This week we’ve found a large number of scams that you need to watch out for, including ones relating to USPS, Amazon, the Bank of America, Netflix, Home Depot, and CVS Pharmacy. Would you have been able to spot all the scams?

Phishing Scams

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

These links will take you to fake log-in pages. The 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:

USPS Text Scam

We’ve reported on fake USPS emails and text messages before, and recently they’ve started to circulate via text message again. Falsely claiming that there are problems with your package delivery, scammers instruct you to click on the attached phishing link to correct your delivery information:

Source: Reddit

Where does the link take you to? A fake USPS tracking page! Sometimes it might be hard to tell a fake apart from the legitimate website because the layout looks quite similar. Tip: check the web address! The genuine domain is tools.usps.com. Below is an example:

The fake page will provide a random tracking number (fake, of course) and ask you to update your information, including your email address, street address, and phone number.

If you fall for the scam, the scammers will record everything you enter on their fake page and use it to commit cybercrimes and steal your identity. Don’t let them!

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Bank of America EDD Text Scam

Scammers also love to impersonate well-known banks to try to trick you. This week we detected a lot of phishing scams impersonating the Bank of America. They try to convince you that your EDD card has been suspended and that you must reactivate it via the link they provide:

• employment development dept [edd]: your edd card has been temporarily suspended due to incorrect user name and password entry .to prevent account closure, please login and review account activity at: {URL}
• [BOA-09] Edd Debit card  has been put on “HOLD” status follow all steps here {URL} to reactivate your account

Again, the scammers’ goal is to steal your personal information. The credentials you submit on the fake login page, including your EDD card number and Social Security number, will end up in their hands, which they can use to enter your account and take all your money. Don’t let them!

Phishing links will also often lead 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:

Amazon Free Credits Text Scam

“Free Amazon credits!” Recently we’ve seen a lot of fake Amazon text messages. Did you receive any of them?

• 💡Free Amazon credits per completion … 🗒 finish it today and shop … add a friend for even more opportunity. <URL>

Featuring Google Pixels, iPhone 13s, and Galaxy S21s as rewards, scammers prompt you to take the survey:

Eventually, you will have to enter personal information. As we mentioned, don’t do so! Scammers can gain access to the data and use it for their own good. Beware!

Survey phishing scams are also spreading wildly via email:

Home Depot

CVS Pharmacy

Netflix

The buttons in the above scam emails will take you to fake survey pages. Don’t click! Don’t submit anything!

Labor Day Shopping Scams

Besides phishing scams, we also found that scammers use text messages to spread links to fake online shops. This time, their excuse is Labor Day:

• [New Looks For The New Season] up to 70% off for all team gears & free gifts here hxxps://www.nflshop[.]me/?key=c3f52b3f reply stop unsubscribe
• [Sports Gears] JE’RSEY Enjoy up to 70% Off on Labor Day Deal. First come, First served. hxxps://www.sportsfanjerse[.]com/?key=c3f52b3f&dt=8163 Reply STOP to end

Attracting your attention with irresistible offers on sportswear from brands like Fanatics, scammers take you to a fake online shop:

Don’t spend a cent here! Your goods will never arrive, and scammers will record your credit card details. Plus, there is obviously no way to get your money back!

How to Protect Yourself

• Pay close attention to URLs.
• Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
• Only shop on legitimate online shops/platforms.
• 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:

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.