This week we’ve found a large number of scams that you need to watch out for, including ones relating to Instagram, the IRS, Tinder, LinkedIn, MetaMask, T-Mobile, and Amazon. Would you have been able to spot all the 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 will take you to fake log-in pages that appear to belong to various brands. These pages require you to submit log-in credentials to download a software update, change account settings, or whatever other tasks the scammers have asked you to complete.

Instagram “it’s you?” Scam

Have you ever received a message from your Instagram friend that says, “I think you appear in this video, it’s you?” Watch out and don’t click on the link, even though it looks as though it’s from your friend. It is a SCAM!

Last month, we wrote about a similar scam that circulated via Facebook, and the tactics are the same.

First, the scammers compromise your friend’s account and then they send you the phishing link. The link will take you to a fake site where you will be asked to enter your Instagram log-in details. If you do so, the scammers can take control of your Instagram account and commit identity theft.

What’s worse, they can spam your contacts with the same scam messages, creating more victims!

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Fake IRS Websites

Monday, April 18^th is Tax Day, the deadline day for tax filing this year. Beware if you haven’t filed your taxes yet — we are still observing tens of thousands of fake IRS websites out there! Scammers use fake text messages to spread these malicious links, falsely claiming that you must review your tax statement or solve other tax-related issues:

• (irs):after we tried to send you letters about your recent tax statement we decided to let you review your new tax statement at hxxps://irs-tixxxx[.]com

Links like the ones in the example message above lead to copycat IRS websites that look similar to legitimate ones. On these fake websites, you run the risk of exposing personal details such as your home address, date of birth, and Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN). Don’t get scammed!

Here’s another example of a fake IRS website. Remember, the official web address of the IRS site is irs.gov!

MetaMask Phishing Email Scam

Besides text message scams, this week we’ve detected many fake MetaMask security alert emails that falsely claim your need to verify your MetaMask wallet due to their KYC regulations:

Again, the button will take you to a fake MetaMask website. If you submit credentials like your recovery phrase, scammers can hack into your wallet and transfer all your crypto away! What’s worse, since cryptocurrencies are decentralized, it would be nearly impossible to get your money back! Watch out!

Adult Website Scam (Tinder/LinkedIn)

Recently we found that scammers spread links to scam adult websites with emails that impersonate famous brands, including Tinder and LinkedIn. Yes, you read that correctly — it’s a fake LinkedIn email that leads to a scam adult page!

#1 Fake Tinder Email

“Someone matched with you on Tinder!” 

#2 Fake LinkedIn Email

“You appeared in 5 searches this week”

Scammers try their best to lure 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!

Email Account Termination Scam

We’ve seen many fake support emails that lead to fake log-in pages. Now there’s a new version:

As we’ve emphasized so many times before, don’t fall for it!

Besides directing you to fake login pages, 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. 

Again, the scammers’ 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:

T-Mobile Scam Text Messages

We’ve reported on “text from myself scams” targeting Verizon customers before; now scammers have taken aim at T-Mobile customers and started to spread similar scam text messages to them. Did you receive any?

• Free Msg: Your bill is paid for March. Thanks, here’s a little gift for you: <URL>

Promising you a gift, scammers will direct you to an online survey page:

As we all know, the page is designed to steal your personal information. Don’t fall for it!

Amazon Gift Card Survey Scam

We’ve reported on Amazon gift card scams many times and this week they are still circulating:

• Congrats on winning an Amazon gift card from us Shannen 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>

Falsely claiming that you’ve won an Amazon gift card, scammers trick you into clicking on the phishing link that leads to a fake online survey page:

As we’ve explained, you could end up exposing your credentials like credit card details on the fake site. Be careful!

How to Protect Yourself

• Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
• Be suspicious of free gifts and prizes.
• Always go to the official website/application instead of using links from unknown sources.
• Never click on links or attachments from unknown sources. Use Trend Micro ScamCheck 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:

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