Selfridges, Wells Fargo, Apple ID, Netflix and Mercedes-Benz: top scams and phishing scams of the week
This week we found a large number of scams that you need to watch out for, including those related to Selfridges, Wells Fargo, Apple ID, Netflix and Mercedes-Benz. Could you spot all the scams?
Selfridges “Partnership” Fake Email Scam
Posing as Selfridges, a high-end department store in the UK, scammers email you and ask if you are interested in a “long-term partnership” with them:
The scammers ask you to reply to an email for more details. Do not do that! If you look closely at the sender’s email address, you will realize that it is NOT legitimate (the real address always ends with @selfridges.com).
Fake Selfridges Email Addresses:
- @selfridge.com
- @selfridges-group.com
In addition to fraudulent emails, scammers also use phishing links deceive you. Usually, posing as well-known brands, they send fake text messages and emails contain phishing links and try to lure you into opening them with various lies.
In such phishing schemes, links lead to fake login pages which seem to belong to different brands. These pages require you to provide login credentials in order to download a software update, change account settings, or perform any other task that the scammers have asked you to complete. Here are some examples:
Wells Fargo phishing messages
This is not the first time we have written about the Wells Fargo text messaging scam. By falsely claiming that your account has security issues, the scammers suggest you take steps to protect it:
- WeIIs_farg0_AIIerts: You just tried to login_ from a new location, Seattle, Washington. If this is not you, see {URL} for more information.
- (Message from WeIIs Fargo) Due to unusual activity, we have temporarily blocked your debit card. To access, go to . {URL}
The attached link will take you to a fake Wells Fargo login page. Do not submit any credentials here – scammers can write them down and use them to steal your identity or gain control of your bank account. Be careful!
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Apple ID phishing texts
Posing as Apple, scammers send you fake Apple ID security alerts via text messages and encourage you to click on the attached link to verify your identity:
- Apple-id: noticed a billing error, all features will be disabled until we get a response. please visit {URL}.
- Apple ID: Your sign-in has been automatically suspended for your safety. please verify your identity today or your account will be disabled. {URL}
Again, the link leads to a fake Apple ID login page. You already know what can happen – you can reveal your credentials. Don’t fall for it!
Phishing links also often lead to online survey pages In this state, you can receive a gift by completing an online questionnaire. Once you complete the form, you will be asked to enter your credit card details before your “gift” can be delivered.
Netflix Rewards Email Fraud
We’ve reported on Netflix phishing emails several times already, and there’s a new wave of them this week. Promising you an exclusive reward, scammers lure you into clicking on an embedded button to take an online survey:
Below are some examples of fake links contained in these fake Netflix emails:
- salesman[.]com/id/nfr
- shopperlobby[.]com/id/nfr
Of course, there is NO gift – the ultimate goal of scammers is to steal your personal information! They will record everything you enter on these fake pages and use it to commit cybercrime, such as hacking into your bank account, withdrawing money, or stealing your identity. Don’t let them!
Sometimes scammers ask you to provide personal information in other ways, such as email or online forms:
Mercedes-Benz lottery scam
“You have 24 hours to claim this prize!” says an email claiming to have won a free new Mercedes-Benz. Sounds too good to be true? Yes it is!
If you take the bait, you’ll have to respond to an email with lots of detailed personal information, including phone numbers, home address, and a copy of your personal ID. It allows scammers to commit other cybercrimes on your behalf. Don’t be fooled!
How to protect yourself
- Double check the sender’s mobile phone number/email address.
- Free gifts and prizes are always an important wake up call.
- Go to the official website/app, not links from unknown sources.
- Never click on links or attachments from unknown sources. Use micro-check trend to surf the Internet safely (it’s free!).
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