitive data via a mail link.
• If you are unsure, simply call up the Targobank website manually via the web browser. There you can see whether the institute actually started a query or whether it even warns of phishing emails that are in circulation.
• Last but not least: delete the mail!

Falling into the phishing trap? You should do that now

Despite all caution, did you fall for the Targobank phishing email? Then it is important to act as quickly as possible.

• Contact the bank immediately by telephone and describe the case.
• If you have disclosed credit card or EC card data, have the cards blocked as soon as possible. In Germany this can be done via the toll-free number 116 116.
• If online banking access is concerned, you should also have Targobank block it and arrange for a change in access data and passwords.

Prevention is better than aftercare

You should take precautions to prevent this from happening.

• Up-to- date antivirus software is mandatory for every PC. You should also protect tablets and smartphones with an appropriate virus scanner.
• You should also change your passwords regularly . The passwords should be strong enough. A combination of lower and upper case letters, numbers and special characters is best.
• Whole sentences in which you only use the first few letters of the words for the password are suitable. Example: On November 27th. I turned 30 and got a cake! - A27.11.bi30JaguheKb!

Read here about the TAN procedures and how secure they are.

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