This week we’ve found a large number of scams that you need to watch out for, including ones relating to Costco, Ace Hardware, PayPal, Netflix, Truist, cPanel, and Microsoft. Would you have been able to spot all the scams?
Online Survey Phishing Scams
Impersonating famous brands and companies, scammers send out fake text messages and emails containing phishing links and try to entice you into opening them with various lies.
These phishing links will often lead to online survey pages that state you can claim a gift by filling out an online questionnaire. Scammers can record the data you enter onto these pages and use it to commit crimes such as identity theft. Here are some examples.
Costco Survey Scam
We’ve written about Costco scamsThey have been sending text messages to scammers before and they are back! Scammers claim you could win a Samsung TV. They will trick you into clicking on the attached phishing URL.
- We are very grateful! Costco Winner: 6144199799. Your 8k TV Samsung 85””
The website the link leads to says that you can win a Samsung 85’’ QLED 8K UHD HDR Smart TV after you complete the survey:
Then, you will need personal information such credit card details.
There will be no TV at end, and scammers can steal your credentials via phishing sites. What are your goals? What’s the point? Cybercriminals have the ability to use your sensitive data for cybercrimes such as hacking into accounts and stealing identity. Don’t let them!
Stay Safe from Online Scams — Trend Micro Check
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A while back, we discovered fake gift card email addresses Ace HardwareThey are back this Week
Scammers will offer $100 off if they click on the embedded link to take you to a fraudulent survey site. Don’t submit any credentials!
Phishing links can often lead you to Fake login pages that will end up asking you for your personal information and/or login credentials. Scammers can thus gain control of your account — watch out! Here are some examples.
Paypal Phishing Texts
This is not the first time that we’ve detected Fake PayPal SMS messages. Scammers will pretend that there are security issues in your account, and ask you for help using the phishing URL.
- [ Paypal ]:Your account has been locked. Verify your account right away to prevent your account being locked. Click link below to verify your account {URL}
Below is an example of a fake PayPal login webpage. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the real from the fakes. Be careful!
Netflix Phishing
Netflix scamsThey seem to never stop. Scammers will try and convince you to click the link below to immediately protect your Netflix account.
- [ Netflix ] Your Netflix account has been suspended, because we’re having some trouble with your current account information. To verify your account information, please click the following link:
Please take action on your accont within 48 hours to avoid permanent suspension.
Click the attached link to be taken to a fake Netflix login page. This page does not require you to enter any personal information.
TRUIST Bank Phishing
Scammers love to exploit people using streaming services. This time they’re pretending to be Truist bank and sending out fake alert messages related to an “ongoing investigation”:
- Truistalerts is investigating a transaction that was made on you account. You can confirm this here. {URL} #79rysq
This link will take to a fake Truist login page:
cPanel Phishing Email
“Please confirm your account!”Scammers can also pretend to be mail service providers or web hosting companies like cPanel in order to send you bogus security alerts via email
The “confirm”Clicking this button will take to a fake login page, which will collect your password and email address. Don’t fall for it!
Fake Webmail login page
Login page to access Real Webmail
Another example of a fake email notification is:
Clicking the button below will take to you to a fake Microsoft Login site. Just remember, DON’T enter anything!
How to Avoid Scams
- Pay close attention to URLs — are they legitimate?
- Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
- Free gifts and prizes are always a red flag.
- Go to the official website/application instead of using links from unknown sources.
- Never click on attachments or hyperlinks that are not from your trusted source. Use Trend Micro Check to surf the web safely (it’s free!).
- Trend Micro adds an extra layer to your devices’ protection Maximum Security. Its Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing, and Anti-spam Protection can help you combat scams and cyberattacks. Click the button to give it another shot:
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