Scam alerts Archives - Page 24 of 51

Scam alert: Beware this dangerous TikTok copycat app

Posted on April 18, 2023

You’re probably aware of the controversy surrounding the popular Chinese TikTok video sharing app.

It’s still too early to know what TikTok’s ultimate fate will be in the U.S. and other countries, but there’s a fraudulent TikTok knockoff app that’s being touted as a replacement app should TikTok eventually be banned where you reside.

The malicious app is called “TikTok Pro” and its download link is being spread via both WhatsApp messages and regular SMS text messages.

Although the malicious messages can vary, most recipients are seeing this version: [Read more…]

Scam alert: Fake ‘Update Chrome’ notices are spreading malware

Posted on April 13, 2023

Our friends over at Bleeping Computer have alerted their readers to a very dangerous Chrome Update related scam that’s making the rounds right now.

I won’t go into the details here because Bleeping Computer explains how the scam works much better than I ever could.

I recommend that you click over there and read it if you’re interested in the details.

If not, just remember this: Never attempt to update Chrome or any other browser via a third-party website. Always install any pending browser updates manually using the update tool that’s actually built into the browser. [Read more…]

Scam alert: Beware this ‘Free Buffalo Wild Wings Gift Card’ scam

Posted on March 17, 2023

The scammers never seem to take a break from Facebook, and right now they’re targeting folks who enjoy eating at Buffalo Wild Wings.

This is simply a new take on the ubiquitous “free gift card” scams that are always popping up on Facebook.

There are several variations of this scam going around, but all the ones I’ve seen are claiming that Buffalo Wild Wings will give you a coupon good for 50 free wings simply for sharing and commenting on that Facebook post. [Read more…]

Scam alert: Beware the ‘You’ll get a second one free scam’

Posted on March 3, 2023

I’m sure you’ve seen those commercials on TV where an overly excited pitchman extols the virtues of a great new widget.

You know, the one that’s guaranteed to make your life better “or we’ll give you your money back!“?

Whether it’s the awesome “liquid rubber in a can”, the amazing “twist-o-matic kitchen utensil” or some other “this widget will so change your life” thingy, the pitches are usually pretty much the same: [Read more…]

Scam alert: Beware clicking links on Facebook unless you trust the original poster.

Posted on February 19, 2023

Germany’s Friedrich-Alexander University conducted a study to determine how many Facebook users click on links without knowing the people who posted them.

To say the least, the results are shocking.

The study found that approximately 40% of all Facebook users click on links that were posted by people they don’t even know, let alone trust.

What’s more, they also found that a whopping 56% of email users click on links in emails from unknown senders, the vast majority of which are likely phishing emails sent by hackers and online crooks. [Read more…]