Binance, Tinder, Costco, and Walmart – Top Phishing Scams of the Week

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Author: Trend Micro

March 22, 2023

We’ve found a large number of phishing scams this week, including ones relating to Binance,
Tinder, Costco, and Walmart. Would you have been able to spot all the scams? 

  Phishing Emails/Texts 

Impersonating trusted brands, scammers contact you using excuses like bogus security alerts or
fake notifications via text message or email — always with the goal of getting you to click
on phishing links. 
 
They try to prompt you into completing various tasks after clicking on the links. For example,
“verifying” your account or filling out an online form. These links, in most cases, will lead to fake
login pages that can steal your credentials. 

Binance​ Phishing Email (Binance​ Scam)

We’ve reported on fake Binance text messages in which scammers falsely claim that you need
to secure your account using the attached link before. This week we’ve found several fake
emails using the same excuse:

Scammers instruct you to click on the embedded button to review the “unknown login attempt.” If you fall for it and do as instructed, you will be taken to a fake Binance login page. 


Scammers can collect any credentials you submit on such pages and use your information for their own good — to steal your cryptocurrency and NFTs, or even commit identity theft. Don’t let them! 

Key safety tip: Always double-check the web address before you click! The legitimate Binance website’s domain is binance.com. 

Annoyed With Checking Web Addresses? Try Trend Micro Check 

The best way to prevent phishing scams is to NEVER click on links or attachments from unknown sources. You can try Trend Micro Check, a browser extension and mobile app for detecting scams, phishing attacks, malware, and dangerous links, and surf the web with confidence! (Plus, it’s FREE!).  

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Tinder Phishing Email 

“Someone matched with you on Tinder!” Don’t get too excited if you’ve received such a notification because it could be a SCAM! Recently we’ve detected lots of fake Tinder notification emails containing phishing links: 

The button will lead to a fake Tinder login page that will allow scammers to gain access to your personal information. Don’t get scammed! 

In other phishing attempts, like the examples below, the attached links will take you to fake online survey pages.

Costco Text Scam 

As one of the most impersonated brands, it’s no surprise that Costco was featured in lots of phishing attempts this week again: 

  • Amazing iphone 14 winner line : 4236230975 Color: Purple/ 512GB ? <URL> 

Promising you a free iPhone 14, scammers prompt you to claim the gift via the attached link: 

After you fill out the questionnaire, and if you take the bait, you will be asked to provide credit card details as well as other personal information. Of course, these credentials will end up in scammers’ hands. Watch out! 

Walmart Delivery Scam 

Fake Walmart texts are another reoccurring scam. This time scammers use package delivery notifications to try to trick you: 

  • Box for +6421679310: Can you please confirm if this stuck deIivery belongs to you?  <URL> 

Again, the attached link will lead to a bogus survey page that records all your personal data: 

Now you know what will happen: you could end up exposing all your credit card information. Be careful! 

Tips to Stay Safe from Scams 

  • Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address. 
  • Only use official websites/applications.   
  • Change your password as soon as possible if you’ve already clicked on a suspicious link. Consider using our free online Password Generator to create strong, tough-to-hack passwords.   
  • Finally, add an extra layer of protection to your devices with Trend Micro Maximum Security. Its Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing, and Anti-spam Protection will help you combat scams and cyberattacks. Click the button below to give it a try. 

If you’ve found this article an interesting and/or helpful read, please SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected. Also, please consider leaving a comment or LIKE below.   

This article was published in collaboration with Trend Micro.

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