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Fake Microsoft security scans trick victims into uninstalling their antivirus
A new refund scam is leveraging fake Microsoft-branded security scans to trick users into uninstalling their legitimate antivirus software, ultimately aiming to steal personal, banking, and remote-access information. Multiple websites, operating under names like SysScan, present convincing but fraudulent security scans that invariably conclude the user's computer has severe issues, falsely…
Rogue ransomware affiliate poses as recovery firm to steal payments
A suspected ransomware affiliate is reportedly posing as a recovery service called "Ransom Busters," contacting victims of cyberattacks before the incidents become public. This group claims to possess decryption keys and the ability to delete stolen data for a fee, ranging from $20,000 to $60,000.
Polite replies to wrong-number texts can confirm number validity for scammers
Replying to a "wrong number" text message, even with a polite correction, can inadvertently confirm the validity of a phone number and a user's responsiveness, making them a more valuable target for various scam operations. This initial interaction, while seemingly harmless, is often the first step in a sophisticated process designed to identify and exploit potential victims.
AI Deepfakes Used to Impersonate OnlyFans Creators in New Scam
Scammers are employing AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate OnlyFans creators, tricking fans into sending money through peer-to-peer payment platforms before disappearing. This scheme, which leverages various social media platforms, has resulted in financial losses for fans and significant distress for the creators whose identities are being stolen.
Big Brand Jobs Scam Targets Marketing Pros' Google Accounts
A sophisticated phishing campaign is actively targeting marketing professionals with deceptive job offers, aiming to compromise their Google account credentials. The attackers are impersonating well-known brands to lend credibility to their fraudulent recruitment efforts.
How the Reddit and Discord false report scam steals accounts
A social engineering scam is targeting users on Reddit and Discord, aiming to steal account credentials and lock users out of their accounts. The scam typically begins with a direct message from a stranger claiming that their account has been reported, and that the reporting account appears to be yours. Alternatively, the scammer might claim they accidentally reported your account and need…
Google Is Suing Chinese Scammers Who Are Using Gemini
Google has initiated legal action against Outsider Enterprise, a China-based group accused of operating a "phishing-as-a-service" scheme that leverages Google's Gemini AI to generate fraudulent content. The lawsuit, filed by Google, alleges that Outsider Enterprise provides tools and instructions to individuals for creating sophisticated phishing websites and text message campaigns, even those…
Scammers are using AI to sell impossible flowers
Scammers are leveraging artificial intelligence to create and market seeds for entirely fictional plants, exploiting online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, and Etsy. These fabricated flora are depicted with impossible features such as bird, butterfly, and cat-shaped blooms, along with vibrant, unnatural color gradients and technicolor leaves.
The Purchase Scam Tactic Headed for the World Cup | Recorded Future
A sophisticated purchase scam tactic, leveraging compromised legitimate websites to trick shoppers through organic search results, is being actively deployed and is expected to scale significantly around major events like the upcoming World Cup. This method allows scammers to bypass traditional advertising monitoring and avoid the costs associated with search engine optimization for their own…
Operation Road Trap: Fake toll and parking texts are spreading worldwide
Scammers are globally targeting drivers with fraudulent text messages impersonating toll operators, parking authorities, and transport agencies, according to a recent analysis by Bitdefender Labs. Since December 2025, researchers have tracked these "smishing" campaigns, which have sent over 79,000 deceptive messages across 12 countries. The active campaigns aim to trick recipients into paying…