Outlook and Gmail users hit by an alarming new email threat

Posted on by cstadmin

There is a new e-mail threat that falls into inboxes around the world. We bring you information on how to avoid this threat so that you do not fall victim to the latest scams.

We warn users of Gmail, Outlook and other popular email platforms to be aware. This latest threat, which has begun to fall into inboxes around the world, uses a whole new way of targeting consumers by getting rid of the usual fake clickable links or downloading full malware.

Scammers are now sending out emails that appear to be from major well-known brands – such as Amazon or Paypal, claiming that a large purchase had just been made to the victim’s account.

Example of vishing (source: Kaspersky)Everything looks very convincing. The messages use official fonts and logos. That is their insidiousness. The email does not contain any other way to stop the purchase process than to cancel the delivery of the order via a telephone call. The message in the email reads: “If you did not make this purchase, call us.” Anyone who then calls the specified phone number will be connected to a real person.

Of course, it will not be an Amazon or Paypal representative, but a fraudster who will try to obtain as much information as possible from you, including account names, passwords and bank details. Alternatively, fraudsters may try to get you to transfer money to a fake account or even try to install a Trojan horse on your computer.

This new trick was named as vishing . By getting victims on the phone, fraudsters make fraud much more effective. Kaspersky experts recently recorded several waves of unsolicited e-mails, seemingly from reputable companies, alerting recipients of fraudulent purchases. The item purchased is usually a high-end and expensive device, such as the latest Apple Watch or gaming laptops purchased on Amazon or paid for through PayPal.

Example of vishing (source: Kaspersky)

Fraud relies primarily on the beneficiaries being such a significant loss of fright that they will act hastily and hope to get their money back.

Kaspersky now he has issued advice on how to defeat the cheaters in their own game.

Here are some tips to help you avoid this new scam.

  • Don’t call back.
  • Log in to your account using the given service ATTENTION – enter the address of the service (e-shop) into the browser yourself; Don’t click on any links in the message – and check your orders or recent activity page
  • Check your balance and list of recent transactions on all your cards if you have reason to worry
  • Install a reliable antivirus tool with protection against social attacks, phishing and online fraud.

What is vishing?

Vishing is an abbreviation for voice plus phishing (because smishing is SMS + phishing). Thanks to the mass transition to remote work (eg home office), the phone has become the main weapon of fraudsters.

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