You may have come across pamphlets, posters, or billboards claiming, “Earn Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 from the comfort of your home.” Recently, these messages have even started appearing on random websites while browsing on your laptop or desktop. Now, scammers have taken it a step further by sending such messages on the popular messaging platform, WhatsApp
This Fraud whose name was saved on Whatsapp As Jonathan Diaz +1 (719) 345-1277 told me that he will sue me LOL :-p.
I am waiting for Mr. Fraud Jonathan Diaz +1 (719) 345-1277. I am attaching a few screenshots which I took when chatting with this fraud.
Over the past few days, we have witnessed numerous unknown contacts sending similar messages, promising quick money. Many of these WhatsApp numbers are not from India. Although the content of these messages may vary slightly, the underlying theme remains the same: easy earnings by performing simple tasks, with a requirement to click on the attached link.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many individuals lost their jobs, while others sought ways to earn money without leaving their homes. Exploiting this vulnerability, some scammers offer part-time job opportunities, enticing people to click on links that may contain malware or prompt them to disclose sensitive information such as financial details and security PINs.
To understand the risks associated with clicking on such links, we reached out to cybersecurity firm Check Point Software Technologies. They shed light on the potential threat posed by these malicious messages.
“This is likely a case of SMS phishing carried out by cybercriminals who are taking advantage of people’s interest in work-from-home opportunities during the lockdown. SMS phishing usually involves a text message with a link to a fake account login page,” explained Sundar N Balasubramanian, Managing Director, India and SAARC, Check Point Software Technologies, after analyzing the messages.
“Furthermore, new SMiShing tactics employ a text message with a link that, once accessed, downloads zero-day malware. SMS phishing targets both consumers and enterprises, and the perpetrators are constantly introducing new techniques to enhance its effectiveness. These attacks aim to steal users’ credentials and data, granting unauthorized access to corporate networks and applications.”
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