Instagram, IRS, Tinder, LinkedIn, MetaMask, T-Mobile, and Amazon — Top Phishing Scams of the Week
Author: Trend Micro
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 Instagram, the IRS, Tinder, LinkedIn, MetaMask, T-Mobile, and Amazon. Would you have been able to spot all the scams?
Phishing scams are 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 will take 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.
Instagram “it’s you?” Scam
Have you ever received a message from your Instagram friend that says, “I think you appear in this video, it’s you?” Watch out and don’t click on the link, even though it looks as though it’s from your friend. It is a SCAM!
Source: Reddit
Last month, we wrote about a similar scam that circulated via Facebook, and the tactics are the same.
First, the scammers compromise your friend’s account and then they send you the phishing link. The link will take you to a fake site where you will be asked to enter your Instagram log-in details. If you do so, the scammers can take control of your Instagram account and commit identity theft.
What’s worse, they can spam your contacts with the same scam messages, creating more victims!
Browse the web safely with Trend Micro Check (it’s free!)
Trend Micro Check is an all-in-one 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).
Fake IRS Websites
Monday, April 18th is Tax Day, the deadline day for tax filing this year. Beware if you haven’t filed your taxes yet — we are still observing tens of thousands of fake IRS websites out there! Scammers use fake text messages to spread these malicious links, falsely claiming that you must review your tax statement or solve other tax-related issues:
- (irs):after we tried to send you letters about your recent tax statement we decided to let you review your new tax statement at hxxps://irs-tixxxx[.]com
Links like the ones in the example message above lead to copycat IRS websites that look similar to legitimate ones. On these fake websites, you run the risk of exposing personal details such as your home address, date of birth, and Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN). Don’t get scammed!
Here’s another example of a fake IRS website. Remember, the official web address of the IRS site is irs.gov!
MetaMask Phishing Email Scam
Besides text message scams, this week we’ve detected many fake MetaMask security alert emails that falsely claim your need to verify your MetaMask wallet due to their KYC regulations:
Again, the button will take you to a fake MetaMask website. If you submit credentials like your recovery phrase, scammers can hack into your wallet and transfer all your crypto away! What’s worse, since cryptocurrencies are decentralized, it would be nearly impossible to get your money back! Watch out!
Adult Website Scam (Tinder/LinkedIn)
Recently we found that scammers spread links to scam adult websites with emails that impersonate famous brands, including Tinder and LinkedIn. Yes, you read that correctly — it’s a fake LinkedIn email that leads to a scam adult page!
#1 Fake Tinder Email
“Someone matched with you on Tinder!”
#2 Fake LinkedIn Email
“You appeared in 5 searches this week”
Scammers try their best to lure you into clicking on the embedded button. It will take you to a fake adult website where you could end up exposing your credentials. Don’t get scammed!
Email Account Termination Scam
We’ve seen many fake support emails that lead to fake log-in pages. Now there’s a new version:
As we’ve emphasized so many times before, don’t fall for it!
Besides directing you to fake login pages, the links often lead to online survey pages that state you can claim a gift by filling out a questionnaire. After you complete the questionnaire, you are prompted to enter credit card details before your “gift” can be delivered.
Again, the scammers’ goal is to steal your personal information — they’ll record everything you enter on their fake pages and use it to commit cybercrimes: e.g., hack into your bank account or steal your identity! Here are a few examples:
T-Mobile Scam Text Messages
We’ve reported on “text from myself scams” targeting Verizon customers before; now scammers have taken aim at T-Mobile customers and started to spread similar scam text messages to them. Did you receive any?
A T-Mobile scam text message. Source: Reddit
- Free Msg: Your bill is paid for March. Thanks, here's a little gift for you: <URL> Promising you a gift, scammers will direct you to an online survey page:
As we all know, the page is designed to steal your personal information. Don’t fall for it!
Amazon Gift Card Survey Scam
We’ve reported on Amazon gift card scams many times and this week they are still circulating:
- Congrats on winning an Amazon gift card from us Shannen RAW! It's more than a gift, it's a mission to make our services even better for you! Check the amount you're getting: <URL>
Falsely claiming that you’ve won an Amazon gift card, scammers trick you into clicking on the phishing link that leads to a fake online survey page:
As we’ve explained, you could end up exposing your credentials like credit card details on the fake site. Be careful!
How to Protect Yourself
- Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
- Be suspicious of free gifts and prizes.
- Always go to the official website/application instead of using links from unknown sources.
- Never click on links or attachments from unknown sources. Use Trend Micro Check to surf the web safely (it’s free!).
- Add an extra layer of protection to your device with Trend Micro Maximum Security. Its Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing, and Anti-spam Protection can help you combat scams and cyberattacks. Click the button below to give it a try:
Get Trend Micro CheckIt’s free
As ever, if you’ve found this article an interesting and/or helpful read, please do SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected.
Report a Scam!
Have you fallen for a hoax, bought a fake product? Report the site and warn others!
Scam Categories
Help & Info
Popular Stories
As the influence of the internet rises, so does the prevalence of online scams. There are fraudsters making all kinds of claims to trap victims online - from fake investment opportunities to online stores - and the internet allows them to operate from any part of the world with anonymity. The ability to spot online scams is an important skill to have as the virtual world is increasingly becoming a part of every facet of our lives. The below tips will help you identify the signs which can indicate that a website could be a scam. Common Sense: Too Good To Be True When looking for goods online, a great deal can be very enticing. A Gucci bag or a new iPhone for half the price? Who wouldn’t want to grab such a deal? Scammers know this too and try to take advantage of the fact. If an online deal looks too good to be true, think twice and double-check things. The easiest way to do this is to simply check out the same product at competing websites (that you trust). If the difference in prices is huge, it might be better to double-check the rest of the website. Check Out the Social Media Links Social media is a core part of ecommerce businesses these days and consumers often expect online shops to have a social media presence. Scammers know this and often insert logos of social media sites on their websites. Scratching beneath the surface often reveals this fu
So the worst has come to pass - you realise you parted with your money too fast, and the site you used was a scam - what now? Well first of all, don’t despair!! If you think you have been scammed, the first port of call when having an issue is to simply ask for a refund. This is the first and easiest step to determine whether you are dealing with a genuine company or scammers. Sadly, getting your money back from a scammer is not as simple as just asking. If you are indeed dealing with scammers, the procedure (and chance) of getting your money back varies depending on the payment method you used. PayPal Debit card/Credit card Bank transfer Wire transfer Google Pay Bitcoin PayPal If you used PayPal, you have a strong chance of getting your money back if you were scammed. On their website, you can file a dispute within 180 calendar days of your purchase. Conditions to file a dispute: The simplest situation is that you ordered from an online store and it has not arrived. In this case this is what PayPal states: "If your order never shows up and the seller can't provide proof of shipment or delivery, you'll get a full refund. It's that simple." The scammer has sent you a completely different item. For example, you ordered a PlayStation 4, but instead received only a Playstation controller. The condition of the item was misrepresented on the product page. This could be the