VAST VIEW Fake Gift Card Scams Hijack Big Brand Names to Steal Your Data
Cybersecurity researchers at CTM360 warn that scammers are impersonating trusted brands and celebrities with bogus gift card giveaways designed to harvest personal information and sneak in unwanted subscriptions.
Photo by Ri_Ya via Pixabay
A new wave of online scams is exploiting the names and images of well known brands and celebrities to trick consumers into handing over personal data, according to CTM360, a cybersecurity firm that exposed the scheme.
The scams work by dangling fake gift card giveaways that appear to come from trusted companies, according to BleepingComputer. Victims who click through are led to pages that collect sensitive personal information and, in some cases, quietly enroll them in unwanted paid subscriptions.
Why it matters
By borrowing the credibility of recognizable brand names and famous faces, the scammers make their fake promotions look convincing enough to fool everyday shoppers searching for a good deal, researchers found. Consumers are advised to be wary of unsolicited gift card offers and to verify any giveaway directly through a company's official website or channels before entering personal details.
Sources: BleepingComputer