The latest scams this week include free Netflix subscription phishing attack, fake massage gun promotional codes, and phishing text messages from AIB, Amazon, and Apple. Check how these 5 hot scams work and learn tips to avoid them. Did you see anything similar in your inbox?

AIB Phishing Text Messages

Recently many people have received phishing text messages containing suspicous links from Allied Irish Banks (AIB). Scammers use various excuses to lure you into clicking on the phishing link. Here are some examples:

AIB: We have temporarily restricted access on your AIB account due to suspicious activity, to re-authenticate visit: <URL>
A payment instruction was made from your account beneficiary “Jacky” Not You? Please Review this transaction at: <URL>
Your online access had been suspended due to suspicious activity on you aib debit card to review these transactions please visit – <URL>
Your AIB visa card has been used in an online transaction at 12:10 pm. Not you? <URL> Visit as soon as possible.

The text messages might say that there are security issues with your bank account or notify you about a payment activity. No matter what is said, please do not click on the phishing link. It will lead you to a fake AIB login page, and scammers can record the sensitive login credentials you enter. With them, they can take over your bank account and steal your money, as well as your identity!

Fake Amazon Massage Gun Scam

Have you seen this viral Tweet with an image of a massage gun that says you can get a free one with a set of promo codes? Be careful. It is a scam!

Content
I just seen this on Facebook. Use these discount codes and you can get this massage gun for free! Code 1- WFM2Q5G4 Code 2- W12NLH8Q Here is the Amazon link as well! Let me know if you guys got one! <URL>

Scammers falsely claim that they are offering “free massage guns,” and many people have shared the campaign information with their friends. If you take the bait and enter the product page, buy the massage gun with the provided promotional code, you can literally see the price goes down to zero. However, no massage guns will ever arrive.

The suspicious campaign can be one of the latest Amazon brushing tactics. Convinced that you can get a free massage gun, you will probably leave a 5-star comment to the product. By repeating this process for many times, the fake product page can receive lots of positive reviews and rank better in the Amazon search results page.

There is also a risk of identity theft. Scammers may use the shipment of the massage gun as an excuse to ask for your personal information, including phone number, home address, or even credit card details.

Netflix 1-year Free Subscription Scam

We have reported Netflix 1-year free subscription scams several times. With the COVID-19 pandemic remaining a hot issue, the scam text messages circulate again: due to covid-19, netflix is giving everyone a free 1-year subscription to help you stay at home. get yours here: <URL>

Posing as Netflix and claiming to be giving away free subscriptions due to the pandemic, scammers try to trick you into clicking the phishing link in the message. Once you click on the link, you will be asked to enter your login credentials or other personal information. In a worse case, unknowingly download malicious files to your device. Don’t fall for it!

This is the fake Netflix page the phishing leads to:

If you click on the “Redeem Code Now” button, you will be asked to finish an online survey. After that, you will need to enter personal information to get the free subscription which is indeed, fake as well.

Amazon Phishing Scams

We have mentioned Amazon phishing text messages many times, and these phony text messages never disappear. Scammers pretend to be Amazon and prompt you to click on the phishing link with a variety of excuses. Here are some more examples:

• Amazon: Congratulations Melisa, you came in 3rd in March’s Amazon pods raffle! Click this link to : <URL>
• John, you still have $100  Amazon Bonus credit: <URL> See what you can claim before it expires on 03/25 <URL>
• This is the 2nd one: Warehousing/Logistics from Amazon. To view and apply click <URL> Txt STOP to Opt Out
• Add Your Rent, Netflix & Amazon Prime to your Credit Report to increase your Score!  Start below, It’s Free  <URL>
• Good day Deborah, we sent you an email regarding your Amazon Rewards. Here is what you can buy with it: <URL>

Once you click on the link in the text message, it will lead you to a fake online survey page and ask you to finish it for expensive rewards.

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

Apple Phishing Text Messages

Apple survey scams are not new to us as well. To convince you to click on the phishing link in the text messages, scammers either claim there are security issues with your Apple Pay or tell you that you have won a laptop:

Apple is giving away 50 brand new iPad Pro and you’ve been chosen to get one! Confirm your information here right away! <URL>
Commbank: There has been a suspicious attempt to add your card to Apple Pay. If this WAS you, ignore this message, if NOT, cancel : <URL>
Congratulations Paul, as a customer of AT&T you have been chosen to receive the latest Apple laptop! <URL>

Once you click on it, you will be taken to a fake Apple online survey page that says you can get an iPhone 12 as a reward after completing the questionnaire:

After that, you have to provide 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:

How to Protect Yourself

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

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

Download Trend Micro Maximum Security for even more protection, including Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing , and Anti-spam Protection. Gain access to the Privacy Scanner for Facebook and Twitter, Social Networking Protection, and Parental Contr

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