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We are currently seeing attempted spam attacks on our site that point users to malicious cloned websites. These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and dangerous.
What is a Cloned Site Scam?
A cloned site scam is a type of cyberattack where scammers create a nearly identical copy of a legitimate website. These fake sites are designed to trick users into entering personal, financial, or login information. The stolen data is then used for phishing, identity theft, or financial fraud. In many cases, scammers are also purchasing ads, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook, to promote these fake websites and make them appear credible.
What is an Authority Scam?
An authority scam is a form of social engineering in which scammers impersonate trusted entities, such as government agencies, police, banks, tech support, or company executives, to pressure victims into surrendering sensitive information or money. The tactic relies on fear, urgency, and the illusion of legitimacy.
How They’re Being Combined
In a disturbing twist, scammers are now combining these two methods. Here’s a real example:
A friend of mine recently fell victim to a cloned site scam. They placed an online order using their credit card, unknowingly providing sensitive information to a fake website.
Shortly afterward, they received a phone call from someone claiming to be with Homeland Security. The caller said the credit card had been used to purchase chemicals used to make methamphetamine and that five bank accounts had been opened in their name.
To build credibility, the scammer read back the actual credit card number, which had been stolen from the cloned site, and demanded more personal information, threatening arrest if it wasn’t provided. Fortunately, my friend became suspicious, ended the call, and contacted the police, who confirmed it was a scam.
Stay Vigilant
Please share this with your community to help others avoid falling victim to these types of scams.
Note:
I cleaned it up with with chatgt so there may be some AI artifacts.
What is a Cloned Site Scam?
A cloned site scam is a type of cyberattack where scammers create a nearly identical copy of a legitimate website. These fake sites are designed to trick users into entering personal, financial, or login information. The stolen data is then used for phishing, identity theft, or financial fraud. In many cases, scammers are also purchasing ads, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook, to promote these fake websites and make them appear credible.
What is an Authority Scam?
An authority scam is a form of social engineering in which scammers impersonate trusted entities, such as government agencies, police, banks, tech support, or company executives, to pressure victims into surrendering sensitive information or money. The tactic relies on fear, urgency, and the illusion of legitimacy.
How They’re Being Combined
In a disturbing twist, scammers are now combining these two methods. Here’s a real example:
A friend of mine recently fell victim to a cloned site scam. They placed an online order using their credit card, unknowingly providing sensitive information to a fake website.
Shortly afterward, they received a phone call from someone claiming to be with Homeland Security. The caller said the credit card had been used to purchase chemicals used to make methamphetamine and that five bank accounts had been opened in their name.
To build credibility, the scammer read back the actual credit card number, which had been stolen from the cloned site, and demanded more personal information, threatening arrest if it wasn’t provided. Fortunately, my friend became suspicious, ended the call, and contacted the police, who confirmed it was a scam.
Stay Vigilant
- Always double-check website URLs before entering any personal or financial data.
- Be skeptical of unexpected calls claiming to be from authorities, especially if they use fear tactics or demand sensitive information.
- When in doubt, hang up and contact the organization directly using verified contact details.
Please share this with your community to help others avoid falling victim to these types of scams.
Note:
I cleaned it up with with chatgt so there may be some AI artifacts.
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