Latest news with #Guardio
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Do Not Make These Calls On Your Smartphone, Warns Google
These calls are dangerous Republished on May 30 with further advice on staying safe as this fraud surges. Forget unpaid toll and undelivered package texts. The attack that's now targeting your data and your money is much harder to detect and is surging, "having more than doubled over the past few months.' Google is on a mission to warn phone and PC users to be more alert — do not make these calls on your iPhone or Android phone. 'Customer support scams, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate support to steal sensitive information, are evolving,' Google has just warned. Gone are the days of clumsy emails and messages, we're now at a new level. Scammers 'often rely on impersonating well-known brands," and are 'now exploiting user distress through social engineering and web vulnerabilities to display fake phone numbers.' Guardio warns that while such scams are not new, the current surge is 'closely tied to scammers using AI tools to scale their operations, allowing them to create convincing scams at scale.' And it's now all about tricking users into making phone call to as fake Microsoft or Google 1-888 number. If you do, a well-practiced scammer will be eagerly waiting to take your call and your money. Google says such scams are 'an increasingly prevalent form of cybercrime, aimed at extorting money or gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data.' And while it might start with an 'alarming pop-up warnings mimicking legitimate security alerts,' you might even see 'full-screen takeovers' before a helpful support number pops up. 'Even as people become better at spotting potential scams,' Google says, 'transnational crime groups continue to evolve their tactics and defraud people around the world. In 2024, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance reported that in just 12 months, scammers stole $1 trillion globally. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission recently shared data in March showing a 25% year-over-year increase in reported losses to fraud.' For transnational read Chinese. The likes of Smishing Triad and Panda Shop as outed by Resecurity are fueling a cybercrime epidemic that has 'no fear of FBI' and 'does not care about U.S. law enforcement agencies.' Operating out of China, the current standoff between Beijing and Washington makes these gangs feel untouchable. Tech support scams have also just been highlighted by TheStreet's Retirement Daily as the top scam 'targeting older adults.' This age group is targeted, it says, 'because scammers often view this age group as having more wealth, being more trusting, and sometimes being less familiar with the latest technology and digital risks. Plus, many retirees may be at home more often or dealing with cognitive decline, and it creates a dangerous combination that scammers are quick to exploit.' Do not make these calls. Again, TheStreet emphasizes that 'no legitimate tech company will contact you out of the blue,' advising retirees that 'if you see a pop-up or get a call, shut down the computer or hang up, and contact a trusted professional if you're concerned.' According to the FBI's 2024 cybercrime report, the over 60s age group lost more than any other age group and filed more complaints. And those losses were substantial — almost $5 billion, according to the bureau's report. Google wants brands to use its 'dedicated' search feature to formalize support numbers, but as attacks induce a sense of panic and urgency and then push a phone number on users, that doesn't help. Not unless those users know never to call. The recent Android and Chrome anti-scam upgrades will hopefully be more effective. Google says always 'seek out official support channels directly by using information from packaging or contracts. Avoid unsolicited contacts or pop-ups. Never grant remote access unless certain of official support. Always verify phone numbers for authenticity.' But just as with those unpaid tolls and undelivered packages — two of the other scams highlighted by Google, this won't be resolved unless and until users know that DMVs will never reach out with threatening texts, delivery services will never text parcel fees, and you must never call a support number on a popup or on-screen message. As TheStreet warns — and it's relevant for all age groups, 'fraudsters are evolving, but so are the tools and knowledge we have to fight back. The most powerful defense against scams is awareness. Talking about these threats with your financial adviser, your family and your community can help reduce your risk and protect others. If you're unsure about a phone call, email or offer you've received, don't act right away. Take a moment. Reach out to a trusted professional or family member before taking any steps. The pause could save you thousands — or more.'
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Google Warns iPhone And Android Users—Do Not Make These Calls
The image displays a teenager reading shocking news on his cell phone as he is lying on a couch in ... More the dark. Forget unpaid toll and undelivered package texts. The attack that's now targeting your data and your money is much harder to detect and is surging, "having more than doubled over the past few months.' Google is on a mission to warn phone and PC users to be more alert — do not make these calls on your iPhone or Android phone. 'Customer support scams, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate support to steal sensitive information, are evolving,' Google has just warned. Gone are the days of clumsy emails and messages, we're now at a new level. Scammers 'often rely on impersonating well-known brands," and are 'now exploiting user distress through social engineering and web vulnerabilities to display fake phone numbers.' Guardio warns that while such scams are not new, the current surge is 'closely tied to scammers using AI tools to scale their operations, allowing them to create convincing scams at scale.' And it's now all about tricking users into making phone call to as fake Microsoft or Google 1-888 number. If you do, a well-practiced scammer will be eagerly waiting to take your call and your money. Google says such scams are 'an increasingly prevalent form of cybercrime, aimed at extorting money or gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data.' And while it might start with an 'alarming pop-up warnings mimicking legitimate security alerts,' you might even see 'full-screen takeovers' before a helpful support number pops up. 'Even as people become better at spotting potential scams,' Google says, 'transnational crime groups continue to evolve their tactics and defraud people around the world. In 2024, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance reported that in just 12 months, scammers stole $1 trillion globally. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission recently shared data in March showing a 25% year-over-year increase in reported losses to fraud.' Do not make these calls. For transnational read Chinese. The likes of Smishing Triad and Panda Shop as outed by Resecurity are fueling a cybercrime epidemic that has 'no fear of FBI' and 'does not care about U.S. law enforcement agencies.' Operating out of China, the current standoff between Beijing and Washington makes these gangs feel untouchable. Google wants brands to use its 'dedicated' search feature to formalize support numbers, but as attacks induce a sense of panic and urgency and then push a phone number on users, that doesn't help. Not unless those users know never to call. The recent Android and Chrome anti-scam upgrades will hopefully be more effective. Google says always 'seek out official support channels directly by using information from packaging or contracts. Avoid unsolicited contacts or pop-ups. Never grant remote access unless certain of official support. Always verify phone numbers for authenticity.' But just as with those unpaid tolls and undelivered packages — two of the other scams highlighted by Google, this won't be resolved unless and until users know that DMVs will never reach out with threatening texts, delivery services will never text parcel fees, and you must never call a support number on a popup or on-screen message.
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Forbes
Do Not Call These Numbers On Your iPhone, Android Phone
Never make these calls. You have been warned. This threat is now surging and has more than doubled in 2025. Google and Microsoft have updated their platforms to better protect users, but it has not yet stopped this plague of attacks. The FBI has issued multiple warnings for users to avoid the simple mistake that could see data, money, even identifies stolen. The latest warning comes from Guardio's security team, which says it has now 'spotted a 137% surge in tech support scams between November 2024 and April 2025. According to our data, these dangerous scams have more than doubled over the past few months.' Such scams are not new — cybercriminals reach out to victims to fix made-up issues with PCs or phones. What is new is 'a spike closely tied to scammers using AI tools to scale their operations, allowing them to create convincing scams at scale.' That surge is one new AI risk. The other is that such scams are now 'more convincing, personal, and far more effective, catching more people off guard. These scams lead to significant financial losses, and the money usually can't be recovered.' Guardio found that whatever the lure — a frozen browser, a popup, an alert — the likely attack will push users to make a phone call. A 1-888 number to reach back directly to Microsoft or Google or Apple support. There the victim will be convinced to install software or provide direct access to their provide personal or financial information. As ever with phone scams, remember this is what they do for a living and they do it well. Tech support scams have been making headlines in recent weeks with Google highlighting the risks and updating its platforms to help users flag them in real time. Do not call these numbers. 'Tech support scams are an increasingly prevalent form of cybercrime,' Google warns, 'aimed at extorting money or gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data… Tech support scams on the web often employ alarming pop-up warnings mimicking legitimate security alerts. We've also observed them to use full-screen takeovers and disable keyboard and mouse input to create a sense of crisis.' Google has updated its Safe Browsing with on-device analysis to monitor signals that might flag this type of attack in real time. 'If Safe Browsing determines that the page is likely to be a scam,' Google says, 'Chrome will show a warning.' The company is also updating Android. 'Our research shows that phone scammers often try to trick people into performing specific actions to initiate a scam, like changing default device security settings or granting elevated permissions to an app. These actions can result in spying, fraud, and other abuse by giving an attacker deeper access to your device and data. To combat phone scammers, we're working to block specific actions and warn you of these sophisticated attempts.' Google warns users it doesn't call or proactively reach out to users to resolve technical or account issues. Never. Microsoft echoes these warnings. 'Tech support scams are an industry-wide issue… If you allow them to remote into your computer to perform a 'fix,' they will often install malware, ransomware, or other unwanted programs that can steal your information or damage your data or device.' Critically, Microsoft warns users that its error and warning messages 'never include phone numbers.' Never. Meanwhile, the surge continues. 'We think the huge rise in tech support scams we're seeing is really concerning and worth highlighting,' Guardio told me.
Associated Press
03-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Guardio Unveils Q1 2025 Brand Phishing Report: Steam Tops List as Most Imitated Brand, Surge in Toll Pass Scams Revealed
TEL AVIV, Israel, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Guardio, a leading cybersecurity company, released its Q1 2025 Brand Phishing Report, highlighting key trends in phishing attacks. With the rise of AI technologies, the scale and sophistication of phishing scams have escalated, making it more important than ever for consumers to use advanced technology to stay protected. Key Findings from Q1 2025 Report: Steam: For the first time, Steam leads the list of most impersonated brands in phishing scams. Scammers target gamers by posing as Steam support and issuing fake warnings about account problems, such as payment failures or suspicious logins. These attacks aim to steal user credentials through fraudulent websites, often exploiting saved payment methods or Steam Wallet funds. Toll Pass Scams: As was evident by increased phishing activity during the last few months, toll fee scams have emerged as a major trend, with three toll collection services: SunPass, E-ZPass, and EZDrive Massachusetts, appearing in the top 10 most targeted brands by cybercriminals. This marks a significant shift, as toll-related scams were not previously a major focus. Guardio detected a staggering 604% increase in toll-related scam texts since the beginning of the year, highlighting the growing sophistication of these new phishing tactics. Tax Season Scams: With tax season underway, scammers are taking advantage of people's tax filing concerns by impersonating the IRS and other tax services, attempting to steal sensitive financial information. Top 10 Most Imitated Brands in Q1 2025: Steam Microsoft Facebook/Meta Roblox SunPass E-ZPass USPS EZDrive Massachusetts Netflix WeTransfer Rising Scam – Fake Clearance Sales: Scammers are taking advantage of the wave of store closures, including Joann and Forever 21, to create fake 'going out of business' sales. These fake deals lure victims into entering payment details for goods that will never be delivered. As AI continues to advance, scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create highly convincing, large-scale attacks that mimic trusted brands with unprecedented accuracy. The human eye is no longer enough to detect these sophisticated threats. It's crucial to use comprehensive security tools like Guardio to identify and block these evolving phishing attacks before they reach your inbox. About Guardio Guardio is a cybersecurity company offering real-time protection from online threats. With over a million users, Guardio provides accessible tools to secure every aspect of your digital life, ensuring customers can navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
7 Top Scams Targeting Wealthy Americans
The more money you have, the more you have for scammers to steal. Wealthy Americans make juicy targets for fraudsters. A single well-executed scam can steal hundreds of thousands in one transaction. Read More: Find Out: So what are the most common scams targeting wealthy Americans in the post-Artificial Intelligence (AI) world? You've heard of phishing: attempts to get victims to share sensitive information that scammers can use to steal money or identities. Whaling takes phishing to the next level by personally targeting wealthy or powerful individuals. 'These are not crimes of opportunity — they are targeted, deliberate operations,' said James McQuiggan, security awareness advocate at KnowBe4. 'Attackers will use OSINT (open-source intelligence) on the target and their family and friends to gain access. Through social engineering, they will work to build rapport and leverage that trust to gain access.' Once trust is established, they ask the victim to divulge information, pay fake invoices, or invest in fake opportunities. Discover More: Scammers don't always try to form a new relationship with their victim. In some ways, it's easier for them to simply impersonate someone you already know and trust. Steve Tcherchian, chief information security officer for cybersecurity firm XYPRO, explained how it works: 'Scammers use social engineering to impersonate private bankers, accountants, lawyers, or family office staff. 'Using publicly available information or breaches from unrelated platforms, they can create a profile allowing them to craft a convincing email, call, or even a deepfake video to manipulate a high-net-worth individual into approving wire transfers or sharing sensitive credentials — no malware or hacking necessary.' Impersonation fraud often happens in the investment world. 'With the rise of AI, it's become alarmingly easy for scammers to mimic brokers, replicate emails, and use the same tone and structure in their communications,' warned Karin Zilberstein, VP of product at cybersecurity platform Guardio. They can mimic their writing patterns and even create fake audio messages and videos seemingly from that person. 'For example, an executive lost her life savings to a real estate scam when she received a fraudulent email from a hacker posing as her mortgage broker, instructing her to wire a $398,359 downpayment,' she said. As a scammer, you could try to convince a rich victim to buy something fake for $50,000. But that requires a sales pitch and plenty of hard work. It's easier to get the victim to pay a huge bill they're already planning on paying — like their tax bill. 'One of the top scams we're seeing right now involves tax-related fraud,' said Marike Kuyper, head of consumer education at cybersecurity outfit Trend Micro. 'Cybercriminals will impersonate the IRS or tax professionals, sending phishing emails or calling directly, claiming there's an issue with a return or that immediate payment is required. These scams can be incredibly convincing, especially during tax season.' Making this scam even easier, many clients can't reach their accountant right away during tax season. By the time their accountant gets back to them to let them know it's a scam, many victims have already wired the money. Often, scammers create beautiful and convincing websites to sell luxury goods or services that don't actually exist. 'Fraudsters use fake websites, auctions or social media accounts to sell luxury items such as rare collectibles or vacations,' said Kuyper. 'Only purchase high-end goods through reputable, established vendors. Verify the authenticity of items before buying them and stay skeptical of deals that sound too good to be true.' It feels great to give money to a good cause. As long as it is a good cause and not a fake charity. Heather Mattison sees this all the time at independent insurance broker Woodruff Sawyer, which covers cybersecurity and scams. 'Often, predators will prey on the kindness and generosity of wealthy individuals by creating fake charities and asking for donations,' she said. Nothing is sacred to scammers, not even faking a kidnapping. 'Cyber predators target wealthy families by using AI-generated voices sounding like a loved one,' said Mattison. 'They call in tears, claiming they have been kidnapped and demand money to be released.' So how can wealthy Americans protect themselves from these scams? First, use multi-factor authentication for all important accounts, including financial and social media accounts. Use complex, unique passwords for all accounts and store them in a single secure account. Mattison urges wealthy families to plan for authenticating each other. 'Have a family 'password' or 'code' in the event something ever happens like a fake kidnapping. This word can identify if the loved one is part of an attack,' she said. Similarly, confirm all large financial transactions with someone you trust. Before wiring money to your broker based on an email they sent, pick up the phone and call them. The same goes for tax payments — call your accountant before sending large sums. And when you call, use an independently verified phone number, rather than a number provided in the same email with the wiring instructions. More From GOBankingRates 4 Things To Watch for as Elon Musk Takes on Social Security 12 SUVs With the Most Reliable Engines Warren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 This article originally appeared on 7 Top Scams Targeting Wealthy Americans
