EN
This article is from Trend Micro.
This week we’ve found a large number of scams that you need to watch out for, including ones relating to Apple, Amazon, Citibank, iPhone 12, and more. Would you have been able to spot all the scams?
Phishing is one of the most commonly used tactics by scammers. Conventionally, while impersonating famous brands, they send out fake text messages and emails containing phishing links and try to entice you into opening them with various lies.
In such phishing schemes, the links lead you to fake log-in pages that appear to belong to various brands. These pages require you to submit log-in credentials to download a software update, change account settings, or whatever other tasks the scammers have asked you to complete. Here are some examples:
Posing as Apple, scammers send you texts that prompt you to update your payment information:
The page is a phishing site. Scammers can record any log-in information you submit. Why? So that they can use it to gain control over your Apple ID account and commit other cybercrimes like identity theft. Don’t fall for it!
Trend Micro Check is a browser extension and mobile app for detecting scams, phishing attacks, malware, and dangerous links — and it’s FREE!
After you’ve pinned the Trend Micro Check extension, it will block dangerous sites automatically! (Available on Safari, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge).
You can also download the Trend Micro Check mobile app for 24/7 automatic scam and spam detection and filtering. (Available for Android and iOS).
Check out this page for more information on Trend Micro Check.
Did you receive a text message from Amazon that says you have to verify your account via an attached link? Don’t do so; it’s a scam!
Phishing links also often take you to online survey pages that state you can claim a gift by filling out an online questionnaire. After you complete the questionnaire, you are prompted to enter credit card details before your “gift” can be delivered.
Of course, there is NO gift — the scammers’ ultimate goal is to steal your personal information! As mentioned, they’ll record everything you enter on these fake pages and use it to commit cybercrimes: e.g., hack into your bank account, withdraw money, or steal your identity. Don’t let them!
Who doesn’t want a free iPhone? By sending people random texts about fake raffle campaigns featuring an iPhone 12 Pro as a reward, scammers try to lure you into clicking on the attached phishing links:
You could end up exposing your banking details like your credit card number and CVC code. Don’t get scammed!
Besides phishing links, scammers also attempt to steal your personal information with their old tricks. Pretending to be from famous brands, again, they make up various excuses — free gifts, security alerts, or whatever — to urge you into sending them your private data.
For example, this week we’ve detected over 40,000 fake emails impersonating Citibank:
Falsely claiming that you can inherit $23.3 million, the scammers ask you to reply to the email with your personal information, including your full name, address, phone number, identification, and occupation, to receive the payment. That sounds too good to be true, right?
Online shopping scams are also everywhere. One of the common tactics scammers use is to promote scam products with spam emails. Recently we’ve spotted 2 examples:
The internet is already full of negative reviews about this mosquito zapper!
If you are searching for a portable Wi-Fi device, it’s best to do your homework before breaking out your credit card!
