This week we’ve found a large number of scams that you need to watch out for, including ones relating to Chase Bank, Walmart, T-Mobile, Home Depot, and Louis Vuitton. Would you have been able to spot all the scams?

Phishing Scams

Phishing is 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 lead 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. Here are some examples:

Chase Bank

Did you receive a text message from Chase Bank that says your account is blocked due to “suspicious sign-in attempts”? Don’t click on the link!

Scammers pose as Chase and send you such fake alerts, prompting you to click on the embedded links to verify your Chase account. Below are some other fake Chase text messages we’ve detected:

• CHASE BANK[ALERT]: Dear customer, we have BLOCKED a fraudulent charge attempt on your DEBIT CARD. your DEBIT CARD has now been temporarily suspended kindly go to link to verify and re-activate {URL}
• CHASE-ALERT: For Your Account Safety We Restricted Your Debit/ATM Card Due To Unusual Activity, To Restore Follow {URL}

The phishing links will take you to a fake Chase log-in page. All the credentials you submit here will end up in the scammers’ hands — they can thus hack into your Chase account. Don’t let them!

Surf the web safely with Trend Micro Check (it’s free!)

Trend Micro Check is a browser extension and mobile app for detecting scams, phishing attacks, malware, and dangerous links — and it’s FREE!

Check out this page for more information on Trend Micro Check.

“Too much spam” Fake Antivirus Scam

Have you ever seen text messages that warn you that your phone is compromised or exposed to too much spam? Don’t panic. The message itself is a SCAM!

• operator report: awareness! your phone has been exposed by too much spam. solve this issue asap! >> {URL}

Sending fake spam alerts, scammers urge you to visit the attached link to secure your phone. If you do as instructed, you will be led to this fake Verizon website:

This page says that your phone has been receiving lots of spam texts and suggests you start cleaning your device now. Don’t fall for it! If you do, you will be directed to another scam website that sells antivirus software. Scammers can record the personal information and credit card details you submit and use them for their own good. Watch out!

Phishing links also often take you to online survey pages that state you can claim a gift by filling out an online questionnaire. After you complete the questionnaire, you are prompted to enter credit card details before your “gift” can be delivered:

Walmart Gift Card Survey Scam

We are familiar with Walmart survey scams — impersonating Walmart, scammers falsely claim that you’ve won a gift card and ask you to claim the gift using the attached phishing link:

• LUCKY candidate #17279466641 has been chosen as the winner of a $500GlFTCARD WAIMRT: <URL>

The link will take you to a Walmart survey page that promises you a $500 gift card. (Yes, of course, it’s fake!)

Again, if you enter any personal information, the scammers will record it all! Don’t get scammed!

T-Mobile Survey Scams

Are you a T-Mobile customer? If you get a text about a free upgrade, don’t make any quick decisions and don’t click on anything. It’s a scam!

• Network-Msg: Your C0MPLIMENTARY PH0NE UPGRADE is ready to SHIP. Authenticate Address for DELIVERY: <URL> STOP to end

The attached phishing link takes you to a fake T-Mobile survey page. This time scammers use the allure of a free iPhone 13 to try to hook you in:

As we’ve stressed several times before, you could eventually expose your credentials. Don’t fall for it!

Home Depot/Makita Survey Scam

We’ve seen Home Depot email scams before, and this week a new tactic has appeared — scammers using advertisements of a Makita Power Drill to attract potential victims. Did you receive this one?

Scammers say you can win a $199 Makita Power Drill package by clicking the button they provide. You can take a guess as to what will happen: your personal data will be stolen!

Besides phishing attempts, we’ve also detected some online shopping scams this week. Here’s an example:

Fake Louis Vuitton Sales

“Louis Vuitton Bags Up To 90% Off”? That’s too good to be true! Scammers send you links to fake Louis Vuitton websites via email. However, the links they use all lead to fake web addresses!

Below is a screenshot of a fake Louis Vuitton page. Please always take a close look at the web address. The official Louis Vuitton web address is us.louisvuitton.com!

How to Protect Yourself

• Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
• Free gifts and prizes are always a major red flag.
• Always shop only on legitimate online shops.
• 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 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.