This week we’ve found a large number of scams that you need to watch out for, including ones relating to McDonald’s, DHL, Walmart, Netflix, Samsung, USPS, and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Would you have been able to spot all the scams?

Common Phishing Scams

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. See below for some common examples.

Special Offer / Free Gift Cards

Nothing is more tempting than free money, right? Promising you gift cards and other irresistible prizes, scammers send you texts and emails to try to lure you into clicking on phishing links.

These links often take you to fake 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.

#1 – McDonald’s

Do you want a free $100 giftcard for McDonalds? Regardless of whether you do, don’t click on the malicious link!

• End of JuIy Special from McDonaIds! The first 1OOO people to go here today, get 100 bucks to use at any McDonaIds location <URL> Stop to end

Of course, there is NO giftcard, and the scammers can collect your sensitive data for their own good. They could use it to steal your money, take control of your account, or commit other cybercrimes such as identity theft. Don’t let them!

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 #2 – Netflix

#3 – USPS (ft. Samsung)

We’ve reported on fake USPS emails that feature Samsung Galaxy S21 cellphones as a “gift” before, and this week they’ve gone viral again. Posing as USPS, scammers falsely claim that they are holding giveaway campaigns.

If you take the bait and click on the embedded button, you’ll (of course) be taken to a phishing page. Don’t submit any information here!

#4 – Walmart

Delivery Notifications

Delivery scams are also common. Impersonating delivery companies, scammers send you fake delivery notifications, try to convince you that you’ve missed a delivery, and prompt you to click on the attached link to update the delivery information.

Again, the links are phishing links, taking you to fake login pages or online survey pages that are designed to collect all your credentials.

#1 – DHL

#2 – Walmart

• DeIivery scheduled for 430pm on 7/26;   tap for lNFO: ::<URL>    Tracking ID # 2886024

Unemployment Deposit Scam

#1 – Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD)

We have reported on several unemployment insurance phishing scams before, but this time the scammers are impersonating the Indiana DWD. Pretending that you’ve had a large amount of money deposited into your account, the scammers try to trick you into clicking on the attached link:

• indiana dept of work development: due to fraudulent activities going on click to secure your account and review the direct deposit of $8700.00 that has been deposited into your uplink claimant self service ui :

If you follow their instructions, you will be taken to a fake “Self Service” page. There, you will be asked to enter personal information like your email address and password. Scammers will then record the credentials and use them for identity theft!

Sample fake URL:

• uplink[.]in[.]gov[.]a[.]gsii[.]cf

Note: The legitimate web address of the Indiana DWD is in.gov/dwd/. Pay close attention and be careful!

How to Protect Yourself

• Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
• Free gifts and prizes are always a major red flag.
• 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 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:

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