This week we’ve found a large number of scams that you need to watch out for, including ones relating to Home Depot, Walmart, Amazon Prime, Crocs, and Mail Server. Would you have been able to spot all the scams?

What Is Phishing

Conventionally, while impersonating famous brands, scammers send out fake text messages and emails containing phishing links and try to entice you into opening them with various lies. 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.

Amazon Prime Account Issues Scam

Amazon Prime Day is fast approaching, and scammers have been creating lots of Amazon-related scams to try to trick you. One of these scams involves non-existent Amazon Prime account-related issues:

• You won’t be able to watch all your favorite Amazon Prime shows until the payment issue has been fixed {URL}
• Dear Maryjulie. Your Amazon Prime subscription is having billing issues. Fix it by updating your billing information: {URL}
• Hi Mary. Your Amazon Prime account is having payment problems. Fix it by updating your billing information: {URL}

Scammers want you to believe that you have to fix these problems via the link they provide. If you follow their instructions, you will be led to a fake Amazon log-in page:

Disregarding the fake URL, the page looks quite similar to the legitimate Amazon site. Don’t enter your email address or password here!

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 account or steal your identity. Don’t let them!

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

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Phishing links will also 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. Here are some examples:

Home Depot

This is not the first time we’ve written about fake text messages from Home Depot. Promising you a “1 Day Summertime Special,” scammers trick you into clicking on the attached link to claim the reward:

• The HomeDEP0T 1 Day Summertime SpeciaI! A CompIimentry Dewalt XTREMRE DriIl and 100 bucks if you go here today <URL> stop to end

The link will take you to a fake online survey page that says you can get an exclusive offer after you’ve filled out the survey form.

Of course, there is NO gift or offer and scammers will be able to steal your credentials… don’t fall for it!

Walmart

Yeah, Walmart, another popular impersonation target (to say the least). This week we’ve seen thousands of fake Walmart text messages that contain phishing links and feature an iPad Air lucky draw campaign (of course it’s too good to be true):

• You may have been chosen you, as the Iucky WlNNER of the new lPad AlR. Be the first to have AppIes newest tabIet! Snag Here! <URL> Stop to End

The link will take you to a fake Walmart online survey page where you could end up exposing sensitive data like your credit card credentials.

Don’t get scammed!

Mail Server Scam

Phishing links can also circulate via emails. When checking your inbox, sometimes you might come across emails that say you have to clean up your mailbox’s storage. Don’t click on anything — it might be a scam!

The “CLEAR STORAGE” button leads to this log-in page. Remember, don’t enter your log-in credentials because scammers just want to hack into your account!

Crocs Shopping Scams

Besides phishing links, scammers also spread links to fake online shops using text messages.

We’ve reported on fake Crocs promotional campaigns before, and this week there’s a new version:

• [crocs_sale] weekly special promotions. all 70% off . extra $10 off for $99. buy now from hxxps://www.hldtjj[.]shop/?0625 reply stop unsubscribe

Scammers attach a link that goes to a fake Crocs website (on the right below). Take a close look at the web addresses!

How to Protect Yourself

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