As movie enthusiasts eagerly awaited the premieres of Barbie and Oppenheimer, two highly anticipated films of the year, scammers wasted no time capitalizing on the excitement for their nefarious gains. Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has recently uncovered a surge in phishing scams designed to deceive unsuspecting users and unlawfully acquire their hard-earned money and sensitive personal data.
The scam revolving around the Barbie movie lures potential victims with alluring offers on Barbie dolls that coincide with the film’s release. In addition to regular dolls, scammers entice users with the promise of limited-edition movie-related dolls, including one featuring the lead actress Margot Robbie, at a discounted price of 12 pounds sterling. For an extra £56, users can add a helicopter to their purchase, bringing the total to £60 with the supposed “exclusive” discount. However, the deception unfolds when users proceed to make the purchase and are redirected to a form that requires personal identification details, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and banking information. Unknowingly, users end up sending their money and private data directly into the hands of fraudsters. Beyond the financial risks, this scam also poses severe privacy concerns, as the stolen data could potentially be sold on the Dark Web Market, leaving victims vulnerable to further exploitation.
Scammers have also targeted the Oppenheimer movie release, enticing people with the offer of free movie streaming. However, their true intention is to steal users’ banking information and money. Their modus operandi often involves requesting a nominal registration fee, typically one dollar or euro, as a seemingly harmless upfront cost. However, this seemingly innocent payment is a red flag, as scammers later demand users link their bank cards for registration, allowing them to carry out unauthorized and difficult-to-cancel debits from victims’ accounts.
“Premieres and exciting events bring a wave of anticipation, but amidst the thrill, it’s crucial for users to remain alert and adhere to basic online safety rules. While the experience is exhilarating, we must not overlook the risks. By maintaining a vigilant mindset and practicing safe online habits, we can fully enjoy the Barbie and Oppenheimer experience while safeguarding ourselves from cyber threats lurking in the digital world,” according to Olga Svistunova, Security Expert at Kaspersky.
To safeguard movie enthusiasts from falling victim to these scams while enjoying the excitement surrounding the movie premieres, Kaspersky experts offer the following security tips:
- Beware of Phishing Scams:
Exercise caution when encountering suspicious emails, messages, or websites offering exclusive deals or freebies. Always verify the authenticity of the source before sharing any personal information or engaging in online transactions. - Verify Website Security:
Before making purchases or accessing related content online, ensure that the website uses a secure connection. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the address bar, indicating a safe and encrypted website. - Use Reliable Security Solutions:
Employ a trusted security solution, like Kaspersky Premium, capable of identifying malicious attachments and blocking phishing sites. - Exercise Caution with Personal Information:
Be mindful when sharing personal information online, especially sensitive details such as addresses, phone numbers, or financial data. Only provide such information on trusted and secure platforms. - Trust Reliable Sources:
Rely on official websites, authorized retailers, and reputable sources for purchasing merchandise, accessing movie content, or obtaining information related to the premieres. Steer clear of unofficial or suspicious sources that may attempt to exploit your enthusiasm.
By staying vigilant and adhering to these precautions, movie fans can avoid falling prey to scammers and enjoy the excitement surrounding the Barbie and Oppenheimer movie releases without compromising their security and privacy.