Do you use Google Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox? Don't even think about accessing these websites
Beware everyone because there is a new scam spreading online that puts millions of users of very popular browsers under surveillance that you surely use at home or at work such as Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox.
Cybercriminals have perfected their tactics, stealing “tens of millions of dollars” from hundreds of thousands of users. Google has already taken action on the issue, but be careful because the danger still lurks.
As for the modus operandi, the truth is that it is quite ingenious: scammers infect completely trustworthy websites with malicious code that creates fake product listings. These items appear in the first search results, enticing buyers with offers. Upon clicking, the user is redirected to a fake store and, ironically, is asked to pay through legitimate platforms.
According to Satori researchers, more than 1,000 websites have been infected, creating 121 fake stores. The estimated losses over the past five years are astronomical, affecting hundreds of thousands of consumers. What’s even more alarming is that this scam, dubbed “phish and ship,” is still active.
- Warning to Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox users, beware of these fraudulent sites
How to protect yourself? First, be wary of offers that are too good to be true. Second, check the consistency of website names and URLs. Third, pay attention to the order process: does it look completely real and trustworthy?
It is also very important to check the site reviews, but be careful: they may be fake. Look for reviews on well-known sites. And if you find the same product in a trusted store, even if it is more expensive, think twice before buying it.
Experts warn that digital advertising can be the seed of these scams. Many of these scams are spread through product ads. With that in mind, you should be careful when clicking on any ad you find online.
Although Google has taken down many of these sites, researchers warn that the threat is still active. Cybercriminals are likely looking for new ways to continue scamming, so you need to remain vigilant.
For more information: Satori