Anyone with an email account knows that sometimes, spam emails can slip through even the best filters and make it to your inbox. Usually this happens because they are disguised as legitimate emails, but unfortunately, these are also the most dangerous kinds of spam. That's because if you believe they are indeed legit, you might wind up unknowingly giving out private information. Well now, experts at an IT security firm have just revealed four email and text scams to be aware of this week.
The company, Trend Micro, is warning people to be on the lookout for any messages that include the words "Tinder," "Costco," "Walmart," or "Binance."
The reason is that the emails or text will attempt to phish. An email subject line could say "Someone matched with you on Tinder!" and the email looks real, so that when it is opened you click a button that says "Find out who," you'll be taken to a fake login page that will allow the bad guys to steal data. The same is true for Binance emails that falsely alert customers that their account needs to be secured.
As for Costco and Walmart, those are most often "smishing" scams, which use texts (SMS). One text might read that the recipient has won a free iPhone 14 and can claim it by clicking on a link in the message. That link will take them to a survey that steals their info. Another text might seem like it is from Walmart and say "Can you please confirm if this stuck delivery belongs to you." A link with it might ask for credit card information and steal that.
So what can you do? Your best bet is to set up as much scam protection as you can on your phone and your email. Apple has an option to "filter unknown senders" while Android lets you "enable spam protection." Also, just be aware. Always look who an email or text is from and even if it looks official, double-check for any abnormalities or spelling mistakes - maybe even google it to confirm if it is legit or not. Always avoid clicking the phrase "enable content" and be careful about clicking any links. If you think you're being scammed, just delete the message or email.