Rising smartphone phishing attacks targeting Moroccans spark concern

Morocco is witnessing a surge in targeted cyber attacks, with a recent phishing campaign honing in on customers of a telecom operator, according to reports from Assabah on Monday. 

Victims receive messages on their smartphones, supposedly from the CEO of a multinational firm currently recruiting in Morocco. 

These messages promise lucrative salaries and promising career prospects without strict qualification requirements.

Recipients are asked to click on a link provided at the message’s end, connecting them directly to the so-called “human resources services” of the alleged multinational company. 

This action results in the extraction of victims’ personal data, especially sensitive information related to banking applications.

The lure of job offers remains a primary method for duping Moroccans, often requiring victims to pay application or intermediary fees under the pretext of securing a visa. 

Banks customers have previously reported sudden losses from their accounts due to unauthorized withdrawals or purchases. 

According to Assabah, these cybercriminals exploit victims’ interaction with the provided link in their messages, employing complex methods to siphon money.

In other variations of the scam, fraudsters solicit money from their victims, ostensibly for processing fees related to securing a visa or employment contract. 

According to cybersecurity experts cited by the newspaper, Morocco has become a growing target for such digital scams in recent years. 

These deceptive messages typically originate from foreign phone numbers located in Europe and America.

Cybercriminals orchestrating these attacks on Morocco, as confirmed by experts, operate from European countries and the United States. Some of these individuals are even under pursuit by U.S. federal agencies.