Igor Loran from BeeSecure and Tim Pauly from the police spoke with RTL on Monday morning to answer listeners’ questions about online scams, where they explained how to recognise both familiar and emerging fraud tactics, how to avoid falling victim to them, and what options are available if it is already too late.
Both guests stressed that scam methods have become increasingly professional. Fake websites featuring copied logos are now so well designed that it is often difficult to distinguish them from legitimate sites. With 296 reported cases this year, BeeSecure has recorded an almost 50% increase in scam reports compared to the previous year.
Listeners who called in on Monday morning shared personal experiences of being deceived. In most cases, they had been contacted by fraudsters and put under pressure before they withdrew money without their consent. Several callers also admitted that at some point during the scam, they had disclosed personal information.
The experts warned that both technical and human security vulnerabilities are systematically exploited. In every situation, it is important to remain critical, avoid engaging with strangers, and pause to think before carrying out any transaction or action, psychologist Igor Loran advised. In the majority of cases, fraudsters will already abandon their attempt if they encounter hesitation. Tim Pauly from the police also emphasised the importance of filing a complaint, stressing that feeling ashamed and taking no action is definitely not a solution.
Third-party laundering has been on the rise recently. It is a tactic used by criminals to cover up the traces of their scams. They try to recruit individuals who allow their bank accounts to be used to transfer stolen or illegal funds, thereby laundering the money.
In return, criminals promise small commissions or other benefits. However, anyone who gets involved, whether knowingly or not, becomes an accomplice to a crime, Tim Pauly stresses. This can result in heavy fines or even prison sentences. The police and the criminal investigation department have set up a task force to combat the practice. The officers asserts that initial successes have already been achieved, with several perpetrators identified.
Young people are particularly vulnerable to money laundering. For this reason, the police prevention service plans to intensify awareness efforts through a dedicated campaign. Both guests agreed that online scams remain an ongoing and serious issue.
RTL is also contributing to raising awareness about scams by being one of the project partners of the EDMO project, which is supported by the European Union.
Six out of twelve videos are already available online. They highlight online risks in an accessible yet clear manner, providing information, explanations and practical tips on how to recognise potential dangers and protect oneself against them.
Igor Loran from BeeSecure and Tim Pauly from the police were in the studio to answer questions on the programme ‘Dir hutt d’Wuert’ (available in Luxembourgish).
