SCAM OF THE WEEK: The Shopping List Swindle

Walmart’s Lists feature allows you to create an online shopping list and share it with others. In this week’s scam, cybercriminals are using Lists and malicious Google ads to steal your personal information and money. This scam begins when you search for Walmart’s customer service page on Google. You’ll see a sponsored ad result that claims to lead to a page that provides Walmart’s customer service information. If you click it, the ad will direct you to a Walmart List page. However, instead of containing normal shopping items, the List contains a phone number that appears to be for Walmart’s customer service team.

However, both the ad and the Walmart List were created by cybercriminals. If you call the number, you’ll be connected directly to a scammer. They will ask for your personal and financial information, and then they will attempt to scare you by saying that your account was used to transfer money illegally. The scammer will then try to pressure you into transferring your money into a Bitcoin account in order to prevent additional transactions. If you do transfer the money, it will go directly to the cybercriminals!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a shopping list swindle:

• Be wary of clicking on Google ads. Anyone can buy a sponsored ad on Google, including cybercriminals.
• Be suspicious of anyone forcing you to act quickly. Scammers frequently attempt to trick you into acting impulsively.
• Always think before clicking on a link or providing your personal information, even on official websites. Trust your instincts and be on the lookout for anything that seems suspicious.

The KnowBe4 Security Team

October 4, 2024