This week, we’ve found lots of phishing scams in which scammers are impersonating trusted brands, including Microsoft, USPS, AUPost, and OOFOS. Would you have been able to spot all these scams?  

Microsoft Award Scam

We’ve previously reported on fake Microsoft support emails several times before. Now, impersonating Microsoft, scammers are pretending to offer free laptops to entice people into revealing their personally identifiable information (PII).

They promise you an award of US$975,000 and a Microsoft 2023 Surface laptop (which sounds too good to be true!), and then instruct you to provide detailed information such as your address and phone number. If you fall for it, they’re likely to ask for more PII afterward and use it for malicious purposes, such as identity theft.

Get FREE Scam Protection

The truth is, there are lots of scams and scam sites on the internet and they’re getting even more difficult to detect with common sense alone. For an easy and reliable method of detecting and avoiding scam sites, check out our free browser extension (Trend Micro ID Protection) and free mobile app (ScamCheck). 

Both ID Protection and ScamCheck can protect you against scams, phishing links, dangerous websites, and lots more! If you come across something dangerous online, you’ll be alerted in real time so you’ll know to stay well clear.    

Delivery Scams: Phishing Texts

Scammers also often pose as trusted brands and send text messages containing phishing links. These links will take you to phishing pages designed to steal your PII, for example, your email address, credit card number, Social Security number, and more.

Once they have your PII, they can commit any number of cybercrimes, including hacking into your account or committing identity theft. One of the scammers’ favorite tactics is pretending to be from delivery companies.

#1 – USPS Phishing Texts

Have you been expecting any packages recently? Watch out! We detected a lot of fake USPS delivery notifications this last week. Falsely claiming that you need to confirm delivery details, scammers instruct you to finish verification via the attached phishing link:

• The USPS package has arrived at the warehouse and cannot be delivered due to incomplete address information. Please confirm your address in the link. Ready to ship when changes are complete    <URL>    (Please reply Y, then exit the SMS, and reopen the SMS activation link. Or copy the link to Google Chrome to open)    The USPS team wishes you a great day!

The attached link will take you to a fake tracking page that eventually tries to collect lots of PII. If you were to submit your data here, it would end up in scammers’ hands. Don’t let that happen!

#2 – Australia Post

We’ve detected fake AU Post texts two weeks in a row now. Again, they falsely claim that you need to provide PII to get your package. Don’t fall for it!

• Parcel delivery unsuccessful. Please submit accurate info at <URL> to ensure successful delivery. Thank you.

Back-to-School Shopping Scam​: OOFOS

Following our post about fake back-to-school promo texts, this week there have been a lot of similar attempts circulating. We’ve discovered that scammers are impersonating OOFOS, the recovery footwear brand, and holding a non-existent back-to-school campaign:

• OOFOS: Gear up for back to school with OOfoam. FREE shipping & returns on all orders.   Shop Now: <URL> Text STOP to opt-out

The link will take you to a copycat OOFOS website. (Note: the legitimate web address is OOFOS.com) We suggest you never spend a cent on such websites because there’s no guarantee when it comes to disputes or refunds. Plus, your privacy could be at risk — any PII you submit could be leaked. Be careful!

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.          
• Only use official websites and apps. Never click on dubious links!  
• If you’ve accidentally revealed your PII somewhere, change your passwords immediately and inform your bank and/or other companies that scammers may contact them pretending to be you. 
• 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.