SCAM OF THE WEEK: X Marks the Spot for Cybercrime
The social media platform Twitter recently announced that the platform would be renamed and rebranded as “X”. As a result, the monthly subscription for a blue verification checkmark will be renamed from "Twitter Blue" to "X Premium.” Cybercriminals view major platform changes like these as an opportunity to try to exploit uncertainty and steal your sensitive information.
SCAM OF THE WEEK: Linktree Link Scam
Linktree is a landing page service where businesses and individuals can list multiple links on one page. This service is often used on social media for quick and easy access to multiple webpages. However, cybercriminals can also use Linktree to host malicious links to try to steal your personal information.
In a recent scam, you get a notification that a file has been shared with you by someone you know, but it’s actually a cybercriminal in disguise.
Interview with a Cybercriminal
Recently, Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) published a report about a new tactic that cybercriminals are using in spear phishing attacks. Spear phishing is when cybercriminals send targeted emails impersonating someone you trust to try to steal your sensitive information. Now, cybercriminals are impersonating media outlets and luring you in with a fake interview.
This attack starts with an email impersonating a trusted media outlet. In the email, the cybercriminals ask to interview you and prompt you to click a link with the interview questions. If you click this link, you’ll be redirected to a malicious website with a login prompt. Unfortunately, any login credentials that you enter will be sent directly to the cybercriminals. Then, they'll be able to access your account for their own malicious goals.
SCAM OF THE WEEK: Is ChatGPT Your Next Financial Advisor?
ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot created by OpenAI, has risen in popularity since its release last year. Now, cybercriminals are using ChatGPT’s popularity to lure you into phishing scams. In one of these scams, cybercriminals try to trick you with a fake new ChatGPT feature.
The scam starts with a phishing email informing you that ChatGPT has a new feature to help you invest in the stock market. If you click the link in the email, you’ll be taken to a spoofed ChatGPT website and prompted to enter your contact information. Then, a representative will call you and request that you submit a payment to open your investment account. Unfortunately, if you submit a payment, that money won't help you invest in the stock market. Instead, cybercriminals will steal it to invest in their own malicious pursuits.