This week, we’ve found lots of scams in which scammers are impersonating famous brands, including Walmart, American Express, Amazon, and more. Would you have been able to spot all these scams? 

Phishing Scams 

Impersonating trusted brands, and under a variety of pretenses, scammers love to spread phishing links via text message or email that lead to phishing sites designed to steal your personally identifiable information (PII): email address, credit card number, Social Security number, and more. With your PII, scammers can commit a variety of cybercrimes, such as draining your bank account or stealing your identity. 

Scammers often use sales campaigns, free gifts, and various other rewards to try to incentivize you into completing fake online survey forms designed to collect your PII. Below are some examples: 

Walmart Scam

Did you get a message saying you can win a free TV from Walmart? It’s a scam! We’ve written about fake Walmart text messages many times before, and this week we’ve detected a new wave of such phishing attempts: 

Barbie, we have now tried to contact you several times regarding your TV. Read more here: <URL> 

The embedded link leads to a fake Walmart Facebook fan page that “announces” winners of a non-existent raffle campaign, and if you proceed, you will be taken to a survey form: 

Then, you will be prompted to enter credit card information and other PII for the delivery of the “gift.” Of course, these credentials will end up in scammers’ hands, and you won’t receive anything. Don’t fall for the scam! 

Say Goodbye to Scam Texts for FREE 

To stay protected from scam texts, you’ll want to check out ScamCheck — our 100% FREE mobile app that blocks scam and spam texts from entering your inbox. 

Not only will it block unwanted texts, but ScamCheck can also keep you safe from malicious links on all your messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Tinder, etc.) and shield you from dangerous sites as you browse the web. Download today for free (available for Android and iOS). 

In other cases, scammers also try to lead you to phishing pages disguised as fake login pages, where, again, you could end up exposing all your personal info. 

Fake American Express Email 

Banks are often impersonated by scammers. They love to misuse the name of well-known banks and send out fake account alerts, falsely claiming that your account is at risk. This week they have been impersonating American Express:

If you didn’t notice, this email is NOT legitimate. Clicking on the “Validate Your Account Ownership” button will take you to a fake American Express login page. If you were to enter your login credentials on this fake page, they would be sent straight to the scammers! 

Shipping Scam 

How often do you do online shopping? Expecting packages has become a common occurrence. This is why scammers love to pose as delivery companies and send you fake text notifications that contain phishing links: 

Delivery attempt failed. Please update your parcel information to ensure successful delivery. Kindly click on the following link: <URL> 

The link above will take you to a fake delivery tracking page that asks you to submit PII, including your address and credit card details. Don’t get scammed! 

Amazon Prime Day Scam 

If you regret missing out on the great deals on Amazon Prime Day, you should be extra careful about this wave of post-Prime Day scam texts. Scammers are still out there spreading scam Amazon websites featuring Amazon Prime Day sales: 

• Prime packages could be waiting for those who sign up. Want to try one? <URL> (SNT – text STOP to unsub) 
• Hi Christina,Amazon Prime Day Sales are here! grab a loan at MoneySpot ,Loans from $2,050! <URL> STOP to unsub 
• NuFACE: Two days, One HUGE sale. Shop Amazon Prime deals now! <URL> Text STOP to opt-out 

Below are some sample screenshots of fake Amazon Prime Day pages. 

Tips to Stay Safe Online 

• Double-check the sender’s mobile number and email address. Even if it seems legitimate, think twice before you take any action.       
• Free gifts are a red flag.       
• Only use official websites and applications. Never click on dubious links!        
• Check if any of your PII has been leaked and secure your social media accounts using Trend Micro ID Protection.   
• Finally, 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 will help you combat scams and cyberattacks.   

If you’ve found this article an interesting and/or helpful read, please SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected. Also, please consider leaving a comment or LIKE below.