Every day, thousands of Internet users fall for silly hoaxes and transparent scams. Why? Many commentators suggest that all of the people who fall for such scams and hoaxes are just plain stupid. But, this is not true…
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Why Do Otherwise Smart People Fall For Obvious Scams and Hoaxes?
Recent Posts:
Bank of America ‘Irregular Activity’ Phishing Scam
According to this email, Bank of America has detected irregular activity on your account. It claims that you must verify this activity before you can continue using the account.
Bud Light 24 Pack Facebook Anniversary Giveaway Scam
According to a post that is spreading rapidly across Facebook, Bud Light has announced that everyone who shares a link will be sent a 24 pack of beer.
Morrisons ‘£50 Anniversary Coupon’ Facebook Giveaway Scam
According to a post that is circulating rapidly on Facebook, UK supermarket chain Morrisons is giving everyone a £50 coupon to celebrate its anniversary.
‘Secured OneDrive File’ Phishing Scam Email
Keep an eye out for bogus OneDrive emails claiming that someone has shared a secure document with you.
Celine Dion is NOT Dead – Singer Targeted via Death Hoax
According to a post that is circulating rapidly via social media, popular singer Celine Dion has died in a plane crash. The claim is untrue.
AOL ‘Terms of Service Changes’ Phishing Scam Email
According to this supposedly urgent email, which purports to be from AOL, you need to accept a new Terms of Service agreement by a specified date or you will no longer be able to access your account.
‘I Caught You Satisfying Yourself’ Fake Blackmail Sextortion Scam
According to this email, the sender has injected code into your router's firmware that allowed him or her to create a video of you 'satisfying yourself' while visiting adult websites.
‘Free Basket of Cadbury Chocolate’ Facebook Scams Continue
According to various posts that are being shared on Facebook, you can click to get a free basket of Cadbury chocolate.
WhatsApp ‘1000 GB Free Internet’ Scam Message
According to a message that is being shared on WhatsApp, you can follow a link to activate an Internet bundle that includes 1000 GB of free data.
WhatsApp ‘Change Your Profile Pic’ Hacker Hoax
According to a "warning" message that circulates via WhatsApp and social media websites, hackers are using WhatsApp profile pictures to create nude images of users.
Watch for Facebook Scams Offering Free Disney Park Tickets
According to a post that is currently being shared on Facebook, Disneyland is giving 4 free tickets to every family to celebrate its 125th anniversary.
Amazon ‘Missing Some Information’ Phishing Email
According to this email, which claims to be from the “Assistance Center” at Amazon, the company is missing some information for your account.
PayPal ‘Changes to User Agreement’ Phishing Scam
According to this email, which purports to be from PayPal, the company is making changes to the terms of its user agreement.
Netflix ‘Update Payment Method’ Phishing Scam Email
A favourite scammer tactic is to distribute fake "payment update" emails that look like they were sent by Netflix. Many versions of these phishing emails have hit inboxes in recent years. One new version purports to be a reminder to update your payment method. Supposedly, Netflix couldn't update your membership because they are "having some…
‘Win a Range Rover’ Facebook Giveaway Scams Continue
For several years scammers have been pretending to give away Range Rovers on Facebook. Alas, no Range Rovers have ever been given away via these Facebook posts.
‘Your Netflix Subscription Has Been Canceled’ Phishing Scam
Phishing scammers are once again targetting Netflix users via fake account payment problem emails claiming that your Netflix account has been canceled.
Department of Minerals and Natural Resources ‘Business Proposal’ Scam
According to this email, an official with South Africa's Department of Minerals and Natural Resources has a confidential business proposal for you.
Yet Another Toyota 4Runner Facebook Giveaway Scam
Facebook scammers continue to lure victims by pretending to give away brand new Toyota 4Runners. The message claims that, for a chance to win, you just need to share the post, add a comment, and then click a link.
Amazon ‘Some Violated Policies’ Phishing Scam Email
According to this email, which purports to be from Amazon, your account will be locked because of violated policies.
Clint Eastwood Death Hoax Once Again Circulating
According to a post currently being shared on social media, American actor and filmmaker Clint Eastwood has died of a heart attack.
Do You Use Telstra? Watch Out For This Fake Bill Email
Customers of Australian telco Telstra are again being targeted via a fake bill notification email.
‘Like of the Year Award’ Advance Fee Scam Email
According to this email, you have been randomly selected to win the seasonal “Like of the Year” Award for 2019.
‘Notification From Telstra’ Recorded Phone Scam Messages
Last week, I got a dozen or more scam calls, all of which falsely claimed to be from Australian telecommunications company Telstra.
Watch Out for Fake SWIFT ‘Payment Remittance” Emails
Inboxes are currently being hit by bogus "payment remittance" emails that supposedly include details about a SWIFT payment.
Fake Sign-In Notification Emails Link to Phishing Websites
A rather clever phishing email currently hitting inboxes attempts to emulate the genuine “new sign-in” security warnings sent out by email service providers.