The European Consumer Centres Network issues a warning over scam emails using ECC names and logos. The emails state the recipient has fallen victim to a fraudulent broker and claim to offer help. These emails are fake and were not sent by an ECC-Net office. Have you received a suspicious email? Read about what you can do.

What to look out for

Cybercriminals use phishing emails to ‘fish’ for sensitive information and to steal money. A recent fake email states the recipient has fallen victim to a fraudulent broker based in Cyprus. The email claims to offer help in retrieving the lost investment and asks the recipient to provide details of a bank transaction. The email may also include a fake ‘contract’, which states that the recipient of the email is liable to pay a sum of money in certain cases.

The recent fake email uses names and personal details of employees of the European Consumer Centre in Cyprus. The emails also use ECC and European Union logos. ECC Cyprus has filed a report with the Cyprus police, who are investigating the case.

Important information

• A European Consumer Centre will never ask you for a payment. All ECC services are completely free of charge.
• A European Consumer Centre will never send you unsolicited emails offering services. You will only be contacted by an ECC if you yourself have contacted the ECC first.
• Are you currently receiving help from a local ECC? Please note that you will only be in contact with ECC employees from your local ECC, not with ECC employees from other countries in the network.

Actions you can take

 Have you spotted a suspicious email? Do not respond to the email, click on any links or open any attachments. Find the official contact details for your local European Consumer Centre and contact them. Your local ECC will be able to tell you whether an email is genuine and can help warn other consumers about the scam email if necessary.