Over 300,000 malicious links advertising fake get-rich-quick schemes designed to trick people into handing their money to cyber criminals have been taken down in a crackdown by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
The scams see fraudsters attempting to lure people into making bogus investments using phoney endorsements from celebrities, such as Sir Richard Branson, suggesting they’ve made millions by buying and selling bitcoin or other cryptocurrency.
Links to scams are promoted in fake press articles on pages designed to give the impression of being posted through the genuine online page of a genuine newspaper or other valid publications.The articles, which are disseminated through phishing emails and paid virtual advertising, aim to inspire patients to donate their cash or main bank points to cybercriminals.
SEE: A Winning Strategy for Cybersecurity (ZDNet Special Report) Download in PDF format (TechRepublic)
In recent months, the NCSC, GCHQ’s cybersecurity arm, has undone more than 300,000 malicious links to fake celebrity-approved investment plans.
Many scams were removed after being reported to the NCSC’s Suspicious Email Reporting Service, which has now won more than 1.8 million reports of potentially criminal habits since it was filed in April this year.
“These investment scams are a surprising example of the kind of strategies cybercriminals are implementing lately to defraud people. Today we show them not only to raise awareness, but also to show criminals that we know what they are doing. . and we’re taking steps to avoid it,” said NCSC CHIEF Executive Ciaran Martin, who will leave office e.day this month.
“I urge the public to continue to do what they have done brilliantly and to convey everything they think it is to our suspicious email reporting department.”
The Financial Conduct Authority says investment scams have charged the public with more than 197 million pounds in 2018 and that the NCSC is working with London City police to warn the public of the risks posed by the schemes.
“These figures provide a stern warning that other people should be wary of fake investments on online platforms. Celebrity approvals are just one way for criminals to public approve fake projects online,” said Commander Clinton Blackburn of the London City Police.
“The criminals will do everything they can to make their scams look legitimate.It is imperative that you do your studies and carry out the mandatory checks to make sure that an investment you are is legitimate,” he added.
SEE: Google: Let’s check the masking of the full URL in Chrome 86 to combat phishing
The NCSC also works with some of the names listed, whose cybercriminals misuse identities to advertise scams and support schemes.
“We’ve dealt with a lot of examples of fake sites and scammers posing as me or my online team. We are working in partnership with organizations like the NCSC to report those sites and do everything we can to remove them as temporarily as possible.” said Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group.
“Unfortunately, the scams won’t go away overnight, and I urge everyone to be vigilant and verify the addresses of official internet sites and verified social media accounts,” he added.
People who believe they have been victims of a celebrity scam or any other form of scam are asked to report it to the authorities.
Cybersecurity: These two fundamental flaws allow hackers to seamlessly access their systems
Ransomware: Why a city decided to pay the ransom after becoming a victim
A hacker in white hat genuine paintings from an Infosec professional
Microsoft Office 365 is the hub of many businesses. And the pirates realized
By registering, you agree to the terms of use and knowledge practices defined in the privacy policy.
You’ll get a loose subscription to ZDNet’s Tech Update Today and ZDNet Announcement newsletters. You may opt out of receiving these newsletters at any time.
You agree to get updates, alerts, and promotions from THE CBS Business Family Circle by adding ZDNet Tech Update Today and ZDNet Announcement. You can choose to leave at any time.