Ministry of Finance Warns About This Fraudulent Website

Users are prompted on the fraudulent website to enter personal information and make an initial investment in a so-called project named "Quantum AI." They are lured with a supposedly guaranteed income of 20,000 euros. The fraud attempt is supported by a reference to an alleged license from the Financial Market Authority and supposed coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Austrian National Bank (OeNB).

Fraudulent Website: Ongoing Warnings from the Ministry of Finance

According to its own statements, the Ministry of Finance continuously warns against such and similar fraud attempts, which occur through various communication channels such as social media, SMS, email, and phone calls, as well as through fake websites. In this context, the ministry pointed out that neither it nor Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, the National Bank, or the Financial Market Authority promote dubious investment projects and never ask citizens to transmit personal data such as passwords, credit card details, or account information.

A deep fake is an image, audio, or video recording created with the help of artificial intelligence that appears deceptively real but is actually manipulated. Existing recordings are altered by algorithms so that, for example, faces or voices of well-known individuals can be realistically imitated. This technology is increasingly being misused by fraudsters to spread misinformation or deceive people, for instance, by making it seem like politicians are making statements or promoting projects that are actually fabricated.

Marterbauer: AI Has Positive and Negative Sides

"Artificial intelligence has positive and negative sides. The negatives include fraudulent activities that, as in this case, are becoming increasingly sophisticated and give the appearance of serious and trustworthy information. But fraud remains fraud. It is all the more important to recognize the signs of the times, take strict measures, and warn against such machinations," emphasized Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ).

"More and more often, criminals try to deceive people with fake websites and unrealistic promises of quick money. Such fraudulent offers pose a significant risk and are usually fraud. From the Ministry of Finance, we explicitly warn against this and advise: Check carefully who an offer is from and whether the source is trustworthy," said State Secretary for Finance Barbara Eibinger-Miedl (ÖVP). Websites with similar and unrealistic promises of profit are "very likely" a fraud attempt, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Tips from the Ministry of Finance Against Fraudulent Websites

(APA/Red)

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