The Federal Office of Cybersecurity has issued a warning about so-called SMS blasters – devices that mimic mobile antennas and can intercept telephone communications.
Unlike classic phishing attempts, they allow fraudsters to target all phones within a radius of up to one kilometer.
The devices, often hidden in cars, backpacks or even on bicycles, force nearby smartphones onto the less secure 2G network before sending fake SMS messages – usually demanding payment of bogus parking fines.
Officials stress that vigilance and skepticism remain the best defense.
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