Check the top SMS and email phishing scams of the week. Can you spot these scams?

What is a phishing scam?

Phishing is when scammers impersonate famous brands, companies, and organizations by sending out fake text messages or emails containing phishing links. The aim is to entice you into opening the malicious links by using various excuses.

So, where do the phishing links lead to?

1. Fake online survey pages:

In some cases, they lead to online survey pages that state you can claim a gift by completing an online questionnaire. After you fill out the survey, you are prompted to enter personal information such as credit card numbers, before your “gift” can be delivered.

2. Fake login pages:

In other instances, the links lead to fake log-in pages impersonating various brands. These pages require you to submit log-in credentials to view your delivery status, change your settings, or for whatever other reason the scammers have given you.

Scammers can record any sensitive information you enter on their survey pages and use the data to commit cybercrimes. For example, they could hack into your account and withdraw your money, and even use your information to commit identity theft. Don’t let them!

Here are the top phishing scams we have observed this week.

Hot phishing scams of the week

FedEx Delivery Scams

Posing as FedEx, scammers send a fake delivery text to you. The attached links lead to a fake FedEx login page. Don’t fall for it!

• frm:fedex.2557027 msg:816884952-courier driver couldn’t deliver your parcel today. <URL>

COVID-19 Vaccine Check Scam

We wrote about COVID-19 text scams before — be careful of the latest version. Scammers falsely claim that you can get a “COVID check” if you’ve taken the vaccine via a phishing link. Don’t fall for it!

• failed to receive your $125 covid check for taking the vaccine? learn how to claim it by following this link

Car Insurance Scam

We have reported on car insurance quote scams in which scammers pose as DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and send text messages with phishing links before. Now a new scam targeted on drivers appear:

• Driver-Safety Paymn’t Issued – Your $8,852 check is being sent today. To cIaim yours, go here <URL>

The attached phishing link takes you to a blog post about “new rule” on car insurance tips and prompts you to check your discount rate:

To view your insurance quote, you will give to enter personal information:

However, instead of showing you the result, the page says something went wrong. In fact, your credentials are now already in scammers’ hands!

Free Gift Scam

Impersonating famous brands, scammers send text messages with phishing links, falsely claiming they are hosting raffle campaigns celebrating anniversaries, or giving away gifts randomly. They tell people that they’ve won prizes (iPhones, iPads, or other expensive products) and instruct them to claim the gifts via the attached links.

1. Venmo

• Venmo User: You have been selected to receive a free gift worth at least $100 for a 2 minute survey <URL>

2. AT&T

• ATT Free Msg: Augustbill processed. Thanks, Arthur! Here’s a little gift for you: <URL>

Airlines Loyalty Program Email Scam

Who doesn’t love free airline miles? Scammers know that, so they impersonate airline companies and send you emails that say you can join in their miles loyalty program and get free miles via the button.

Now, you should know what happens next: you will be taken to a fake login page and tricked into sending out personal information!

1. Cathay Pacific

2. Eva Air

How to Protect Yourself

• Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
• Free gifts or prizes are always a major red flag.
• Reach out to an organization’s customer service directly for help and support.
• NEVER click links or attachments from unknown sources. Use Trend Micro Check to detect scams with ease!

Download Trend Micro Maximum Security for even greater 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 Controls, too. Click the button below to give it a try:

Did you successfully spot the scams? Remember, always CHECK before giving out personal information. If you found this article helpful and/or interesting, please SHARE it to help protect your friends and family!