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Showing posts with label SMS Phishing. Show all posts
USPS
Cybbersecurity Cyber Crime cyber threat CyberCrime Identity Theft Postal Service SMS Phishing SMS Spoofing USPS

Identity Theft Concerns Rise as USPS Flags Suspicious Package Deliveries

 


Recently, the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued an advisory in which it advised citizens to be more vigilant in light of an increase in sophisticated mail fraud schemes. In addition to the deceptive activities that have notably increased across the country, particularly during the recent holiday season, consumers' financial and personal security have been threatened significantly as a result of these deceptive activities. In addition to traditional phishing emails and fraudulent text messages, the USPS reports that these scams are now taking a more sophisticated form. 

As the number of unsolicited packages delivered is on the rise, criminals are using increasingly inventive methods to deceive the recipients of their mail to exploit them. This makes it more difficult to tell a genuine email from a fraudulent email. There has been an increase in the number of individuals who are being affected, and as a result, the USPS has intensified its anti-fraud initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the national postal system in the long run. 

A collaboration between the agency and law enforcement agencies, and consumer protection agencies is being undertaken to track these schemes as well as educate the public about identifying and reporting suspicious activity. There has been a noticeable rise in text message fraud scams impersonating the United States Postal Service (USPS), posing an urgent threat to public data security. In these fraudulent communications, the recipient often receives an alleged pending package and is requested to take additional action to make sure that it is delivered by taking steps to ensure its delivery. 

Even though the message appears authentic, there is a malicious intent behind it, designed to deceive individuals into disclosing sensitive financial and personal information. The most alarming aspect of these scams is their sophisticated presentation. In most cases, the messages are designed to evoke a sense of urgency and legitimacy by using language that sounds official and even replicating USPS logos and branding. 

The victim is usually directed to click on links in the emails, which lead to fake websites that harvest personal information such as banking credentials, ID numbers, and other private data, utilising embedded links. To avoid falling victim to these unscrupulous tactics, it is important to recognise and resist them. In an era of increasingly advanced cyber threats, individuals are advised to maintain vigilance to protect themselves against identity theft and financial exploitation. 

As a result of this, individuals should scrutinise unexpected delivery notifications, refrain from engaging with suspicious links, and report any suspicious messages to the appropriate authorities. During the past few years, cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated with regards to the USPS-related text message scams, posing as automated postal service notifications. Under the pretence of facilitating package redelivery, these deceptive messages are designed to convince recipients that they have missed a delivery, causing them to confirm their personal information or click on embedded links. 

While these texts may seem innocuous at first glance, they are a deliberate attempt to compromise the privacy and security of individuals, as well as their financial security. Social engineering plays a significant role in the strategy behind these scams. In a first method, known as pretexting, a plausible narrative, usually a delayed or incomplete delivery, is used to trick the recipient into providing sensitive information in exchange for a fee. 

The second method of attack, SMS spoofing, allows attackers to conceal their true identity by modifying the sender's information to disguise the fraudulent message's origin, thereby appearing as though it has been sent by an official United States Postal Service. In general, these schemes are referred to as smishing, a type of phishing that involves sending text messages in exchange for a reward. Typically, the victims are directed to counterfeit websites that look remarkably similar to official USPS interfaces. 

When users get there, they will be prompted to provide personally identifiable information (PII) as well as their contact information, under the false assumption that this information is necessary to redeliver or verify their package. Many malicious websites out there are not only designed to gather sensitive information, but also to use fraudulent payment services to charge a small transaction fee. Often, the stolen data can be sold on illegal marketplaces or used directly to commit identity theft and financial fraud.

Individuals must be aware of the threats that continue to evolve regarding delivery-related messages and verify any requests that they make through official USPS channels to avoid harm. It has become increasingly apparent that crime has become increasingly sophisticated and frequent in the country's postal infrastructure, as the number and nature of criminal activity have increased. In response to this crime wave, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has intensified its efforts to improve its operations to combat these crimes. 

To implement this initiative, the Government of the United States has decided to implement a comprehensive 10-year strategy, Delivering for America, a $40 billion investment which is intended to transform the postal system into a secure, efficient, and financially sustainable institution that will meet the needs of future generations, thereby transforming the entire postal system. Project Safe Delivery was initiated as part of this larger strategy by USPS, in partnership with the US Postal Inspection Service, as a targeted enforcement campaign to combat crimes aimed at ensuring the safety of mail services and ensuring their integrity. 

It has been more than two years since this joint operation was launched, but since then, it has been able to achieve tangible results, such as more than 2,400 arrests and a significant decrease in mail carrier robberies by more than 27%. This program has been proving to be an effective tool for deterring and prosecuting postal crime, with over 1,200 people apprehended in 2024 alone for mail-related theft, thus demonstrating the program's effectiveness in deterring and prosecuting it. USPS has taken extensive measures to further enhance the security of its delivery network. 

In addition, over 49,000 high-security mailboxes have been installed across the country, designed to prevent tampering and unauthorised entry. Also, advanced electronic locking mechanisms are being installed in the mail carriers' offices to replace the traditional mechanical locks they were using in the past. These upgrades are essential for preventing the widespread theft of carrier keys, which have become frequent targets of criminal activity. It is also vital for the USPS's security framework to emphasise the importance of encouraging public cooperation. 

A substantial monetary reward program has been instituted, and individuals providing credible information that leads to arrests in postal robberies can now receive up to $150,000 for providing credible information. It is also possible for the agency to pay up to $100,000 for actionable tips that lead to the arrests of mail thieves, a practice that reinforces the agency's commitment to protecting both mail workers and the American public. According to Secretary of State Sherry Patterson, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is committed to confronting and dismantling any schemes that attempt to exploit the postal system to maximise revenue. 

USPS has released a set of precautionary guidelines for individuals to follow when receiving suspicious or unsolicited package deliveries, an increasingly common tactic used by identity thieves and fraudsters, as part of its public safety outreach program. When an unrequested parcel is received by a recipient, it is strongly recommended that the recipient refrain from engaging with any embedded links, QR codes, or digital prompts that may accompany the delivery or related notification.

There is a high probability that these elements will act as a gateway to malicious websites that will be used to harvest personal information or to install malware, so it is recommended that users report questionable mail or packages directly to the USPS using their official website. Also, recipients need to maintain ongoing vigilance, monitoring their financial accounts for any anomalies or unauthorised transactions that may suggest fraudulent activity. 

In addition to taking care of users' credit profiles as a precautionary measure, it is also advised that they review them periodically and consider freezing their credit profiles temporarily as an added measure of security. The proactive approach taken by the Post Office is one of the most effective methods of preventing unauthorised credit activity since it can help prevent a crime from potentially occurring, especially in the aftermath of an identity theft. Together, these measures form one of the most effective lines of defence against postal-related scams.
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Spam SMS
Cyber Attacks Phishing Scams Phising Road Toll SMS Attack SMS Phishing SMS security risks Spam SMS

SMS Toll Scam Tricks Victims Into Activating Phishing Links

 

SMS phishing scams targeting tollway users have been spreading across the U.S., with fraudsters impersonating tolling agencies to steal personal information. These scams typically involve sending text messages claiming the recipient has an unpaid toll balance. Victims are then directed to a fake payment portal, where scammers attempt to steal financial details. 

One recent case involved Texas-based audience producer Gwen Howerton, who unknowingly fell for this scam after driving a rental car on the Dallas North Tollway. Not being familiar with the correct toll payment process, she believed the overdue payment notice she received was genuine and followed the provided instructions. Her case highlights how easily people can be deceived by these well-crafted phishing messages. 

A distinguishing feature of these scams is that the text message prompts users to perform a specific action before accessing the fraudulent link. In many cases, recipients are asked to reply with “Y” or copy the link into their web browser manually. This tactic is designed to bypass Apple’s iMessage security measures, which automatically disable links from unknown senders. 

By replying, users unknowingly validate their phone numbers, confirming to scammers that the number is active. Even if they do not click the link, responding makes them targets for future scams and spam campaigns. Authorities urge the public to be cautious when receiving unexpected messages from unfamiliar numbers. If a text message contains a suspicious link, the best course of action is to ignore and delete it. Users should avoid replying or following any instructions within the message, as this could increase their risk of being targeted again. 

If there is any doubt about a toll payment, it is recommended to contact the toll agency directly using official contact details rather than those provided in the message. To combat these scams, individuals should report any fraudulent messages by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers guidance on recognizing and responding to scam texts, while the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has tracked the rise of these schemes. 

Last year, IC3 received over 2,000 complaints about toll payment scams and noted that the attacks were shifting from state to state. As SMS phishing scams continue to evolve, staying informed and cautious is crucial. 

By recognizing the warning signs and taking preventive measures, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive schemes.
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SMS Phishing
Android Malware Bank Accounts Cyber Attacks Italy Malware attacks Mobile Cyber Attacks SMS Phishing

New Android Malware BingoMod Targets Financial Data and Wipes Devices

 

Malware has long been a significant threat to online security, serving as a backdoor entry for cybercriminals. Despite Google’s efforts to keep the Play Store free of malicious apps and deliver timely Android security patches, some attackers manage to bypass these defenses, stealing money and personal information from unsuspecting victims. 

Recently, a new malware named BingoMod has been identified targeting Android devices, stealing financial data and wiping them clean. BingoMod, discovered by researchers at cybersecurity firm Cleafy, uses a technique called smishing (SMS phishing) to infiltrate devices. This method involves sending a malware-laden link to the victim’s device, which, when clicked, installs the BingoMod app (version 1.5.1) disguised as a legitimate mobile security tool like AVG AntiVirus & Security. 

Once installed, the app requests access to device accessibility services, allowing it to steal login credentials, take screenshots, and intercept SMS messages. This information is then sent to the threat actor, providing near real-time access to the device’s functions. BingoMod leverages Android’s media projection APIs, which handle screencasting requests, to gather displayed information and bypass security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA). The malware is currently targeting devices in Italy, stealing up to 15,000 Euros in each transaction. 

However, experts at Cleafy believe the malware could spread to other markets, as it is still in active development. The malware’s evasive techniques enable it to avoid detection by reputable security tools like VirusTotal. It conceals its activities using fake notifications and screen overlays while stealing money and data in the background. If the BingoMod app is granted device administrator privileges, the attackers can remotely wipe the device, although Cleafy notes this would only clear the external storage. 

To avoid falling victim to smishing attacks like BingoMod, it is crucial never to click on links from unverified sources, especially those claiming to be important. Install apps only from reputable sources like the Google Play Store and set up passkeys for an additional layer of biometric security. A Google spokesperson told Android Police that Play Protect already safeguards Android users from known versions of this malware by blocking the app or showing a warning, even if the malicious app wasn’t downloaded from the Play Store. Additionally, using a password manager can help keep your credentials safe and alert you to recent data breaches that could compromise your accounts. 

By staying vigilant and following these best practices, you can protect your device from BingoMod and other malicious threats, ensuring your financial data and personal information remain secure.
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USA
Cyber Attacks FBI phishing Road Toll SMS Phishing USA

Nationwide Scam Targets Road Toll Users via SMS Phishing Scheme

 



The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has alerted the public to a widespread SMS phishing scam sweeping across the United States. The scam, which began in early March 2024, specifically targets individuals with fraudulent messages regarding unpaid road toll fees.

What Does The Scam Entails?

Thousands of Americans have already fallen victim to this harrowing scam, with over 2,000 complaints flooding the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) from at least three states. The deceptive messages typically claim that the recipient owes money for outstanding tolls, urging them to click on embedded hyperlinks.

The perpetrators behind these attacks employ sophisticated tactics to deceive their targets. By impersonating legitimate toll services and altering phone numbers to match those of the respective states, they create a false sense of authenticity. However, the links provided within the messages lead to fake websites designed to extract personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims.

Cautionary Advice

Authorities are urging individuals who receive such messages to exercise caution and take immediate action. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, one of the affected toll services, has advised recipients not to click on any suspicious links and to promptly delete the messages. Similarly, the Pennsylvania State Police have issued warnings about the scam, emphasising the dangers of providing personal information to fraudulent sources.

To safeguard against falling prey to this scam, the FBI recommends several preventive measures. Victims are encouraged to file complaints with the IC3, providing details such as the scammer's phone number and the fraudulent website. Additionally, individuals should verify their toll accounts using the legitimate websites of the respective toll services and contact customer service for further assistance. Any suspicious messages should be promptly deleted, and if personal information has been compromised, immediate steps should be taken to secure financial accounts and dispute any unauthorised charges.

What Is Smishing?

Smishing, a blend of "SMS" and "phishing," is a form of social engineering attack wherein fraudulent text messages are used to deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information or downloading malware. In this instance, the scam preys on individuals' concerns regarding unpaid toll fees, exploiting their trust in official communication channels.

As the SMS phishing scam continues to proliferate, it is imperative for individuals to remain vigilant and sceptical of unsolicited messages. By staying informed and taking proactive measures to protect personal information, users can mitigate the risks posed by such malicious activities. Authorities are actively investigating these incidents, but it is crucial for the public to be proactive in safeguarding their financial and personal information from exploitation.


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User Privacy
Cyber Fraud Data Safety Email scam Smishing Campaign SMS Phishing User Privacy

Smishing: SMS Phishing Attacks And How to Thwart Them

 

Smishing is a fast growing version of one of the most established and lucrative scams on the internet. Smishing, like other forms of phishing, aims to trick you into revealing sensitive data and information; however, instead of email, cybercriminals use text messaging or short message services (SMS) to interact with you. Smish attempts are frequently delivered as regular SMS to mobile phone subscribers, but they can also be sent via popular messaging apps. 

Smishing is a type of social engineering in which fraudsters exploit emotions such as fear, sympathy, curiosity, or greed to induce others to reveal personal or business information. They manage this by sending fake messages to your phone or other mobile device that appear to be from a trustworthy source, such as a delivery service, utility supplier, bank, or government agency.

The information they seek could include usernames, passwords, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, vendor names, and other confidential data. The data is subsequently sold on the dark web by cybercriminals, who can also employ it to steal identities, empty bank accounts, or reroute funds to themselves.

Smishing is more tempting to cybercriminals since users are more likely to trust texts over other kinds of communication. In fact, people respond to 45 percent of their texts, but only 6 percent of their emails receive a response. This is most likely due to years of email oversaturation; inboxes bombarded with promotional offers and spam have been trained users to be wary. 

Prevention tips

Here are five ways to prevent scammers from stealing private data: 

  • Never click on hyperlinks in texts from suspicious or unknown numbers. If the link is a brief, shortened URL, this is twice as true. Shorter URLs are frequently cited as a telltale sign that fraudsters are attempting to conceal obviously fake URLs in SMS messages. 
  • Be cautious; if you are persuaded to pay or disclose personal information, take a moment to confirm that the source is authentic and trustworthy. 
  • Never respond to texts from unknown or suspect numbers, especially if they ask you to do so. This notifies scammers that your phone number is active, and you may be added to spam lists and harassed further. 
  • To protect against malware concealed in smishing URLs, keep your phone's operating system up to date at all times.
  • Pay attention to telltale signs of social engineering, such as urgent messages or get-rich-quick schemes. If something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is.
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Software
Cyber Security Financial Loss Hackers Identity Theft Passwords Smishing Scam SMS Phishing Software

Beware: Government's Alert on Smishing Scam Threat

The Indian government has now urgently warned its citizens about the threat posed by smishing scams. Smishing, a combination of the words 'SMS' and 'phishing,' is the practice of hackers sending false text messages to people in an effort to get their sensitive personal information. This official warning serves as a reminder that residents need to be more vigilant and knowledgeable.

The warning highlights that cybercriminals are exploiting SMS communication to carry out their malicious intentions. These messages often impersonate legitimate entities, such as banks, government agencies, or popular online services, luring recipients into clicking on malicious links or sharing confidential information. The consequences of falling victim to smishing can be dire, ranging from financial loss to identity theft.

To shield themselves against this growing menace, citizens are urged to follow certain precautions:

1. Verify the Source: Always double-check the sender's details and the message's authenticity. Contact the organization directly using official contact information to confirm the legitimacy of the message.

2. Don't Click Hastily: Refrain from clicking on links embedded in SMS messages, especially if they ask for personal information or prompt immediate action. These links often lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal data.

3. Guard Personal Information: Never share sensitive information like passwords, PINs, Aadhar numbers, or banking details via SMS, especially in response to unsolicited messages.

4. Implement Security Measures: Install reliable security software on your mobile devices that can detect and block malicious texts. Regularly update the software for enhanced protection.

5. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest smishing techniques and scams. Awareness is a strong defense against falling victim to such tricks.

6. Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a suspicious SMS, report it to your mobile service provider and the local authorities. Reporting aids in tracking and preventing such scams.

The government's warning serves as a reminder that while technology enriches our lives, it's vital to remain cautious. Cybercriminals are continuously devising new ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals, making it imperative for everyone to stay well-informed and adopt preventive measures.

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SMS Phishing
Android Android Users Cyber Fraud Data-Stealing Iran Mallicious Apps phishing Scam SMS Phishing

Researchers: Iranian Users Beware of Widespread SMS Phishing Campaigns

 

Socially engineered SMS texts are being utilized to install malware on Android smartphones, as part of a large phishing operation that impersonates the Iranian government and social security authorities in order to steal credit card information and funds from victims' bank accounts, 

Unlike other types of banking malware that use overlay attacks to steal sensitive data without the victim's knowledge, the financially motivated operation discovered by Check Point Research is developed to trick victims into handing over their credit card information by sending them a legitimate-looking SMS message with a link that, when clicked, downloads a malware-laced app onto their devices. 

Check Point researcher Shmuel Cohen stated in a new report published Wednesday, "The malicious application not only collects the victim's credit card numbers, but also gains access to their 2FA authentication SMS, and turn[s] the victim's device into a bot capable of spreading similar phishing SMS to other potential victims." 

As per the cybersecurity firm, it discovered hundreds of distinct phishing Android apps masquerading as device tracking apps, Iranian banks, dating and shopping sites, cryptocurrency exchanges, and government-related services, with these botnets sold as a "ready-to-use mobile campaign kit" on Telegram channels for somewhere between $50 and $150. 

The infection chain of the smishing botnet begins with a bogus notification from the Iranian judiciary requesting users to evaluate a fictitious complaint made against the message's receivers. The complaint link takes victims to what appears to be a government website, where they are requested to provide personal information (e.g., name, phone number, etc.) and download an Android APK file. 

Once downloaded, the rogue app not only demands invasive rights to execute operations typically not associated with such government applications, but it also displays a false login page that resembles Sana, the country's electronic judicial notice system, and prompts the victim to pay a $1 payment to proceed. Users who choose to do so are then sent to a bogus payment page that captures the credit card information submitted, while the installed software acts as a covert backdoor to harvest one-time passcodes given by the credit card provider and assist more fraud. 

Furthermore, the malware has a plethora of functionality, including the ability to exfiltrate all SMS messages received by a device to an attacker-controlled server, conceal its icon from the home screen to circumvent attempts to remove the app, deploy extra payloads, and obtain worm-like powers to broaden its attack surface. 

Prevent data breaches 

Cohen explained, "This allows the actors to distribute phishing messages from the phone numbers of typical users instead of from a centralized place and not be limited to a small set of phone numbers that could be easily blocked. This means that technically, there are no 'malicious' numbers that can be blocked by the telecommunication companies or traced back to the attacker." 

To make matters worse, the attackers behind the operation were discovered to have inadequate operational security (OPSEC), enabling any third party to openly access the phone numbers, contacts, SMS messages, and list of any online bots stored on their servers. 

"Stealing 2FA dynamic codes allows the actors to slowly but steadily withdraw significant amounts of money from the victims' accounts, even in cases when due to the bank limitations each distinct operation might garner only tens of dollars." 

"Together with the easy adoption of the 'botnet as a service' business model, it should come as no surprise that the number of such applications for Android and the number of people selling them is growing," he added.
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