Three Malware Distribution Methods You REALLY Need to Know About
Criminals use many ways to distribute malware. However, among such tactics, they repeatedly use variations of the following three methods in their malware email campaigns.
Beware of Fake SMS Promising Cash and Prizes from Celebrities
A favourite scammer ruse is to pose as a high profile celebrity who is supposedly giving away cash and prizes to selected fans.
Hoax – NASA Predicts Total Blackout of Planet in December
Circulating message claims that NASA has predicted a total blackout of the planet for a three-day period in December.
‘Blocked From Receiving Emails’ Phishing Scam
According to this email, which claims to be from the "Mail Administrator", you will be blocked from receiving email within the next 24 hours.
Scammers Using Name of PowerBall Lottery Jackpot Winner to Lure Victims
According to this email, lottery winner Mr Charles W Jackson Jr has selected you as the recipient of a portion of his prize money.
Use Netflix? Watch Out for These Common Internet Scams
If you are a Netflix customer, be aware that criminals regularly use the video streaming company's name and logo to steal sensitive personal information, distribute malware, and trick people into signing up for fraudulent "Netflix alternatives".
2020 Ram 1500 Facebook Giveaway Scam
According to a post currently being distributed on Facebook, you can get a chance to win a free 2020 Ram 1500 truck just by sharing, commenting, and clicking a link to register.
Fake USPS ‘Problem With Your Package’ Email Links to Malware
According to this email, which purports to be from the United States Postal Service (USPS) there has been a problem with your package.
More Fake Argos TV Giveaway Scams Hitting Facebook
According to a post that is currently being shared on Facebook, UK retailer Argos has decided to do something special by giving away 200 TVs that are sitting in the company's warehouse.
‘Argentina is Doing It’ Hoax Message Still Circulating
According to a message that began circulating via WhatsApp in July 2020, you should not open a video called "Argentina is doing it". Supposedly, opening the video will hack your phone.
‘New Security Features’ Email Account Phishing Scam
According to this message, which purports to be from webmail software provider Roundcube, your email account needs to be updated with new security features.
Snake Caught in Spider’s Web Photographs
This series of unusual photographs depicting a small snake caught in a spider's web has been circulating via social media and email since 2008.
SARS ‘Confirm Epayment Notice’ Phishing Scam Email
According to this "credit notice" email, which claims to be from South African tax agency SARS, you need to confirm your epayment returns by opening an attached file
‘Password Expired’ Email Account Phishing Scam
According to this message, your email account password is about to expire. It instructs you to click a link if you want to keep using the same password.
Facebook ‘ID Verification’ Phishing Scam
According to this email, which purports to be from Facebook, your Facebook account has been "temporarily disabled for identity check".
Amazon ‘Your Order Has Been Placed’ Phishing Scam
According to this would-be notification email, which purports to be from Amazon, an order has been placed via your account.
SARS ‘Posted Funds Notification’ Tax Refund Phishing Scam
According to this email, South African tax agency SARS has confirmed your filing and credited your account with your refund.
‘We Have a Surprise for Australia Post Customers’ Survey Spam Email
According to this widely distributed spam email, Australia Post customers have a surprise waiting for them if they click a link.
‘Confidential Image’ Email Phishing Scam
According to this email, the "server administrator' has sent you a confidential image. Supposedly, you can click a button in the email to view the image.
‘$500 million Pandemic Giveaway’ Advance Fee Scam Email
This email purports to be a final notice regarding a large sum of money that you have supposedly won in the "Exxon Mobil Grand Prize Sweepstakes".
‘Free Round Trip Tickets from Southwest Airlines’ Facebook Giveaway Scam
According to posts that are currently appearing on Facebook, Southwest Airlines is giving 500 people free round trip flights to their desired destination.
Beware of Scam Calls About Amazon Prime Subscriptions
Criminals continue to victimize people via scam calls that are supposedly related to Amazon Prime subscriptions. [TopContentAd] Here's how these scams typically work: You receive an automated call claiming that your credit card has been charged for an Amazon Prime subscription. The message claims that your personal information has been used to purchase the subscription…
Watch For Fake Avan Motorhome Giveaway Posts on Facebook
Various posts currently appearing on Facebook are claiming that you can win an Avan Ovation Motorhome just by sharing and commenting.
SCAM – Fake Qantas Facebook Page Promising Free Flights
According to this Facebook post, Australian airline Qantas is giving away free flights in exchange for commenting and sharing.
‘For the Mutual Benefit of the Orphans’ Advance Fee Scam
According to this email, a wealthy widow diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour needs your help to distribute a multi-million dollar investment fund "for the mutual benefit of the orphans and the less privileged ones in your location".