Scammers not only impersonate famous brands but also falsely use celebrities’ names for crimes. Don’t let them exploit you!

In this post, we will share the details of 3 popular scams: Dwayne Johnson giveaway scam on Facebook, Apple giveaway survey scams, and Amazon smishing attacks. Check how these scams work and learn tips on avoiding them.

Dwayne Johnson Giveaway Scam on Facebook

Have you ever seen this charity campaign that features Dwayne Johnson, the famous actor? Be careful. It’s a scam! Scammers impersonate Johnson and hold fake cash giveaway campaigns on Facebook. They claim to be giving away millions of dollars and that you can get paid “according to the first letter of your name.”

If you take the bait, you have to click on the link in the post to register for the campaign.

Once you click on the link, it leads you to a scam website. The page is blocked by ScamCheck Chrome extension automatically:

The page contains a button and a fake comment area. If you click on it, you will be taken to another phishing page and asked to enter personal information such as banking details. Or, in a worse case, malware will start to download.

In fact, this is reoccurring. In 2020, there was a similar scam campaign related to Dwayne Johnson. The format and the layout of the scam web page even look the same. The scam post received over 300 shares, though. Don’t fall for it!

Apple Giveaway Scam

Have you heard about this Apple giveaway campaign via text messages that reads “Apple is giving away 50 brand new iPad Pro and you’ve been chosen to receive one! Confirm your information here right away“? It’s a scam! Scammers attached a phishing link in the message and trick you into clicking on it for the rewards.

Once you click on it, you will be taken to a fake Apple online survey page that says you can get an iPad Pro as a reward after completing the questionnaire:

After that, scammers prompt you to enter personal information and banking details for the delivery of your gift. Of course, no gifts will ever appear. Instead, scammers have recorded the sensitive credentials you have submitted and can use them for other scams such as identity theft:

Amazon Phishing Scam

Amazon scams never cease to be scammers’ favorite tactics. Especially as the Amazon Prime Day approaches, we spotted more Amazon-related scams:

Amazon Smishing Attacks
Scammers impersonate Amazon and use various excuses in fake text messages to trick you into clicking on the phishing link they provide:
1. Fake Amazon Prime Day trial
-Start your FREE Amazon Prime trial today. <URL>
2. Fake Amazon security alert
-Amazon: Notification from Security team amazon. Your account was temporarily on￿hold, because too many logins on unknown devices. Action needed, tap here to respond: <URL>
3. Fake Amazon order confirmation
-Order confirmed: You can add more items until we start packing your Amazon Fresh order: <URL>
4. Fake Amazon package delivery
-Delivered: Your Amazon package with CAVN 4-Pack Screen Protector Case Compatible with Fitbit Sense/Vers… was delivered. More info at <URL>

No matter what tactics scammers use, the scams unfold in similar ways. Once you click on the link, it will lead you to a fake online survey page. Scammers use expensive products such as iPad Pro to lure you:

After you finish all the questions, you will have to enter personal information and banking details to “pay” for your gift. And next you know what will happen: no gifts ever delivered, and the sensitive credentials you have submitted will be used for other scams such as identity theft:

Fake Amazon Emails
Besides text messages, scammers love to use email as another means to spam you. In this case, scammers falsely claim that you have won a reward and will prompt you to click on an attached link for the gift.

Again, if you click on it, you may be taken to a fake web page and asked to enter personal information. Or, malware might start to download and damage your device. Be careful!

Content
Congratulations we have tried to reach you for your reward amazon congratulation you have been selected to win a rewards OPEN IMMEDIATELY

How to Protect Yourself

• Too-good-to-be-true offers should be a major red flag.
• Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
• Reach out to the official website or customer support directly for help.
• Be smart with your sensitive personal information online.
• NEVER click links or attachments from unknown sources. Use Trend Micro ScamCheck to detect scams with ease!

Did you successfully spot the scams? Remember, always CHECK before your next move.

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