This week we’ve found a large number of scams that you need to watch out for, including ones relating to Smith Gregory, Cash App, Amazon, Louis Vuitton, Tinder, and LinkedIn. Would you have been able to spot all the scams?

Fake Debt Collection Website — smithgregory.com

Have you received a voicemail from a debt collector called “Smith Gregory”? Watch out for this spam message!

The person talking on the voicemail informs you that you’ve got outstanding debts. Many people have said that they’ve never used any services from the bank mentioned in the voicemail; “Smith Gregory” is not specific about the details of the outstanding debts either, which makes it even more suspicious.

The purpose of the voicemail is to urge you to pay the debt over the phone or set up a monthly payment plan via the website smithgregory.com — it’s a SCAM! Below are some red flags:

• The website was registered on March 30, 2022 — too young to align with the description on the website.
• There’s no valid contact information — no company address, only a phone number and an online form.

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Phishing 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 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. 

The scammers’ ultimate 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:

#1 Gas Prepaid Card Scam

Due to the recent global tension, the price of gas all over the world has skyrocketed — and scammers never pass up any chance to trick people. They tempt you with free prepaid gas cards and send you text messages, luring you to click on the attached link to claim the reward:

• gas costs are intolerable joey! get the $500 pre-paid gas card to help. kick off by answering a few questions and enter your email. {URL}
• REMINDER: Rannette Dean, you have a $250 Gas Card waiting for you right now.  Tap to claim: {URL}
• Jermaine, don‘t miss this chance to win a $250 gas card for free. There’s only 200 available, so claim your before they‘re gone! {URL]

The link will take you to an online survey page that collects all the sensitive credentials you submit.

With them, scammers can commit any number of cybercrimes with your personal information. Don’t let them!

#2 Amazon Gift Card Scams

We’ve reported on Amazon gift card scams many times; they seem to always be circulating in different forms and with different layouts:

• Congrats on winning an Amazon gift card from us John 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>
• Rosanna, think of what you want to buy from Amazon now! Because you’re getting a $1000 Amazon gift card here as a GIFT! <URL>

The embedded link will take you to a malicious site that is designed to trick you into entering your personal information.

There is no free TV or gift card — the scammers just want you to think there is so you feel comfortable giving them your personal information. Don’t fall for it!

#3 CashApp 23 Scam

Recently many people have been wondering if the website cashapp23.com is legitimate. Why not think of this question first: what is the official Cash App web address?

We’ve noticed that a series of fake Cash App websites are out there exploiting people. The domains tend to consist of “appcash” or “cashapp” plus a random number. Here are a few examples we found:

• appcash23.com
• appcash55.com
• cashapp23.com
• cashapp25.com
• cashapp45.com
• cashapp55.com

No matter which website you’ve come across, you will eventually end up on a fake Cash App website that features a reward of $750.

Online Shopping Scam

Besides phishing websites, there are also a lot of fake online shopping websites out there trying to trick you:

#1 Fake Fuel-saving Gadget

Who doesn’t want to save more gas (and money)? When searching for solutions online, please be careful and don’t spend money on useless stuff. Recently many people are wondering if EcoMax, a gas-saving gadget, is legitimate:

• coineroeochsd@hotmail.com (2117) Gas wiIl hit 9 bucks by summer. Try this device for free that raises your fueI mileage by, 35% – {URL}
• (8853) The cost of fuel is sky_rocketing!! This all new device pIugs into any car and wiII give you 3O% more miIeage- {URL}
• (5062) This aIl new device fits on aII car makes/models and is going to increase your fuel miI’age by 3O%: {URL}

The link in the promotional text messages will take you to a single-page online shopping website. However, it is a scam. Think twice before you hit the “Buy Here” button!

#2 Louis Vuitton Scam

Scammers use emails to spread fake online shopping sites as well. We’ve reported on fake Louis Vuitton sites before, and now they are reoccurring again:

The email leads you to a fake Louis Vuitton website (discountbagsale[.]com). Please keep an eye out for this fake site and remember, the legitimate web address is louisvuitton.com!

Fake Tinder Email Scam

“Someone matched with you on Tinder!” Even though this message sounds tempting, don’t click on anything!

Scammers pose as Tinder and send out fake emails, trying to trick 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!

LinkedIn Email Scams

As we’ve written before, LinkedIn phishing emails are still out there, leading victims to scam websites. Here are several examples:

Again, on these fake pages, you could eventually lose your personal information as well as money. Don’t fall for them!

How to Protect Yourself

• Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
• Shop only on legitimate shopping websites and platforms.
• Be suspicious of free gifts and prizes.
• Always go to the official website/application instead of using links 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:

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.