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         July 10, 2026
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         July 10, 2026
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         July 02, 2026
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         July 01, 2026
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         June 24, 2026
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{layout:"default",data:[{featuredPost:[{id:"6a4fd43d8beeea9658027978",title:"Venmo accidental payment scam explained: What to do if a stranger sends you money",slug:"venmo-accidental-payment-scam",feature_image:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002FChatGPT-Image-Jul-9--2026--08_06_45-PM.png",featured:I,published_at:"2026-07-09T20:07:47.000+03:00",custom_excerpt:ae,html:"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPeople who receive an unexpected Venmo payment from a stranger might be tempted to return it immediately, especially since the sender is quick to claim it was an accident.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESecurity experts and Venmo itself warns against this very type of fraud: in many cases, the request forms part of a well-documented scam in which criminals convince victims to send a new payment from their own account.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf the original transfer later proves fraudulent or is reversed because it originated from a stolen payment method or compromised account, the victim could end up losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe scam has become common enough that Venmo explicitly describes it in its User Agreement as the \u003Cstrong\u003E\"Accidental Payment\" scam\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E and instructs users not to return unexpected payments directly to strangers.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnderstanding how this scam works and recognizing the red flags before acting can prevent an honest attempt to help someone from becoming an expensive mistake.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EScammers may send money or pretend to send money to strangers before claiming it was an accident.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EReturning the payment yourself can result in losing your own money.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESome scams use stolen credit cards or compromised Venmo accounts, causing the original payment to be reversed later.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EVenmo advises users not to return unexpected payments directly to strangers and instead to contact Venmo Support.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf someone pressures you to send money back immediately, treat it as a red flag.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote\u003E\n\u003Ch2 id=\"what-is-the-venmo-accidental-payment-scam\"\u003EWhat is the Venmo accidental payment scam?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Venmo accidental payment scam is a type of social engineering fraud in which scammers presuade victims to return money that appears to have been sent by mistake.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstead of requesting a refund through Venmo, the scammer contacts the recipient directly and asks them to send the money back as a brand-new payment.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven according to Venmo's User Agreement, this scheme is actually known as the \u003Cstrong\u003E\"Accidental Payment\" scam\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, in which \"a scammer sends you a fraudulent payment, claims it was accidental, and asks that you return their money.\"¹\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch1 id=\"how-the-scam-works\"\u003EHow the scam works\u003C\u002Fh1\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe details vary, but the scam usually follows a set pattern.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"step-1-an-unexpected-payment-arrives\"\u003EStep 1: An unexpected payment arrives\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou receive a Venmo payment from someone you don't recognize. Sometimes the payment is genuine. Other times, the payment notification itself may be fake, created from edited screenshots or phishing emails that appear to be official Venmo messages.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"step-2-the-sender-contacts-you\"\u003EStep 2: The sender contacts you\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESoon afterward, the sender apologizes. They explain that they entered the wrong username or accidentally selected your profile instead of someone else's.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETheir request sounds perfectly reasonable: \"Could you just send it back?\"\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf that’s not enough, the scammers might claim they need the money back quickly for rent, medical bills, or another emotional reason. The goal is to prevent you from stopping to verify what actually happened.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"step-3-you-send-the-money-back\"\u003EStep 3: You send the money back\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is the critical moment of the scam. Instead of the attacker reversing the original transaction, you actually create an entirely new payment from your own Venmo account. That payment is separate from the one you received.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"step-4-the-original-payment-disappears\"\u003EStep 4: The original payment disappears\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf the original payment came from a stolen financial account or a compromised Venmo account, it may later be reversed after the legitimate owner reports the fraud. Your refund, however, usually remains valid because you voluntarily authorized it.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch1 id=\"different-versions-of-the-scam\"\u003EDifferent versions of the scam\u003C\u002Fh1\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"the-fake-payment\"\u003EThe fake payment\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe simplest variation doesn't involve a real transfer. Instead, scammers send fake Venmo emails, edited screenshots, or spoofed payment notifications. Victims believe they've received money when they haven't. If they send funds back, they lose their own money immediately.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"the-stolen-card-or-hacked-account\"\u003EThe stolen card or hacked account\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is the version that creates the biggest problems. Scammers obtain access to stolen credit cards, compromised bank accounts, or even hacked Venmo accounts.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey send money using those stolen payment methods before asking the victim to return it. Eventually, the legitimate account owner reports the fraud, and the original payment is reversed.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe victim's payment won’t be reversed because it was voluntary. Several state consumer protection agencies have warned about this exact scenario.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"money-laundering\"\u003EMoney laundering\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESometimes criminals care less about stealing directly from the victim and more about obscuring where stolen money ultimately ends up. By persuading an innocent person to forward funds, scammers create another layer between themselves and the original theft, making financial investigations more difficult.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey transform the victims into money laundering machines, without their knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch1 id=\"what-venmo-recommends\"\u003EWhat Venmo recommends\u003C\u002Fh1\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVenmo's own guidance is straightforward.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you receive money from someone you don't know:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDon't spend the money\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDon't send a separate payment back\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EContact Venmo Support\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELet Venmo investigate the transaction\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn its User Agreement, Venmo specifically \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fvenmo.com\u002Flegal\u002Fus-user-agreement?hide_footer=&amp;hide_header=&amp;utm\"\u003Eadvises\u003C\u002Fa\u003E:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\"Accidental Payment: a scammer sends you a fraudulent payment, claims it was accidental, and asks that you return their money.\"\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote\u003E\n\u003Ch2 id=\"what-government-agencies-say\"\u003EWhat government agencies say\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EConsumer protection authorities have also warned about payment app refund scams.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Cstrong\u003EFederal Trade Commission (FTC)\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fconsumer.ftc.gov\u002Farticles\u002Fmobile-payment-apps-how-avoid-scam-when-you-use-one\"\u003Eadvises\u003C\u002Fa\u003E consumers to use payment apps only with people they know and trust and provides guidance on reporting fraud involving mobile payment services.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Cstrong\u003EFBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E encourages victims of online financial fraud, including payment app scams, to report incidents through its online reporting portal.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EState authorities have issued even more specific warnings.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, \u003Cstrong\u003EMichigan Attorney General Dana Nessel\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.michigansthumb.com\u002Fnews\u002Farticle\u002Fmichigan-ag-warns-scams-payment-apps-holidays-19999795.php\"\u003Ewarned\u003C\u002Fa\u003E residents about scammers who send money using stolen financial information before asking recipients to return it. Once the fraudulent transaction is reversed, victims who voluntarily sent money back may be left covering the loss.⁶\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-protect-yourself\"\u003EHow to protect yourself\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf someone claims they sent you money accidentally, resist the urge to solve the problem yourself.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstead:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELeave the money untouched\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDon't send a new payment\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EContact Venmo Support\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELet Venmo determine whether the payment is legitimate\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EReport suspicious activity if you believe you've been targeted\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf someone pressures you to ignore these steps, that's another sign the payment may be fraudulent.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"what-if-you-already-sent-the-money-back\"\u003EWhat if you already sent the money back?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou need to act quickly. Contact Venmo Support immediately, report the incident to the FTC and file a complaint with the FBI's IC3 if you believe fraud occurred.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou should also contact your financial institution if your linked bank account or card may have been compromised.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile recovering stolen money isn't always possible, reporting the incident may help investigators identify broader fraud campaigns.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003EFAQ\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"can-someone-really-reverse-a-venmo-payment\"\u003ECan someone really reverse a Venmo payment?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYes, in some cases. Payments involving stolen cards, compromised accounts, or unauthorized transactions may be reversed during a fraud investigation.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"should-i-send-money-back-if-someone-accidentally-paid-me-on-venmo\"\u003EShould I send money back if someone accidentally paid me on Venmo?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENo. Venmo recommends contacting Support instead of sending a new payment to the sender.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-can-i-tell-if-an-accidental-venmo-payment-is-legitimate\"\u003EHow can I tell if an accidental Venmo payment is legitimate?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou usually can't. If you're unsure, don't return the money yourself—let Venmo verify the transaction.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"what-should-i-do-if-i-receive-money-from-someone-i-dont-know\"\u003EWhat should I do if I receive money from someone I don't know?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELeave the money untouched and contact Venmo Support for guidance. Don't send a separate payment back.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"what-if-i-already-sent-the-money-back\"\u003EWhat if I already sent the money back?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EContact Venmo Support immediately and report the incident to the FTC and, if applicable, the FBI's IC3.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"why-do-scammers-ask-victims-to-send-the-money-back\"\u003EWhy do scammers ask victims to send the money back?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBecause your refund is a new transaction. If the original payment is later reversed, the money you sent may still be gone.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"can-this-scam-happen-on-other-payment-apps\"\u003ECan this scam happen on other payment apps?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYes. Similar scams target users of Cash App, PayPal, Zelle, and other peer-to-peer payment services.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-can-i-protect-myself-from-payment-app-scams\"\u003EHow can I protect myself from payment app scams?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnly send money to people you trust, verify unexpected payments through the app, and never let anyone pressure you into acting quickly.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",authors:[{id:af,name:ag,slug:ah,profile_image:ai,cover_image:aj,bio:ak,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:k,name:l,slug:m,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:ae,reading_time:z,url:"\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fvenmo-accidental-payment-scam\u002F"}],topPost:[{id:J,title:K,slug:L,feature_image:M,featured:c,published_at:N,custom_excerpt:a,plaintext:"An international law enforcement operation targeting online fraud has led to thousands of arrests and the seizure of hundreds of millions of dollars in criminal proceeds.\n\nThe operation, coordinated by Interpol and involving authorities from 97 countries and territories, uncovered—yet again—how online fraud has shifted to social media as the main attack vector. Rather than relying on malware or sophisticated hacking, many of the targeted criminal networks simply manipulated people into handing over money themselves.\n\n\nKey takeaways\n\n\n * Interpol's latest global anti-fraud operation resulted in more than 5,800 arrests across 97 countries and territories\n * Today's scammers increasingly manipulate victims through social engineering\n * Bitdefender research shows how social media has become a primary channel for scam distribution\n * Criminal fraud increasingly operates like a legitimate business, complete with organized teams and predictable work schedules\n * Consumers should consider using a personal scam detector when venturing online\n\n\n\nA global crackdown on social engineering scams\n\n\n\nOperation First Light 2026 ran between January and April this year, bringing together police agencies, financial investigators, and cybercrime specialists from nearly 100 jurisdictions.\n\nRather than targeting a single criminal group, the operation focused on the broader ecosystem of social engineering fraud—a category of crime that exploits trust instead of technical vulnerabilities. Criminals impersonate banks, government agencies, businesses, romantic partners, or investment advisers to persuade victims to voluntarily transfer money or disclose sensitive information.\n\nAccording to Intertpol, participating countries analyzed more than 152,000 fraud cases during the operation, identifying over 15,600 suspects, blocking more than 31,000 bank accounts, and issuing 99 international notices and diffusions to help locate offenders across borders.\n\n\nFrom fake police stations to business email compromise\n\n\n\nThe investigation uncovered a wide variety of criminal operations.\n\nIn Eswatini, authorities dismantled a network involved in illegal online gambling, money laundering, and sophisticated impersonation scams. Police seized hundreds of electronic devices, foreign currency, and even discovered a realistic replica of a Brazilian police station complete with fake uniforms and official-looking equipment used to deceive victims.\n\nIn another case, investigators in Singapore and Oman prevented the transfer of $6.6 million stolen through a business email compromise (BEC) scam. Criminals had impersonated a legitimate supplier and persuaded a commodity trading company to redirect a payment to fraudulent accounts before authorities intervened.\n\nMeanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities carried out multiple raids against cyber scam centers, arresting hundreds of suspects accused of organized online fraud operations.\n\nBitdefender data shows that many scam operations follow predictable work schedules, reinforcing what police investigations have long suggested: modern fraud is an organized business.\n\nScam activity peaks during the morning hours, when people typically receive their most important messages. Many fraud operations follow structured workdays rather than operating randomly.\n\n\nSocial engineering remains cybercrime's most effective weapon\n\n\n\nThe operation highlights a reality our blog has covered repeatedly: today's most successful cybercriminals often don't hack computers—they hack people.\n\nWhether it's an investment scam promising unrealistic returns, a fake bank representative requesting urgent verification, a romance scammer building emotional trust, or a business email compromise operation redirecting invoices, these attacks rely on psychological manipulation.\n\nOur own 2026 Global Scam Intelligence Report found that scammers increasingly meet victims where they already spend time—on social media, messaging platforms, SMS, phone calls, and online marketplaces—rather than relying solely on traditional phishing emails.\n\nAs we note in a recent blog article highlighting these findings, social media has evolved into a highly effective scam distribution channel, with 36% of users who encountered scams on social platforms interacting with them. Instead of baiting users hoping to open suspicious emails, scammers now conveniently place traps exactly where people spend hours every day.\n\nData from the Bitdefender 2025 Consumer Cybersecurity Survey also supports these findings, with more than a third of respondents reporting they encountered a scam through their social media feed.\n\nAs artificial intelligence makes impersonation easier and more convincing, social engineering is becoming both more scalable and harder to detect.\n\n\nInternational cooperation\n\n\n\nInterpol officials say no country can tackle these schemes alone.\n\n“Social engineering scams continue to pose a significant threat to our society,” said Tomonobu Kaya, Director of Interpol's Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, adding that criminal syndicates routinely operate across multiple jurisdictions, making international intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement critical to disrupting fraud networks and the money laundering operations that support them.\n\nScammers posing as government agencies, banks, tech support representatives, employers, and even romantic partners stole $3.5 billion from Americans in 2025, according to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).\n\nImposter scams were the most commonly reported type of fraud in the United States for the ninth consecutive year, with reported losses jumping nearly 20% from 2024.\n\n\nHow to block scammers\n\n\n\nWhile large international operations disrupt criminal networks, fraudsters launch new campaigns every day. A few habits can significantly reduce your risk:\n\n * Be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those promising guaranteed returns\n * Independently verify requests involving payments, invoices, or bank account changes\n * Never feel pressured into acting immediately because of “urgent” messages\n * Be cautious of unexpected contact from people claiming to represent banks, government agencies, or technical support\n * Use security software that can help identify phishing attempts, malicious websites, and scam campaigns before they reach you\n\nThe best defense is usually a healthy dose of skepticism: whenever someone demands money, personal information, or urgent action, verify first. However, it always helps to use a security tool.\n\nWhen in doubt about an unsolicited phone call, text or social media interaction, consider using a scam detector like Scamio or Scam Radar, our new scam-fighting solutions integrated across our consumer security suite.\n\nWe’ve also recently launched Bitdefender RealCheck — a standalone app for iOS and Android that helps you evaluate whether a video has been manipulated and may be intended to deceive.\n\nYou may also want to read:\n\nAmericans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams last year — and the scams are getting harder to spot\n\nScam centers keep office hours — because fraud is a business\n\nIs your social media feed the new scam inbox?",authors:[{id:o,name:p,slug:q,profile_image:r,cover_image:a,bio:s,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:h,name:i,slug:j,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:k,name:l,slug:m,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:n,name:g,slug:g,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:O,url:P},{id:al,title:am,slug:an,feature_image:ao,featured:c,published_at:ap,custom_excerpt:a,plaintext:"As millions of Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, cybercriminals are launching scams designed to take advantage of holiday excitement, patriotic pride, and limited-time offers. Researchers have identified multiple campaigns spreading through text messages, WhatsApp, Telegram, email, and social media—all using July 4th as the hook.\n\n\nKey takeaways\n\n *  Bitdefender Labs is tracking multiple active Fourth of July-themed scam campaigns targeting Americans across SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, and email.\n * Researcher Alecsandru Daj observed coordinated operations exploiting patriotic messaging, holiday shopping, and America's upcoming 250th anniversary to increase victim engagement.\n * Fake giveaways impersonate trusted brands like Costco, Publix and Tim Hortons.\n * Investment scams on Telegram promote fake commemorative gold coins.\n * Smishing campaigns use patriotic themes to steal personal information and money.\n\n\n1. Fake ‘250th Anniversary Gold Coin’ Investments\n\nAccording to Bitdefender researcher Alecsandru Daj, one of the most sophisticated campaigns we’ve been tracking targets Telegram users with offers to purchase \"Official 250th Anniversary Gold Coins.\"\n\nMessages urge recipients to act before July 4, claiming supplies are running low. They encourage buyers to buy dozens or even hundreds of coins as an investment for future generations. Victims are promised extraordinary returns, with coins allegedly worth nearly $2 million despite costing only around $163.\n\nThe scammers continually refine their messages using different emotional approaches, including:\n\n * Protecting your grandchildren's future\n * Fear of missing history\n * Exclusive patriot status\n * Time-limited availability\n\nHere are some recent examples of fraudulent Telegram messages:\n\n\nSample 1\n\nONE QUESTION BEFORE YOU SCROLL PAST THIS:\n\nWhat are you going to tell your grandchildren when they ask — \"Where were you when America turned 250?\"\n\nThe patriots who acted today will say: \"I secured these coins for you. I was there. This is yours forever.\"\n\n30 coins. 50 coins. 100 coins. Your $163 price is still active.\nYour grandchildren are still waiting.\n\n[fraudulent link]\n\n\nOfficial 250th Anniversary Gold Coin — Three Generations. One Legacy. Chosen Patriots Only.\n\n\nSample 2\n\nVAULT BREACH STILL ACTIVE —\n\nDiamond Patriots secured 100 coins. Elite Patriots secured 50 coins. Active Patriots secured 30 coins.\nTheir patriot status is CONFIRMED. Their families are protected.\n\nYour vault is STILL being drained. Your grandchildren STILL have nothing.\n\nOne click. That is all.\n\nREAL PATRIOTS DON'T SCROLL PAST THIS.\n[fraudulent link]\n\nThese are classic investment fraud tactics. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.\n\n\n2. ‘Free Independence Day Gifts’ on WhatsApp\n\nAnother campaign impersonates major retailers including Publix, Costco, and Tim Hortons.\n\nUsers receive WhatsApp messages advertising free Independence Day gifts, often appearing to come from friends or family members rather than unknown numbers. According to researchers, around 90% of these messages originate from contacts already saved in the recipient's phone, making them far more convincing.\n\nClicking the links leads to phishing websites designed to steal:\n\n * login credentials\n * personal information\n * contact details\n * potentially payment information\n\nIf someone you know suddenly sends an unexpected holiday giveaway, contact them through another form of communication before opening any links. Be especially wary of domains ending in .top, as these are a strong indicator of a scam.\n\nIf you’re unsure if a brand is handing out freebies ahead of 4th of July weekend, visit the official company website to verify before engaging with this type of giveaway links, even if they come from a known contact.\n\nWe’ve seen multiple campaigns on WhatsApp that follow this pattern. Last year, users were targeted with fake Sephora advent calendar giveaways where recipients were asked to forward the link to all WhatsApp contacts if they wanted to claim the prize, making them active promoters of the scam.\n\nNote: The food and retail brands listed above are legitimate businesses whose identities have been misused by cybercriminals. These organizations are victims of brand impersonation, not sources of the security issue. Bitdefender has no evidence that any of these brands were directly compromised or involved in the fraudulent activity.\n\n\n4. Fake Fourth of July Sales\n\nHoliday shopping provides another opportunity for scammers.\n\nFraudulent SMS campaigns impersonate well-known brands with \"Fourth of July Flash Sale\" promotions offering huge discounts on popular products. These Smishing campaigns began on July 1, targeting users across California, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas.\n\nThese messages often include:\n\n * Professional-looking formatting\n * Unsubscribe instructions\n * Realistic sale deadlines\n * Convincing branding\n\nBehind the scenes, however, the links lead to fake shopping websites intended to steal payment card information or other sensitive data.\n\nWhenever you receive a shopping offer by text, visit the retailer's official website directly instead of using the provided link.\n\n\n5. Patriotic Email Offers That Create False Urgency\n\nEmail inboxes are also filling up with patriotic promotions advertising exclusive collectibles and limited-edition merchandise, including Trump Eagle Coin 2025 , Trump Treasure Box 47th President Edition,  Never Surrender Gold Sneakers, Fight Fight Fight Watch,  Trump D.O.G.E. Coin\n\nMany use phrases like:\n\n * \"Only a few left\"\n * \"Offer ends tonight\"\n * \"Last chance\"\n * \"Patriots move fast\"\n\nThese messages are designed to pressure recipients into making impulsive purchases. Shoppers usually receive fake products or nothing at all, while exposing their personal and financial information.\n\n\nHow to stay safe this Fourth of July\n\nA few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk of falling for this type of holiday-themed scams:\n\n\nBe skeptical of investment opportunities promoted through messaging apps\n\nNo legitimate investment opportunity will pressure you to act before a holiday deadline or promise extraordinary returns. If someone encourages you to buy commemorative coins, cryptocurrency, or other assets through Telegram, WhatsApp, or social media, treat it as a red flag. Always research independently and verify offers through official sources before sending money.\n\n\nProtect your mobile device, where many of these scams begin\n\nThis year's campaigns are heavily centered on smartphones, arriving via SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, and mobile-friendly phishing pages. Because your phone is often the gateway to your banking apps, email, passwords, and digital identity, protecting it is just as important as securing your computer.\n\nUsing a trusted mobile security solution for Android and iOS, keeping your operating system and apps up to date, and enabling anti-phishing protection can help block malicious links and detect threats before they reach you.\n\n\nVerify links before clicking\n\nScammers frequently disguise malicious websites behind shortened URLs or domains that mimic trusted brands. If you're unsure whether a link is legitimate, check it first with Bitdefender Link Checker before opening it for free.\n\n\nThink before you trust unexpected messages\n\nA message from a friend or family member isn't always what it seems. If you receive an unexpected giveaway, investment opportunity, or urgent request, verify it through another communication channel before clicking links or sharing personal information.\n\n\nHave a chat with Bitdefender’s free AI-powered scam detector to identify scam messages\n\nIf you're unsure whether a text message, email, QR code, or social media post is legitimate, Bitdefender Scamio can analyze suspicious content and help you determine whether you're dealing with a scam.\n\n\nMonitor your digital footprint\n\nSome campaigns may use your real name, ZIP codes, or other personal details to appear more convincing. Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection helps you discover whether your personal information has been exposed in data breaches, allowing you to take action before criminals can misuse it.\n\nDisclaimer: This article is published for informational and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on technical research conducted by Bitdefender Labs and publicly available sources. Bitdefender does not make any legal determination regarding the activities described herein. The mention of any company, brand, domain, or individual does not constitute an accusation of illegal activity. The technical indicators and behavioral patterns described reflect observations made at the time of research and may change over time. Readers should exercise their own judgment and consult appropriate authorities or legal counsel if they believe they have been affected by any of the activities described. Domain names and URLs listed in this article are provided solely to help consumers and security professionals identify potentially harmful infrastructure. Bitdefender disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the information in this article.",authors:[{id:A,name:B,slug:C,profile_image:D,cover_image:a,bio:E,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:k,name:l,slug:m,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:n,name:g,slug:g,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:aq,url:ar},{id:as,title:at,slug:au,feature_image:av,featured:c,published_at:aw,custom_excerpt:a,plaintext:"For more than 15 years, WhatsApp has tied every account to a phone number. While simple, that design has always created a privacy dilemma: every time you joined a community, contacted a business, or messaged someone new, you exposed your personal number.\n\nThat's finally changing.\n\nWhatsApp has officially announced usernames, a long-awaited feature that lets people communicate without revealing their phone numbers. Instead of sharing a mobile number, you'll be able to share a unique username — similar to Telegram, Signal, Discord, or X (formerly Twitter). Username reservations are beginning now, with a gradual global rollout planned over the coming months.\n\nThe update represents one of WhatsApp's biggest privacy improvements in years — but like every new identity system, it also comes with new security considerations.\n\n\nKey takeaways\n\n\n * WhatsApp is introducing optional usernames, allowing people to connect without sharing their phone numbers\n * You can reserve your preferred username before the wider rollout reaches everyone\n * Usernames aren't publicly searchable, helping reduce unwanted contact\n * A new optional Username Key adds another layer of protection against unsolicited messages\n * While usernames improve privacy, they also introduce new impersonation and phishing risks users should understand\n\n\n\nWhat are WhatsApp usernames?\n\n\n\nA WhatsApp username is a unique identifier attached to your account that people can use to start a conversation without knowing your phone number.\n\nYour phone number isn't going away — it will still be required to create and maintain your WhatsApp account. However, for new conversations, your username can become your public identity instead of your phone number.\n\nUnlike social media usernames, WhatsApp usernames aren't designed for public discovery or building a following. They're primarily a privacy feature.\n\n\nWhy WhatsApp is introducing usernames\n\n\n\nThe change addresses one of WhatsApp's longest-standing privacy limitations.\n\nPreviously, anyone who knew your phone number could potentially contact you on WhatsApp. Likewise, participating in certain group conversations often meant exposing your number to people you didn't know.\n\nUsernames make it possible to:\n\n * Share a contact without revealing your phone number\n * Communicate with businesses more privately\n * Join communities while exposing less personal information\n * Separate your public identity from your mobile number\n * Reduce unwanted collection of your personal phone number\n\nFor creators, freelancers, and small businesses, usernames also provide a more memorable way for customers to reach them.\n\n\nHow to reserve your WhatsApp username\n\n\n\nIf the feature is available on your account:\n\n1.     Update WhatsApp to the latest version\n\n2.     Open Settings\n\n3.     Go to Account\n\n4.     Tap Username\n\n5.     Choose an available username\n\n6.     Confirm your selection\n\nIf the option doesn't appear yet, don't worry — WhatsApp is rolling out reservations gradually.\n\n\nWhatsApp username rules\n\n\n\nAccording to WhatsApp, usernames must follow several requirements, including:\n\n * Be unique\n * Contain between 3 and 30 characters\n * Include at least one letter\n * Use only lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores\n * Not begin with \"www\"\n * Not end with a web domain such as \".com\"\n * Not start or end with a period\n * Not contain consecutive periods\n\nCertain usernames may also be “reserved” to prevent impersonation of celebrities, organizations, and public figures.\n\n\nA second privacy layer: Username Key\n\n\n\nWhatsApp is also introducing an optional Username Key.\n\nThink of it as an extra verification code for your username. Even if someone learns your username, they may still need your Username Key before they can start a conversation with you.\n\nThis gives users more control over who can initiate contact, particularly if they share their username publicly on websites or social media.\n\n\nWill your phone number disappear?\n\n\n\nNot entirely.\n\nYour phone number will still exist behind your WhatsApp account, and existing contacts who already have your number will continue seeing it in many situations.\n\nThe biggest change applies when interacting with new people who don't already know your phone number.\n\nWhatsApp has also confirmed that there will be no public directory where anyone can browse usernames. Someone must know your exact username to contact you.\n\n\nPrivacy benefits\n\n\n\nFor everyday users, usernames offer several meaningful advantages.\n\nBetter protection in public groups\n\nIf you join neighborhood groups, hobby communities, or event chats, you no longer need to expose your phone number to dozens — or even hundreds — of strangers.\n\nEasier networking\n\nProfessionals can share a username on business cards or LinkedIn without revealing a personal phone number.\n\nMore control over personal information\n\nPhone numbers have become valuable pieces of personal data that are often reused for scams, spam calls, and identity verification attacks. Reducing how often you share yours can help limit your digital footprint.\n\n\nThe security risks you should know about\n\n\n\nLike any new online identity system, usernames create fresh opportunities for cybercriminals.\n\nUsername impersonation\n\nAttackers may attempt to register usernames that closely resemble legitimate people or brands.\n\nWhatsApp says it is reserving usernames for high-profile individuals and organizations to reduce impersonation, but scammers will likely try to spoof them.\n\nFake support accounts\n\nExpect scammers to create usernames pretending to be:\n\n * Banks\n * Delivery companies\n * Cryptocurrency exchanges\n * Government agencies\n * Technical support teams\n\nRemember that legitimate organizations rarely contact people unexpectedly through messaging apps.\n\nUsername harvesting\n\nIf you publish your username on social media, forums, or websites, it becomes another identifier scammers can collect.\n\nAlthough sharing a username is safer than sharing a phone number, it can still increase unsolicited contact attempts.\n\nAlso, pause and think before using an existing @username handle from a social platform (Instagram, X, etc.). That account name is already in the public domain.\n\n\nHow to stay safe\n\n\n\nTo get the most out of the new feature:\n\n * Choose a username that's recognizable but doesn't reveal unnecessary personal information\n * Enable the Username Key if you want tighter control over new contacts.\n * Be skeptical of unexpected messages — even if the username appears legitimate\n * Verify requests involving money, passwords, or sensitive information through another communication channel\n * Keep WhatsApp updated to receive the latest security improvements.\n * Review your privacy settings regularly to control who can see your profile information\n\nAs a rule of thumb, use a security solution to help detect malicious links, phishing attempts, and scams before they cause harm.\n\n\nFrequently asked questions (FAQ)\n\n\n\nAre WhatsApp usernames mandatory?\n\nNo. Usernames are optional. Your account will still require a phone number to register, but you can choose whether to create and use a username.\n\nCan someone find me by searching my username?\n\nNot through a public directory. WhatsApp says usernames won't be searchable — you'll need to share your exact username with someone if you want them to contact you. However, if you set your username as your social media handle, it’s easier for someone (anyone really) to find you on WhatsApp.\n\nWill my existing contacts still see my phone number?\n\nYes. People who already have your phone number and existing conversations won't suddenly lose access to it. Usernames primarily affect new interactions.\n\nCan I change my username later?\n\nYes. WhatsApp says usernames can be changed, although your previous username may become available for someone else to claim after you change it, subject to WhatsApp's policies.\n\nCan two people have the same username?\n\nNo. Like email addresses or social media handles, every WhatsApp username must be unique.\n\nWill businesses use usernames too?\n\nYes. Businesses and organizations will also be able to claim usernames, making it easier for customers to contact them while reducing confusion and helping prevent impersonation.\n\n\nBottom line\n\n\n\nWhatsApp usernames are much more than a cosmetic update — they fundamentally change how people connect on one of the world's most popular messaging platforms.\n\nBy allowing users to communicate without exposing their phone numbers, WhatsApp closes a longstanding privacy gap while bringing the app closer to competitors like Signal and Telegram. At the same time, usernames introduce familiar risks seen across other online platforms, including impersonation, phishing, and fake support accounts.\n\nAs the feature rolls out globally, the best approach is to reserve your preferred username early, review your privacy settings, and stay vigilant against anyone trying to exploit this new way of connecting.\n\nYou may also want to read:\n\nWhatsApp detects new spyware activity from Israel’s NSO Group despite court order\n\nThe deepfake detector in your pocket: introducing Bitdefender RealCheck\n\nScam centers keep office hours — because fraud is a business",authors:[{id:o,name:p,slug:q,profile_image:r,cover_image:a,bio:s,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:h,name:i,slug:j,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:n,name:g,slug:g,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:v,name:t,slug:w,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:ax,url:ay}],postsWhite:[{id:az,title:aA,slug:aB,feature_image:aC,featured:c,published_at:aD,custom_excerpt:a,html:aE,authors:[{id:aF,name:aG,slug:aH,profile_image:aI,cover_image:a,bio:aJ,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:h,name:i,slug:j,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:aK,reading_time:F,url:aL},{id:aM,title:aN,slug:aO,feature_image:aP,featured:c,published_at:aQ,custom_excerpt:a,html:aR,authors:[{id:o,name:p,slug:q,profile_image:r,cover_image:a,bio:s,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:h,name:i,slug:j,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:Q,name:R,slug:S,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:aS,reading_time:F,url:aT},{id:J,title:K,slug:L,feature_image:M,featured:c,published_at:N,custom_excerpt:a,html:W,authors:[{id:o,name:p,slug:q,profile_image:r,cover_image:a,bio:s,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:h,name:i,slug:j,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:k,name:l,slug:m,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:n,name:g,slug:g,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:O,reading_time:T,url:P}],postsBlack:[{id:"6a5090218beeea96580279c1",title:"Meta lets strangers remix your public Instagram photos with AI—here’s how to opt out",slug:"stop-meta-ai-using-public-instagram-photos",feature_image:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fmariia-shalabaieva-WR6qHgdWS-Y-unsplash--1--1.jpg",featured:c,published_at:"2026-07-10T09:28:10.000+03:00",custom_excerpt:a,html:"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EMeta’s new Muse Image AI generator let people create AI images based on photos from adult public Instagram accounts simply by mentioning those profiles in Meta AI.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe feature is enabled by default for eligible public accounts, and Instagram does not notify users when their photos are referenced; private profiles and accounts belonging to users under 18 are automatically excluded. To stop Meta AI from reusing your public Instagram photos, you must disable the relevant controls under \u003Ccode\u003ESharing and reuse\u003C\u002Fcode\u003E in Instagram’s settings or switch your account to private.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMuse Image lets people reference public Instagram accounts when generating AI images.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAdult public accounts are included by default, while private and under-18 accounts are excluded.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EInstagram users are not notified when their public photos are used in image generation.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPublic-account holders must change their reuse settings or make their accounts private to prevent this use.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"public-instagram-profiles-become-ai-source-material\"\u003EPublic Instagram profiles become AI source material\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeta has introduced Muse Image, its first image-generation model developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs. The model, available through Meta AI, powers new creative effects in Instagram Stories in the United States and image generation in WhatsApp in select countries.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMuse Image can combine several visual references in one prompt, including people, clothing, objects and environments. Its most controversial feature lets users @-mention a public Instagram account so Meta AI can draw from that profile’s public photos when creating a new image. The account owner receives no notification when their content is used.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"privacy-experts-challenge-the-default\"\u003EPrivacy experts challenge the default\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor adult users with public Instagram accounts, the reuse setting is enabled by default. Meta says private accounts and accounts of people under 18 are excluded, while public-account holders can disable the feature and report generated content that violates its rules.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPrivacy advocates argue that the system reverses meaningful consent by requiring people to discover and deactivate a new use of photographs they may have posted years ago. They also warn that children shown in photos published by an adult’s public account may not receive the same automatic protection, an issue Meta had not publicly clarified when the criticism emerged.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe risks extend beyond embarrassing edits. Images built from a recognizable person’s public posts could be used for harassment, impersonation, fabricated endorsements or deceptive social-media content, even when the output does not violate a platform rule immediately. Meta says Muse Image includes safeguards intended to block policy-breaking generations.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-stop-meta-ai-reusing-your-instagram-posts\"\u003EHow to stop Meta AI reusing your Instagram posts\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstagram users who want to block this form of reuse can open the app’s settings, select \u003Cstrong\u003ESharing and reuse\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, and disable the controls that allow the use of posts and Reels for AI image generation. Turning an account private offers broader protection because strangers can no longer reference its public content through Muse Image.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe change only controls Meta’s new generation feature; it does not erase the wider exposure created by years of public posting. Users should also review old posts, limit identifiable information and report suspicious AI images that misuse their likeness.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECreators and other public-facing users can strengthen their overall defenses with \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fsecurity-for-creators\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Security for Creators\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, which protects social accounts, content and devices. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fdigital-identity-protection\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Digital Identity Protection\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E can also help users monitor their digital footprint and exposed personal information. Neither replaces Instagram’s privacy controls, so users should still disable AI reuse or make their account private.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions-faqs\"\u003EFrequently asked questions (FAQs)\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"can-i-turn-off-meta-ai-on-instagram\"\u003ECan I turn off Meta AI on Instagram?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou cannot completely remove Meta AI from Instagram, but you can limit specific AI features. To stop Muse Image from using your public posts and Reels, open \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ccode\u003ESettings and activity &gt; Sharing and reuse\u003C\u002Fcode\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, disable the AI image-generation permissions, or make your account private.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"is-there-meta-ai-in-instagram\"\u003EIs there Meta AI in Instagram?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYes, Meta AI is integrated into Instagram and may appear in search, chats, support features and creative tools, depending on your country and account. Meta’s Muse Image generator can also reference eligible adult public Instagram profiles when creating AI images.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-can-i-prevent-meta-from-using-my-instagram-images-in-ai\"\u003EHow can I prevent Meta from using my Instagram images in AI?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOpen Instagram and go to \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ccode\u003ESettings and activity &gt; Sharing and reuse\u003C\u002Fcode\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, then disable the controls that allow your posts and Reels to be used for AI image generation. Making your account private also prevents other users from referencing your public profile through Muse Image, although it will not remove images that have already been generated.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-do-i-opt-out-of-instagram-ai\"\u003EHow do I opt out of Instagram AI?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo opt out of Muse Image reuse, disable the relevant options under \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ccode\u003ESharing and reuse\u003C\u002Fcode\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E in Instagram’s settings. If you live in the European Union, you can also submit Meta’s separate objection form to object to your public content and Meta AI interactions being used for AI-model training.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",tags:[{id:h,name:i,slug:j,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:v,name:t,slug:w,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],authors:[{id:X,name:Y,slug:Z,profile_image:_,cover_image:a,bio:$,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],excerpt:"Meta’s new Muse Image AI generator let people create AI images based on photos from adult public Instagram accounts simply by mentioning those profiles in Meta AI.\n\nThe feature is enabled by default for eligible public accounts, and Instagram does not notify users when their photos are referenced; private profiles and accounts belonging to users under 18 are automatically excluded. To stop Meta AI from reusing your public Instagram photos, you must disable the relevant controls under Sharing and",reading_time:F,url:"\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fstop-meta-ai-using-public-instagram-photos\u002F"},{id:"6a4d4c968beeea96580276fb",title:"How to find out if your identity has been exposed by infostealers",slug:"how-to-check-if-an-infostealer-stole-your-data",feature_image:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002FHow-to-find-out-if-your-identity-has-been-exposed-by-infostealers.png",featured:c,published_at:"2026-07-08T11:21:56.000+03:00",custom_excerpt:a,html:"\u003Cp\u003EYou don't have to fall for a phishing email or have one of your favorite websites suffer a data breach to become an identity theft victim. Sometimes, it just takes a piece of malware known as an infostealer to quietly steal your data in the background.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EInfostealers silently collect passwords, browser cookies, session tokens, and other sensitive information from infected devices.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECybercriminals increasingly target session tokens because they can provide access to accounts without requiring a password.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMany victims never realize they were infected until their stolen data is used months later.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUsing a trusted security solution on your computer and mobile devices is the best way to help prevent infostealer infections.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBitdefender Digital Identity Protection helps you discover whether your personal information has been exposed through data breaches or infostealer-related leaks so you can respond quickly.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"what-is-an-infostealer\"\u003EWhat is an infostealer?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAn infostealer is a type of malware specialized in stealing information. These infostealers are sneaky. They seek to stay invisible, unlike forms of malware such as ransomware, that make their presence known to the target by encrypting files and demanding payment. Once installed on a device, infostealers quietly search for valuable data and send it back to attackers without alerting the victim.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDepending on the malware family, an infostealer may collect saved passwords, browser cookies, authentication tokens, email addresses, cryptocurrency wallet information, banking details, browser history, autofill data, and even personal documents.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe stolen information is packaged into what criminals call \u003Cstrong\u003E\"logs.\"\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E These logs are then sold or shared in underground cybercrime communities, where other attackers buy them to launch account takeover attacks, commit identity theft, steal money, or impersonate victims online.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"why-stolen-sessions-have-become-more-valuable-than-passwords\"\u003EWhy stolen sessions have become more valuable than passwords\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPasswords are getting dethroned as a top coveted good for cybercrooks because attackers have something even more valuable long-term: your browser authentication sessions.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen you sign in to a website, your browser stores session cookies or authentication tokens that indicate you're already logged in. This allows you to continue using the service without entering your password every few minutes.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf an attacker steals that token, they may be able to access your account without your password, and may even bypass multi-factor authentication because your identity was already verified during the original login session.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-do-infostealers-infect-devices\"\u003EHow do infostealers infect devices?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfostealers don't necessarily rely on sophisticated hacking techniques. Hackers usually trick targets into installing malware on their devices with common lures, including fake software updates, pirated software, cracked applications, game cheats, malicious browser extensions, phishing emails, fake collaboration offers, and advertisements promoting seemingly legitimate downloads.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EContent creators, gamers, freelancers, and small business owners are particularly attractive targets because they often manage multiple online accounts that can be monetized if compromised.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce installed, the malware begins collecting information almost immediately. Since it rarely causes visible damage, many victims continue using their devices without realizing anything is wrong. What makes these malware infections so dangerous is that even if the infostealer is later removed, the stolen data doesn't disappear. It may continue to circulate in underground marketplaces for weeks or months before another criminal purchases it.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"prevention-is-your-fist-line-of-defense\"\u003EPrevention is your fist line of defense\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe best way to deal with an infostealer is to stop it before it can collect your information.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA trusted security solution can detect malicious downloads, block phishing websites, identify suspicious behavior, and stop many infostealers before they can take your passwords, browser cookies, or authentication tokens.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBecause many people access sensitive accounts from multiple devices, it's important to protect both your computer and your smartphone. Mobile devices increasingly store email accounts, banking apps, authentication apps, passwords, and other personal information that thieves want.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKeeping your operating system and applications updated, downloading software only from trusted sources, and using reputable security software across all your devices can significantly reduce your risk of infection.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-find-out-whether-your-data-and-identity-have-been-exposed-by-infostealer-malware\"\u003EHow to find out whether your data and identity have been exposed by infostealer malware\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fdigital-identity-protection\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Digital Identity Protection\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E continuously monitors your digital footprint and alerts you when your personal information appears in known data breaches or is exposed through infostealer-related leaks.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstead of wondering whether your information is circulating online, you receive visibility into exposed data associated with your identity, including compromised credentials and other sensitive information that could put your accounts at risk.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf exposure is detected, Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection helps you understand:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhat personal information has been exposed.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhich accounts may be affected.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhere the exposure originated, when available.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhat steps you should take to secure your accounts.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKnowing your information has been exposed gives you the opportunity to reset passwords, invalidate active sessions, enable stronger security measures, and reduce the likelihood of identity theft or account takeover.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"what-should-you-do-if-your-information-has-been-stolen\"\u003EWhat should you do if your information has been stolen?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf your personal information appears in a data breach or a leak related to an infostealer, don't panic. Quick action can significantly reduce the risk of cybercriminals misusing your data.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EImmediately change passwords for all your affected accounts. Use unique passwords for each one. You can use a free password generator to ensure both secure and unique or opt for a password manager.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEnable multi-factor authentication wherever available.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESign out of all active sessions to invalidate stolen session tokens.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERun a full malware scan on all your computers and mobile devices using a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fpremium-security\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Etrusted security solution\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERemove suspicious browser extensions or recently installed software.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMonitor financial accounts for unauthorized activity. If your financial accounts have been compromised, immediately notify your bank or financial institution and consider placing a credit freeze.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EContinue monitoring your digital identity for new exposures.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERemember that changing your password may not always invalidate an existing stolen session. Signing out of all devices forces websites to create new authenticated sessions, making previously stolen session tokens useless.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"faqs\"\u003EFAQs\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-do-i-know-if-i-have-an-infostealer\"\u003EHow do I know if I have an infostealer?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfostealers are designed to remain hidden. Even so, warning signs may include unexpected login alerts, unfamiliar browser extensions, missing browser sessions, unusually slow performance, or accounts being accessed from unfamiliar locations.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe safest approach is to run a full scan using a trusted security solution that can detect infostealers. If malware has already stolen your information, \u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Digital Identity Protection\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E can also alert you if your personal information appears in known data breaches or infostealer-related leaks.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-do-hackers-get-your-identity\"\u003EHow do hackers get your identity?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHackers use many techniques to steal personal information, including phishing attacks, malicious websites, fake downloads, software vulnerabilities, and large-scale data breaches.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfostealers are among the most effective methods because they collect usernames, passwords, browser cookies, session tokens, payment information, and other personal data directly from infected devices. Once stolen, this information may be sold to other cybercriminals, who use it to hijack accounts, commit fraud, or impersonate victims.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"can-hackers-bypass-multi-factor-authentication-mfa\"\u003ECan hackers bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA)?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMulti-factor authentication is one of the best ways to protect your accounts, but it isn't foolproof. If cybercriminals steal your session tokens or browser cookies after you've logged in, an attacker may be able to access that active session without entering your password or completing MFA again.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is why protecting your devices from malware is just as important as using strong authentication.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-can-i-avoid-infostealers\"\u003EHow can I avoid infostealers?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile no security measure can eliminate every risk, you can significantly reduce your chances of infection by combining safe online habits with layered protection.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDownload software only from official websites and trusted app stores.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAvoid pirated software, game cheats, and cracked applications.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBe cautious of unexpected email attachments, fake browser updates, and unsolicited collaboration offers.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EKeep your operating system, browsers, and applications up to date.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EInstall a trusted security solution on both your computer and mobile devices to help detect and block infostealers before they can steal your information.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMonitor your digital identity regularly so you'll know if your information has been exposed despite your best efforts.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E",tags:[{id:v,name:t,slug:w,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:"66f50fb228045a04f10ce9b3",name:"Data Breach",slug:"data-breach",description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],authors:[{id:A,name:B,slug:C,profile_image:D,cover_image:a,bio:E,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],excerpt:"You don't have to fall for a phishing email or have one of your favorite websites suffer a data breach to become an identity theft victim. Sometimes, it just takes a piece of malware known as an infostealer to quietly steal your data in the background.\n\n\nKey takeaways\n\n * Infostealers silently collect passwords, browser cookies, session tokens, and other sensitive information from infected devices.\n * Cybercriminals increasingly target session tokens because they can provide access to accounts w",reading_time:z,url:"\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fhow-to-check-if-an-infostealer-stole-your-data\u002F"},{id:"6a4cbd1f8beeea9658027620",title:"Instagram Marketplace scams: How to spot fake shops before you pay",slug:"instagram-marketplace-scams",feature_image:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Finstagram-marketplace-scams.jpg",featured:c,published_at:"2026-07-07T13:09:45.000+03:00",custom_excerpt:a,html:"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EInstagram marketplace scams happen when fake shops, impersonator accounts, or DM sellers trick buyers into paying for products that never arrive, counterfeit goods, or phishing links. The safest checks are to verify the seller, avoid off-platform pressure, inspect the website and payment method, and use protected checkout options where available.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Finstagram-scams\"\u003EInstagram Marketplace\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\u002Fstrong\u003Escams\u003C\u002Fa\u003E often use fake shops, copied product photos, hijacked accounts, comment links and “limited-time” deals to lure shoppers into unsafe purchases.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFake Instagram sellers may direct buyers to lookalike websites, request risky payment methods, or disappear after stealing money and personal details.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EInstagram fake product\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\u002Fstrong\u003Escams commonly involve counterfeit goods, non-delivery, cheap knockoffs, fake tracking numbers and products that look nothing like the ad.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe safest way to avoid Instagram shopping scams is to verify the seller outside of Instagram, check the payment method, inspect the website and treat suspicious DMs or comment links as potential \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Finstagram-phishing-fake-login-pages\"\u003Ephishing\u003C\u002Fa\u003E attempts.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"why-fake-product-scams-work-so-well-on-instagram\"\u003EWhy fake product scams work so well on Instagram\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstagram Marketplace is not always a formal marketplace in the way consumers might think of Facebook Marketplace. People use the term to describe shopping through Instagram Shops, seller profiles, Reels, Stories, ads, DMs, comments and links in bios. That fragmented buying journey is a breeding ground for scammers.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstagram fake product scams work because they appear where people already discover trends, brands and creator recommendations. In our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fglobal-scam-report-2026\"\u003E2026 Global Scam Intelligence Report\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, we found a 36% interaction rate with social media scams, noting that scam ads are reaching consumers inside trusted, everyday platforms. On Instagram, the possibilities are virtually endless because trust can be abused through polished product posts, sponsored-looking ads, comment links, fake creator endorsements and convincing storefront pages.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-instagram-fake-product-scams-usually-work\"\u003EHow Instagram fake product scams usually work\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost Instagram shopping scams begin with something that catches your eye. You see a well-placed product in your feed and you stop scrolling. It may be a viral beauty item, designer-inspired bag, discounted gadget, limited-edition sneaker, home accessory, pet accessory or handmade gift. The price is low enough to tempt you, but not always so low that it sets off alarm bells.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom there, the scam can go several ways. Most fake Instagram sellers redirect you to a cloned website that copies the branding of a legitimate retailer. The more patient con artists tend to keep the transaction inside DMs and ask for payment through bank transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, friends-and-family payment options or other methods that are hard to reverse. Some even send a fake tracking number to buy time or ship a cheap counterfeit product so the buyer hesitates before reporting the scam.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Ffake-vs-legit-instagram-seller-2.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"Side-by-side comparison of fake Instagram sellers and legit sellers with warning signs for marketplace scams.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1270\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw600\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Ffake-vs-legit-instagram-seller-2.jpg 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw1000\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Ffake-vs-legit-instagram-seller-2.jpg 1000w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Ffake-vs-legit-instagram-seller-2.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 720px) 720px\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"malicious-links-in-instagram-comments\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fmalicious-links-instagram-comments\"\u003EMalicious links in Instagram comments\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe link is often where the real damage happens. A fake Instagram seller may look legitimate on the surface, but the checkout page, tracking page or “discount” link can lead to phishing, credential theft or payment fraud. Our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fglobal-scam-report-2026\"\u003Ereport\u003C\u002Fa\u003E highlights the scale of this infrastructure: we analyzed 2.8 trillion URLs and identified and blocked 10 billion phishing URLs, with web-based threats described as the primary infrastructure behind digital scams.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you are unsure about a seller message, suspicious link or QR code, tools such as \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fscamio\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Scamio\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E can help analyze it before you click or pay; Scamio is designed to check suspicious texts, social media messages, links and QR codes.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"instagram-seller-scam-red-flags\"\u003EInstagram seller scam red flags\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome fake shops are convincing enough to fool careful shoppers, so look for patterns rather than a single obvious mistake.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWatch out for sellers that:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EOffer prices far below normal retail with no credible explanation.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHave many followers but little genuine engagement, repetitive comments or newly uploaded posts.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPush you to pay quickly, move to another messaging app, or avoid secure checkout.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUse stolen product photos, inconsistent branding or captions copied from other stores.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERefuse to provide a business website, return policy, order confirmation or verifiable contact details.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAsk for payment through gift cards, crypto, wire transfer or friends-and-family options.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe danger is not always a sloppy fake shop with poor spelling. Our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fglobal-scam-report-2026\"\u003E2026 Global Scam Report\u003C\u002Fa\u003E notes that the most effective scams don’t seem suspicious at first; they appear to come from recognizable brands, business accounts, familiar platforms or trusted contacts. That’s exactly why fake Instagram sellers can be convincing when they use stolen product photos, copied brand language, fake reviews and accounts that look like real small businesses.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Finstagram-marketplace-scam-red-flags.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"Checklist showing seven Instagram marketplace scam red flags including fake shops, payment pressure, and suspicious sellers.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw600\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Finstagram-marketplace-scam-red-flags.jpg 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw1000\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Finstagram-marketplace-scam-red-flags.jpg 1000w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Finstagram-marketplace-scam-red-flags.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 720px) 720px\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-check-if-an-instagram-seller-is-legit\"\u003EHow to check if an Instagram seller is legit\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore buying from an Instagram seller, slow down. Scammers rely on impulse and emotion to carry out their deceptive campaigns.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"cross-check\"\u003ECross-check\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStart by checking whether the seller exists outside Instagram. Search the shop name plus words like “scam,” “reviews,” “complaint” and “refund.” You should check a company before buying, especially when the purchase starts on social media.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"inspect-the-website\"\u003EInspect the website\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENext, inspect the website. Look for a real domain, a clear return policy, business address, customer support contact, secure payment options and consistent branding. A website that was created recently, uses awkward copy, has unrealistic discounts on every product, or mimics a known brand too closely deserves suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"use-reverse-image-search\"\u003EUse reverse image search\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReverse-search product images when possible. If the same photo appears on multiple unrelated shops, marketplace listings or old product pages, the Instagram seller may be using stolen images. Also compare prices with the official brand or reputable retailers. A “90% off today only” offer on a product that rarely goes on sale is not a bargain; it’s bait.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"creators-need-to-be-extra-careful\"\u003ECreators need to be extra careful\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor creators, small businesses and influencers, the risk can go further. A compromised Instagram account can be used to promote fake products to followers, post malicious comment links or impersonate a trusted seller. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fsecurity-for-creators\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Security for Creators\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E is built to help protect creator accounts, content and devices across Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, with features such as account monitoring, anti-scam email protection and account recovery assistance.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fshould-you-pay-instagram-seller-flowchart.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"Flowchart helping buyers decide whether to pay an Instagram seller safely and avoid marketplace scams.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1280\" height=\"3210\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw600\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fshould-you-pay-instagram-seller-flowchart.jpg 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw1000\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fshould-you-pay-instagram-seller-flowchart.jpg 1000w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fshould-you-pay-instagram-seller-flowchart.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 720px) 720px\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"what-to-do-if-you-already-paid-or-clicked\"\u003EWhat to do if you already paid or clicked\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you paid a suspected fake Instagram seller, act quickly. Contact your bank, card issuer or payment provider and ask whether the transaction can be reversed. You should contact the company used to send the money, report the transaction as fraudulent and ask for recovery options; cryptocurrency payments are typically not reversible.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"change-your-password\"\u003EChange your password\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you entered your Instagram password, change it immediately. Then enable two-factor authentication, log out of unknown sessions and check whether your email or phone number was changed. If you used the same password elsewhere, change it there too. Use a trustworthy password manager like \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fpassword-manager\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender SecurePass\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E to avoid password fatigue.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you shared personal information, monitor for identity misuse. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fdigital-identity-protection\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Digital Identity Protection\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E can help by monitoring personal information across the surface web and dark web, alerting users about data breaches and helping detect possible social media impersonation.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"report-suspicious-accounts\"\u003EReport suspicious accounts\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinally, report the seller, post, message or comment to Instagram and keep the evidence: screenshots, usernames, links, receipts, tracking numbers and messages. Scammers often delete accounts once complaints start coming in.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"conclusion\"\u003EConclusion\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstagram shopping is convenient, but convenience should not replace verification. Fake Instagram sellers exploit the same things that make social commerce appealing.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore buying, check the seller, the website, the payment method and the link. If the offer only works when you rush, ignore warning signs and pay outside protected channels, it is probably not a deal worth taking.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003EFAQ\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-do-you-know-if-an-instagram-seller-is-legit\"\u003EHow do you know if an Instagram seller is legit?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA legitimate Instagram seller usually has a consistent history, real customer interaction, clear contact details, transparent return policies, secure payment options and an online presence outside Instagram. Search the shop name alongside terms like “reviews,” “scam” and “complaint.” Verify the website domain and compare product photos and prices with trusted retailers before buying.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-to-tell-if-a-seller-is-scamming-you\"\u003EHow to tell if a seller is scamming you?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA seller may be scamming you if they pressure you to pay quickly, offer unrealistic discounts, avoid secure checkout, request gift cards, crypto, wire transfers or friends-and-family payments, refuse to provide order details, or send you to a suspicious link. Other warning signs include copied product images, fake-looking comments, poor policies and accounts that were recently created or suddenly changed identity.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"what-can-a-scammer-do-with-my-instagram\"\u003EWhat can a scammer do with my Instagram?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf a scammer gets access to your Instagram, they can lock you out, change your account details, impersonate you, message your friends, post fake product links, run scams under your name, or use your account to make fraudulent offers look trustworthy. They may also use private messages, personal details and connected accounts to target you or your contacts with more convincing scams.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",tags:[{id:k,name:l,slug:m,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:v,name:t,slug:w,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],authors:[{id:X,name:Y,slug:Z,profile_image:_,cover_image:a,bio:$,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],excerpt:"Instagram marketplace scams happen when fake shops, impersonator accounts, or DM sellers trick buyers into paying for products that never arrive, counterfeit goods, or phishing links. The safest checks are to verify the seller, avoid off-platform pressure, inspect the website and payment method, and use protected checkout options where available.\n\n\nKey takeaways\n\n * Instagram Marketplace scams often use fake shops, copied product photos, hijacked accounts, comment links and “limited-time” deals ",reading_time:G,url:"\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Finstagram-marketplace-scams\u002F"},{id:"6a47a1238beeea96580273b4",title:"India pauses WhatsApp username feature over security concerns",slug:"india-pause-whatsapp-username",feature_image:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fdimitri-karastelev-ynJaWgrwSlM-unsplash.jpg",featured:c,published_at:"2026-07-03T14:51:02.000+03:00",custom_excerpt:a,html:"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EIndia has asked WhatsApp to suspend the rollout of its upcoming username feature while regulators assess whether it could increase phishing, impersonation, and online fraud. The issue is delicate for WhatsApp, as usernames were supposed to give people more privacy. However, India says the feature could also give scammers more room to operate.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIndia has directed WhatsApp to pause its username rollout pending regulatory consultations\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EOfficials argue usernames could facilitate phishing, impersonation, and cyber fraud\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhatsApp says anti-abuse safeguards are built into the feature\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe dispute reflects regulatory pressure on encrypted messaging platforms\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"india-puts-whatsapp%E2%80%99s-new-feature-under-the-microscope\"\u003EIndia puts WhatsApp’s new feature under the microscope\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIndia has instructed WhatsApp to halt the domestic rollout of its planned username system and explain how the feature will prevent abuse. Authorities believe allowing conversations without exposing phone numbers could make it harder to identify malicious actors behind phishing campaigns, impersonation attempts, and financial scams.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe order temporarily blocks deployment in WhatsApp’s largest market, where the platform serves more than 500 million users. India worries the feature could make it easier for scammers to contact people without revealing a phone number.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"whatsapp-defends-privacy-first-design\"\u003EWhatsApp defends privacy-first design\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeta maintains the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fwhatsapp-usernames-explained-how-to-reserve\"\u003EWhatsApp username feature\u003C\u002Fa\u003E is intended to improve privacy by reducing the need to share personal phone numbers. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.whatsapp.com\u002Fits-time-to-reserve-your-whatsapp-username\"\u003EAccording to the company\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, users will still need a verified phone number to create an account, usernames will not be searchable, and first-time contacts must know an exact username before initiating conversations.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditional protections include limits on unsolicited messaging, automated abuse detection, and reserved usernames for prominent public figures to reduce impersonation risks.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile hiding phone numbers can improve privacy, any new identity system can become a target for scammers if identity verification and anti-abuse controls are lax.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"a-wider-debate-over-privacy-and-cybercrime\"\u003EA wider debate over privacy and cybercrime\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe dispute extends beyond WhatsApp. Indian regulators have reportedly begun examining similar username-based features on other encrypted messaging services, reflecting wider concerns over traceability and digital fraud.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECivil liberties advocates, meanwhile, argue governments should avoid approving or rejecting product features before launch, warning that such oversight could limit innovation and privacy protections.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"stay-safer-from-messaging-scams\"\u003EStay safer from messaging scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScammers often start with a message, link or fake identity. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fscamio\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Scamio\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E can help check suspicious WhatsApp messages, links and QR codes before you engage, while \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fdigital-identity-protection\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Digital Identity Protection\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E monitors exposed personal data and leaked credentials that criminals may use for impersonation. For broader protection, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fultimate-security\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Ultimate Security\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E brings scam protection, password management, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fvpn\"\u003EVPN\u003C\u002Fa\u003E privacy and identity monitoring into a single package.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",tags:[{id:h,name:i,slug:j,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:v,name:t,slug:w,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],authors:[{id:X,name:Y,slug:Z,profile_image:_,cover_image:a,bio:$,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],excerpt:"India has asked WhatsApp to suspend the rollout of its upcoming username feature while regulators assess whether it could increase phishing, impersonation, and online fraud. The issue is delicate for WhatsApp, as usernames were supposed to give people more privacy. However, India says the feature could also give scammers more room to operate.\n\n\nKey takeaways\n\n * India has directed WhatsApp to pause its username rollout pending regulatory consultations\n * Officials argue usernames could facilitat",reading_time:2,url:"\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Findia-pause-whatsapp-username\u002F"}],tagWhiteDetail:{slug:j,id:h,name:i,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a,url:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Ftag\u002Findustry-news\u002F"},tagBlackDetail:{slug:w,id:v,name:t,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a,url:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Ftag\u002Fdigital-privacy\u002F"},settings:{title:aa,description:aU,logo:aV,icon:a,accent_color:aW,cover_image:aX,facebook:aY,twitter:aZ,lang:d,locale:d,timezone:a_,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,navigation:[{label:a$,url:ab},{label:ba,url:bb},{label:t,url:bc},{label:H,url:bd},{label:be,url:bf},{label:y,url:bg}],secondary_navigation:[],meta_title:a,meta_description:a,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,members_support_address:bh,members_enabled:c,allow_self_signup:c,members_invite_only:c,paid_members_enabled:c,firstpromoter_account:a,portal_button_style:bi,portal_button_signup_text:bj,portal_button_icon:a,portal_signup_terms_html:a,portal_signup_checkbox_required:c,portal_plans:[bk,bl,U],portal_default_plan:U,portal_name:I,portal_button:c,comments_enabled:bm,recommendations_enabled:c,outbound_link_tagging:c,default_email_address:bn,support_email_address:bo,editor_default_email_recipients:bp,labs:{},url:bq,version:br},allBiTags:[]}],fetch:{"BlogMenu:0":{settings:{title:aa,description:aU,logo:aV,icon:a,accent_color:aW,cover_image:aX,facebook:aY,twitter:aZ,lang:d,locale:d,timezone:a_,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,navigation:[{label:a$,url:ab},{label:ba,url:bb},{label:t,url:bc},{label:H,url:bd},{label:be,url:bf},{label:y,url:bg}],secondary_navigation:[],meta_title:a,meta_description:a,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,members_support_address:bh,members_enabled:c,allow_self_signup:c,members_invite_only:c,paid_members_enabled:c,firstpromoter_account:a,portal_button_style:bi,portal_button_signup_text:bj,portal_button_icon:a,portal_signup_terms_html:a,portal_signup_checkbox_required:c,portal_plans:[bk,bl,U],portal_default_plan:U,portal_name:I,portal_button:c,comments_enabled:bm,recommendations_enabled:c,outbound_link_tagging:c,default_email_address:bn,support_email_address:bo,editor_default_email_recipients:bp,labs:{},url:bq,version:br},blogNames:bs,blogTitles:{hotforsecurity:aa,labs:"Labs",businessinsights:"Business Insights",cyberpedia:"Cyberpedia"},blogRegions:{hotforsecurity:[d,"ro","de",bt,"es"],labs:[d],businessinsights:[d,bt],cyberpedia:[d]},activeBlog:ac,blogFound:ac},"FilterSection:0":{posts:[{id:"6a54e5a08beeea9658027b53",title:"Password managers for small businesses: Are they worth it?",slug:"password-managers-for-small-businesses-are-they-worth-it",feature_image:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002FPassword-managers-for-small-businesses-Are-they-worth-it.png",featured:c,published_at:"2026-07-14T10:48:03.000+03:00",custom_excerpt:a,html:"\u003Cp\u003EMany cyberattacks begin with a stolen, guessed, or reused password. When employees manage dozens of accounts, from Google Workspace to banking, accounting, and social media, it becomes tempting to reuse passwords or save them in unsafe places. But password reuse across multiple platforms is the number one reason behind identity theft and losses associated with account takeover.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA password manager helps solve this problem by securely storing passwords and making it easier to use strong, unique credentials for every account.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHere’s why you need one for your business.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways:\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA password manager helps you create, store, and autofill strong passwords securely.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt reduces the risk of password reuse, one of the most common causes of account compromise.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEmployees only need to remember one strong master password instead of dozens of different passwords.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBusiness password managers make it easy to&nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003Emanage shared business account credentials securely\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E&nbsp;without sending passwords by email or chat.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA password manager works best when combined with multi-factor authentication (MFA).\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"why-small-businesses-need-a-password-manager\"\u003EWhy small businesses need a password manager\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs your business grows, so does the number of online accounts you need to manage, from email and accounting software to banking, cloud storage, customer databases, and social media.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EConvenience often wins over security and you might find yourself in one of these scenarios:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003EReusing the same password. The problem is that if just one website is compromised, attackers may try the same username and password combination on email accounts, cloud storage, accounting software, or other business services.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne stolen password can quickly become access to multiple systems.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003EChoosing weak passwords. Passwords such as&nbsp;Business2026,&nbsp;Welcome123, or the company name followed by a few numbers may seem unique enough, but they're surprisingly predictable. Cybercriminals use automated tools that can test millions of common passwords in minutes.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESaving passwords in unsafe places. Many businesses still keep passwords in spreadsheets, Word documents, notebooks, sticky notes, or chat conversations. These methods make passwords much easier to expose if a device is lost, stolen, infected with malware, or shared with the wrong person.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA password manager is one of the simplest cybersecurity tools a small business can adopt, and it can significantly reduce the risks while making everyday work easier.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERelated: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fsmall-business-cybersecurity-measures\"\u003EThe first 5 cybersecurity measures every small business should take\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"what-is-a-password-manager\"\u003EWhat is a password manager?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA password manager is a secure application that stores all of your passwords in an encrypted digital vault.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstead of remembering dozens of different passwords, you only need to remember one strong master password. The password manager securely stores the rest and automatically fills them in when you log in to your accounts.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost password managers can also generate long, unique passwords for every website and app you use. Think of it as a secure digital safe. Instead of carrying dozens of keys, you only need one to unlock everything inside.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-does-a-password-manager-work\"\u003EHow does a password manager work?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce you create your account, you'll choose a strong master password. This is the only password you'll need to remember.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe password manager encrypts your password vault, meaning the information is scrambled so only someone with your master password can unlock it.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom there, the password manager can:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003Egenerate strong, unique passwords\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003Esave login credentials securely\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003Eautofill passwords when you visit websites\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003Esynchronize your passwords across your authorized devices\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ewarn you if a password has been exposed in a known data breach or is being reused.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe entire process happens in the background, so employees can use strong passwords without having to remember or manually type them.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"what-features-should-small-businesses-look-for-in-a-password-manager\"\u003EWhat features should small businesses look for in a password manager\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENot every password manager offers the same features, but these are particularly useful for small businesses.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"strong-password-generation\"\u003EStrong password generation\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA good password manager should generate long, unique passwords for every account. This removes the guesswork and reduces the risk of password reuse, one of the most common causes of account compromise.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"automatic-password-capture-and-autofill\"\u003EAutomatic password capture and autofill\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe best password managers can automatically save new passwords when you create them and fill them in the next time you visit a website. This makes using strong, unique passwords much more convenient, so employees are less tempted to reuse old ones.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"password-health-monitoring\"\u003EPassword health monitoring\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELook for a password manager that regularly checks your password security. Features like password health reports can identify weak, reused, or compromised passwords and alert you when they should be changed.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"multi-device-support\"\u003EMulti-device support\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYour passwords should be available wherever you work, whether you're using a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet. Syncing securely across devices means employees always have access to the credentials they need.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"secure-password-sharing\"\u003ESecure password sharing\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEmployees sometimes need access to shared business accounts. A password manager should let you share credentials securely instead of sending passwords through email, spreadsheets, or chat apps.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESupport for multiple users\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you have employees, choose a password manager that supports multiple users. The best solutions let each employee have their own secure password vault while allowing an administrator to invite or remove users as your team changes.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"multi-factor-authentication-mfa\"\u003EMulti-factor authentication (MFA)\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdding MFA provides an extra layer of protection for your password vault, even if someone discovers your master password.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERelated:&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fone-person-access-business-risk\"\u003EWhat happens if you can’t get into your business accounts? The risk of one-person access\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"are-password-managers-safe\"\u003EAre password managers safe?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is one of the most common questions business owners ask because they feel storing all their passwords in one place sounds risky.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe difference is that reputable password managers protect your passwords using strong encryption and are specifically designed to safeguard sensitive information. Many also use a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning the provider cannot see the passwords stored in your vault.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENo security solution is perfect, however.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA password manager can't protect you if you reveal your master password to a scammer or sign in to a fake website designed to steal your credentials. That's why it's important to combine a password manager with good cybersecurity habits and multi-factor authentication.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother common misconception is that storing all your passwords together creates a single point of failure. In reality, using the same password across multiple accounts is often the much bigger risk.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERelated:&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Flost-business-device-traveling\"\u003EWhat to do if you lose a business laptop or phone while traveling\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"best-practices-for-using-a-password-manager\"\u003EBest practices for using a password manager\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing a password manager is straightforward, but a few simple habits can make it even more effective.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EChoose a long, unique master password that you don't use anywhere else.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEnable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELet the password manager generate unique passwords for every account, and avoid sharing passwords outside the password manager itself.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIf you have employees, review who has access to shared accounts regularly and remove access promptly when someone leaves the business.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EKeep your recovery key in a secure offline location in case you ever forget your master password.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERelated:&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fhow-to-work-safely-with-polyworkers-contractors-and-freelancers\"\u003EHow to Work Safely with Polyworkers, Contractors and Freelancers\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"password-managers-and-mfa-better-together\"\u003EPassword managers and MFA: Better together\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA password manager helps ensure every account has a strong, unique password. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification before someone can log in. Together, they make it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your business accounts.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor small businesses looking for an easy way to strengthen their security,&nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Password Manager\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, included in&nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, combines strong password generation, automatic password capture and autofill, password health monitoring, and secure syncing across devices. It also supports multiple users through a Shared Plan, allowing each employee to have their own private password vault while making password management easier for the business.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce you've taken the stress out of managing passwords, you can benefit from the other security features included in Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security. These include scam detection to help identify suspicious emails and websites, Digital Identity Protection to alert you if your business information is exposed in a data breach, and award-winning malware protection to help defend your devices against ransomware, viruses, and other cyber threats.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you're looking for a simple way to improve your business's cybersecurity, try \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fsmall-business-security\"\u003EBitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security free for 30 days\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, and see how it can help protect your accounts, devices, and business.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"faqs\"\u003EFAQs\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"do-small-businesses-really-need-a-password-manager\"\u003EDo small businesses really need a password manager?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYes. Even businesses with only a few employees often manage dozens of online accounts. A password manager makes it easier to secure those accounts while reducing the temptation to reuse passwords.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"is-a-password-manager-better-than-saving-passwords-in-my-browser\"\u003EIs a password manager better than saving passwords in my browser?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor business use, generally yes. Dedicated password managers typically offer stronger security, secure password sharing, password health monitoring, and administrative controls that browsers don't provide.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"can-a-password-manager-be-hacked\"\u003ECan a password manager be hacked?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA reputable password manager is designed to protect your data with strong encryption, making it extremely difficult for attackers to access stored passwords. However, no security tool is completely immune to risk. Using a strong master password and enabling multi-factor authentication significantly improves your protection.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"can-employees-safely-share-access-to-business-accounts\"\u003ECan employees safely share access to business accounts?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe safest approach is to use a business password manager. Instead of sharing passwords through email, spreadsheets, or messaging apps, employees can access the accounts they need through the password manager, making it easier to manage credentials securely.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"what-happens-if-i-forget-my-master-password\"\u003EWhat happens if I forget my master password?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERecovery options vary by provider. Some business password managers allow administrators to help users regain access, while others cannot recover the vault because of their zero-knowledge design.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"should-small-businesses-choose-a-free-or-paid-password-manager\"\u003EShould small businesses choose a free or paid password manager?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFree password managers can be suitable for personal use, but business plans usually include secure sharing, employee management, administrative controls, and additional security features that are well worth the investment.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",tags:[{id:Q,name:R,slug:S,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],authors:[{id:bu,name:bv,slug:bw,profile_image:bx,cover_image:a,bio:by,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],excerpt:"Many cyberattacks begin with a stolen, guessed, or reused password. When employees manage dozens of accounts, from Google Workspace to banking, accounting, and social media, it becomes tempting to reuse passwords or save them in unsafe places. But password reuse across multiple platforms is the number one reason behind identity theft and losses associated with account takeover.\n\nA password manager helps solve this problem by securely storing passwords and making it easier to use strong, unique c",reading_time:G,url:"\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fpassword-managers-for-small-businesses-are-they-worth-it\u002F"},{id:az,title:aA,slug:aB,feature_image:aC,featured:c,published_at:aD,custom_excerpt:a,html:aE,tags:[{id:h,name:i,slug:j,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],authors:[{id:aF,name:aG,slug:aH,profile_image:aI,cover_image:a,bio:aJ,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],excerpt:aK,reading_time:F,url:aL},{id:"6a54e4498beeea9658027b2d",title:"How small businesses get hacked through employees",slug:"employees-get-small-business-hacked",feature_image:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002FHow-small-businesses-get-hacked-through-employees.png",featured:c,published_at:"2026-07-13T16:17:32.000+03:00",custom_excerpt:a,html:"\u003Cp\u003EHackers don't always need to break into your systems if they can convince someone inside your business to open the door for them.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPeople are naturally trusting, work under pressure, and make quick decisions throughout the day. Cybercriminals understand this and design their attacks around human behavior rather than technical weaknesses.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways:\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EOverall, 43% of UK businesses experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the 2025\u002F2026 survey period. (\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Fstatistics\u002Fcyber-security-breaches-survey-20252026\u002Fcyber-security-breaches-survey-20252026\"\u003EUK Gov Cyber Breaches Survey\u003C\u002Fa\u003E).\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003E Phishing and spoofing were the most frequently reported internet crimes in 2024, while Business Email Compromise (BEC), which often starts with phishing, was one of the most financially damaging, according to the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ic3.gov\u002FAnnualReport\u002FReports\u002F2024_ic3report.pdf\"\u003EFBI\u003C\u002Fa\u003E.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEmployee mistakes are usually preventable with awareness training and simple security practices.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMulti-factor authentication, password managers, endpoint protection, and clear security policies significantly reduce risk.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-employees-accidentally-put-your-small-business-at-risk\"\u003EHow employees accidentally put your small business at risk\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost cyberattacks don't begin with sophisticated hacking techniques or complex technical vulnerabilities, but with simple human mistakes.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"1-falling-for-phishing-emails\"\u003E1. Falling for phishing emails\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAn employee might receive what appears to be an invoice from a supplier, a login request, a delivery notification, or an email from the accountant asking them to review an urgent document. The message looks legitimate, creates a sense of urgency, and encourages the recipient to click them to solve a fake issue.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI allows cybercriminals to create phishing emails faster and at a much larger scale than before. These messages often use natural language, correct grammar, and even personalized details about your business, making them much harder to spot.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERelated:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fclicked-phishing-link-business-email-what-to-do\"\u003EWhat to do if you clicked a phishing link in a business email\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"2-reusing-passwords\"\u003E2. Reusing passwords\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf an employee uses the same password across multiple work and personal accounts, a data breach on one website could give attackers access to your business accounts through a technique known as credential stuffing.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERelated\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E:&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fhow-to-check-if-your-business-is-affected-by-a-breach-and-what-to-do-if-it-is\"\u003EHow to Check If Your Business Is Affected by a Breach (And What to Do if It Is)\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"3-approving-fake-login-requests\"\u003E3. Approving fake login requests\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMulti-factor authentication adds an important layer of security, but it isn't foolproof. Some attackers repeatedly send authentication requests, hoping the employee eventually taps \"Approve\" simply to stop the notifications. This tactic, known as MFA fatigue, has been used in several high-profile cyberattacks.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERelated: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fbusiness-social-media-account-hacked\"\u003EWhat to do if your business social media account gets hacked\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"4-installing-unsafe-software\"\u003E4. Installing unsafe software\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEmployees sometimes download free tools, browser extensions, AI apps, PDF converters, or file-sharing software to make their work easier.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnfortunately, some of these downloads contain malware or request unnecessary permissions that expose business data. Even software that appears legitimate should only be installed if it's been approved by the business.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERelated\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E:&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fhow-to-spot-fake-software-deals-and-updates-before-they-hack-your-business\"\u003EHow to Spot Fake Software Deals and Updates Before They Hack Your Business\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"5-connecting-to-unsecured-public-wi-fi-without-a-vpn\"\u003E5. Connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi without a VPN\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPublic Wi-Fi networks in cafés, hotels, airports, or coworking spaces aren't always secure, making it easier for attackers to intercept internet traffic or create fake hotspots that look legitimate.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing a trusted VPN helps protect sensitive business information when working outside the office.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERelated: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Flost-business-device-traveling\"\u003EWhat to do if you lose a business laptop or phone while traveling\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"6-oversharing-on-social-media\"\u003E6. Oversharing on social media\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA LinkedIn post mentioning new software, an Instagram photo of a workstation, or a social media update about an upcoming conference can all provide useful information that attackers use to make phishing emails more believable.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe more they know about your business, the easier it becomes to impersonate someone you trust.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERelated: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fhow-to-check-if-your-business-is-being-impersonated\"\u003EHow to check if your business is being impersonated\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"7-sending-sensitive-information-to-the-wrong-person\"\u003E7. Sending sensitive information to the wrong person\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENot every data breach involves a hacker. Sometimes, it's simply a matter of sending sensitive information to the wrong person. A customer list is emailed to the wrong recipient, payroll information is shared because of an autocomplete mistake, or an invoice containing confidential details ends up with another client. These errors can still lead to data breaches, financial losses, and compliance issues.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERelated: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fceo-scams-how-to-identify-avoid-and-protect-your-business\"\u003ECEO Scams: How to Identify, Avoid, and Protect Your Business\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"8-using-personal-devices-for-work\"\u003E8. Using personal devices for work\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMany small businesses allow employees to check work emails or access company files from their own phones, tablets, or laptops. \u003C\u002Fstrong\u003EIf those devices aren't updated, protected with strong passwords, or secured with endpoint protection, they can become another way for attackers to access your business.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EClear bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies and basic security requirements can significantly reduce this risk.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERelated:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fno-it-department-how-small-teams-can-safely-manage-bring-your-own-device-byod\"\u003ENo IT Department? How Small Teams Can Safely Manage Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"9-falling-for-ai-powered-scams\"\u003E9. Falling for AI-powered scams\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003EEmployees may receive phishing emails written by AI, answer phone calls using deepfake voices that sound like a manager or colleague, or even interview fake job applicants using AI-generated identities.&nbsp; As AI tools become more accessible, teaching employees how to recognize these newer threats is becoming just as important as protecting them from traditional phishing emails.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERelated:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fhow-hackers-use-ai-to-target-small-businesses-what-helps-when-you-have-no-it-team\"\u003EHow Hackers Use AI to Target Small Businesses.\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile these attacks are common, they're also largely preventable. The right combination of security tools, employee awareness, and clear workplace policies can stop many attacks before they succeed.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"common-employee-cybersecurity-mistakes-and-how-to-prevent-them\"\u003ECommon employee cybersecurity mistakes and how to prevent them\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"\"\u003E&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\n\u003C!--kg-card-begin: html--\u003E\n\u003Ctable class=\"MsoNormalTable\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"643\" style=\"border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-yfti-tbllook:\n 1184;mso-padding-alt:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n \u003Cthead\u003E\n  \u003Ctr style=\"mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes\"\u003E\n   \u003Ctd width=\"158\" style=\"width:118.15pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n   \u003Cp class=\"TableHeading\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EEmployee\n   mistake\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n   \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n   \u003Ctd width=\"216\" style=\"width:161.8pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n   \u003Cp class=\"TableHeading\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EPotential\n   consequence\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n   \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n   \u003Ctd width=\"269\" style=\"width:201.95pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n   \u003Cp class=\"TableHeading\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EHow\n   to prevent it\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n   \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftr\u003E\n \u003C\u002Fthead\u003E\n \u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"mso-yfti-irow:1\"\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"158\" style=\"width:118.15pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EClicking a phishing email\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"216\" style=\"width:161.8pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EStolen passwords, malware,\n  ransomware, or account compromise\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"269\" style=\"width:201.95pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EProvide phishing awareness training,\n  use email security, and encourage employees to verify suspicious requests.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n \u003C\u002Ftr\u003E\n \u003Ctr style=\"mso-yfti-irow:2\"\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"158\" style=\"width:118.15pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EReusing passwords\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"216\" style=\"width:161.8pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EAttackers gain access to multiple\n  business accounts through credential stuffing\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"269\" style=\"width:201.95pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003ERequire unique passwords and use a\n  password manager.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n \u003C\u002Ftr\u003E\n \u003Ctr style=\"mso-yfti-irow:3\"\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"158\" style=\"width:118.15pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EApproving a fake MFA request\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"216\" style=\"width:161.8pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EUnauthorized access to business\n  accounts\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"269\" style=\"width:201.95pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003ETrain employees to only approve\n  login requests they initiated and enable number matching where available.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n \u003C\u002Ftr\u003E\n \u003Ctr style=\"mso-yfti-irow:4\"\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"158\" style=\"width:118.15pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EDownloading unapproved software\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"216\" style=\"width:161.8pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EMalware infection or data theft\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"269\" style=\"width:201.95pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EAllow software installation only\n  from trusted sources and use endpoint protection.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n \u003C\u002Ftr\u003E\n \u003Ctr style=\"mso-yfti-irow:5\"\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"158\" style=\"width:118.15pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EConnecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"216\" style=\"width:161.8pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EIntercepted business data or\n  man-in-the-middle attacks\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"269\" style=\"width:201.95pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EUse a VPN and avoid accessing\n  sensitive information on unsecured networks.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n \u003C\u002Ftr\u003E\n \u003Ctr style=\"mso-yfti-irow:6\"\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"158\" style=\"width:118.15pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EOversharing on social media\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"216\" style=\"width:161.8pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EMore convincing phishing and\n  impersonation attacks\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"269\" style=\"width:201.95pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EEncourage employees to avoid sharing\n  sensitive business information publicly.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n \u003C\u002Ftr\u003E\n \u003Ctr style=\"mso-yfti-irow:7\"\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"158\" style=\"width:118.15pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003ESending confidential information to\n  the wrong recipient\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"216\" style=\"width:161.8pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EData breach, financial loss, or\n  compliance issues\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"269\" style=\"width:201.95pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EDouble-check recipients before\n  sending emails and use secure file-sharing tools when appropriate.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n \u003C\u002Ftr\u003E\n \u003Ctr style=\"mso-yfti-irow:8\"\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"158\" style=\"width:118.15pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EUsing unsecured personal devices for\n  work\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"216\" style=\"width:161.8pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EBusiness data exposed if the device\n  is compromised\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"269\" style=\"width:201.95pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EImplement a BYOD policy, require\n  device updates, screen locks, and endpoint protection.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n \u003C\u002Ftr\u003E\n \u003Ctr style=\"mso-yfti-irow:9;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes\"\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"158\" style=\"width:118.15pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EFalling for AI-powered scams\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"216\" style=\"width:161.8pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003EFinancial fraud, account compromise,\n  or unauthorized payments\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n  \u003Ctd width=\"269\" style=\"width:201.95pt;padding:1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt 1.4pt\"\u003E\n  \u003Cp class=\"TableContents\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;\n  mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;\"\u003ETrain employees to verify unusual\n  requests through another communication channel and stay aware of AI-generated\n  scams.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fo:p\u003E\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n  \u003C\u002Ftd\u003E\n \u003C\u002Ftr\u003E\n\u003C\u002Ftbody\u003E\u003C\u002Ftable\u003E\n\u003C!--kg-card-end: html--\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-reduce-employee-cybersecurity-risks\"\u003EHow to reduce employee cybersecurity risks\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstead of asking, \"Who made the mistake?\", it's often more useful to ask, \"What security measures could have prevented it?\"\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHere are a few practical steps:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETrain employees to recognize phishing emails, fake websites, and common scams.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEnable multi-factor authentication on all business accounts.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEncourage employees to use a password manager and unique passwords.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EInstall modern endpoint protection on all business devices.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EKeep software and operating systems updated automatically.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELimit access to sensitive information so employees only have access to what they need.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEncourage employees to report suspicious emails or mistakes immediately, without worrying about getting into trouble.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"your-employees-can-be-your-strongest-security-layer\"\u003EYour employees can be your strongest security layer\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECybercriminals target employees because they're often the easiest way into a business. But with the right support, your team can also become one of your best defenses.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERegular cybersecurity awareness, clear security policies, and modern protection tools can significantly reduce your risk. Solutions like&nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E&nbsp;for businesses with&nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003E3 to 25 employees\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E&nbsp;help protect against phishing, scams, ransomware, malware, and other common cyber threats, helping prevent a single employee mistake from becoming a costly cyberattack.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETry Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fsmall-business-security\"\u003Efree for 30 days\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"faqs\"\u003EFAQs\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-do-hackers-target-employees\"\u003EHow do hackers target employees?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHackers commonly use phishing emails, fake login pages, social engineering, stolen passwords, malicious downloads, and phone scams to trick employees into giving them access to business systems.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"what-is-the-biggest-cybersecurity-risk-for-employees\"\u003EWhat is the biggest cybersecurity risk for employees?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPhishing remains one of the biggest risks because it can lead to stolen passwords, malware infections, ransomware, and business email compromise.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"can-one-employee-cause-a-data-breach\"\u003ECan one employee cause a data breach?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYes. A single compromised account or accidental mistake can allow attackers to access sensitive company data, customer information, or internal systems.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-often-should-employees-receive-cybersecurity-training\"\u003EHow often should employees receive cybersecurity training?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESecurity awareness should be ongoing, with short training sessions and phishing simulations throughout the year rather than a single annual course.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"what-should-an-employee-do-after-clicking-a-suspicious-link\"\u003EWhat should an employee do after clicking a suspicious link?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey should disconnect from the internet if appropriate, report the incident immediately, avoid entering any credentials, and change affected passwords if requested by the IT team or security provider.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"can-employees-accidentally-install-malware\"\u003ECan employees accidentally install malware?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYes. Employees can accidentally install malware by downloading fake software, opening malicious email attachments, installing unsafe browser extensions, or running infected files disguised as legitimate documents.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",tags:[{id:Q,name:R,slug:S,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],authors:[{id:bu,name:bv,slug:bw,profile_image:bx,cover_image:a,bio:by,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],excerpt:"Hackers don't always need to break into your systems if they can convince someone inside your business to open the door for them.\n\nPeople are naturally trusting, work under pressure, and make quick decisions throughout the day. Cybercriminals understand this and design their attacks around human behavior rather than technical weaknesses.\n\n\nKey takeaways:\n\n * Overall, 43% of UK businesses experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the 2025\u002F2026 survey period. (UK Gov Cyber Breaches Survey).",reading_time:G,url:"\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Femployees-get-small-business-hacked\u002F"},{id:"6a54e1458beeea9658027b03",title:"3 summer event scams you need to watch out for in 2026",slug:"fake-festivals-ticket-scams",feature_image:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fsummer-festival-scams.png",featured:c,published_at:"2026-07-13T16:12:10.000+03:00",custom_excerpt:a,html:"\u003Cp\u003EFestival season is in full swing, whether it’s a concert, food fest, outdoor movie night, or other local events. It's the season when millions of people discover what's happening nearby through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other social platforms.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScammers have been waiting for this exact moment, setting clever traps to catch people off guard.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAI is making fake festivals, event promotions, and scam websites more convincing than ever.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EScammers increasingly target both festival attendees and vendors through social media.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAlways verify events through official websites and trusted organizers before buying tickets or paying registration fees.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBe cautious of heavily discounted tickets, recently created event pages, and unusual payment requests.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETools like Bitdefender Scamio, Link Checker, and RealCheck can help you evaluate suspicious messages, links, and AI-generated videos before you interact with them.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile fake event tickets have been around for years, artificial intelligence has significantly changed the scam game. Criminals can now create convincing event posters, promotional videos, fake websites, and social media pages in minutes, making fraudulent events look more legitimate than ever before.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo, whether you're planning to attend a music festival or sign up as a vendor at a local fair, here are three summer event scams to watch out for before reaching for your wallet.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"scam-1-phantom-festival-scams\"\u003EScam #1: Phantom festival scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA popular scammer trend in recent years has been creating fake events that don’t exist in real life.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERather than impersonating an existing organizer, scammers create one that appears completely legitimate and then promote it on popular social media platforms. They often use professional-looking posters, polished websites, attractive social media pages, countdown timers, artist lineups, and limited-time ticket offers to create urgency.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI has made these scams much easier to pull off. Instead of spending days designing promotional materials, fraudsters can generate festival posters, event descriptions, logos, maps, schedules, and even promotional videos in a matter of minutes.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn other cases, scammers don't invent an event from scratch. They hijack a legitimate festival by creating fake promotional materials that include fraudulent contact information.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat's exactly what happened to organizers of the Spirit of Tenterden Festival in the UK. Festival organizers \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002Fspirittenterden\u002Fphotos\u002Fweve-become-aware-of-a-fake-ai-generated-poster-claiming-to-represent-the-spirit\u002F1475529597712684\u002F\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003Ewarned\u003C\u002Fa\u003E the public after an AI-generated poster began circulating online using incorrect email addresses and telephone numbers. They urged visitors and stallholders to ignore the fake poster and rely only on the festival's official website and verified social media channels for accurate information.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERed flags to watch for\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe event only seems to exist on social media.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe organizer has little or no history.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe website was registered recently or uses an unusual domain name.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EContact information differs from the organizer's official channels.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEvery ticket is heavily discounted or \"almost sold out.\"\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EYou can't find coverage from local news outlets or previous editions of the event.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"scam-2-fake-tickets-and-resale-scams\"\u003EScam #2: Fake tickets and resale scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENot every summer event scam starts with a fake festival. Sometimes the event is completely legitimate, but the person selling the tickets isn't.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMaybe you've been searching for tickets to a sold-out concert or a popular festival when you come across someone in a Facebook group or on Marketplace saying they can no longer attend. They have a believable story: a work commitment, a sick child, or a last-minute change of plans. They're willing to sell below face value because they \"just don't want the tickets to go to waste.\"\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo earn your trust, they may send screenshots of the tickets, booking confirmations, or QR codes that look perfectly genuine. The problem is that those tickets may have been altered, duplicated, or sold to multiple people. In many cases, victims only discover they've been scammed when they're turned away at the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome scammers take things a step further by creating fake ticketing websites that closely resemble legitimate vendors. You think you're buying from an official source, but you're actually entering your payment details on a fraudulent site designed to steal your money and personally identifiable information.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERed flags to watch for\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E The price is significantly lower than everyone else's. If tickets for a sold-out event are suddenly available at a steep discount, take a moment to verify the offer before paying.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe seller pressures you to act fast. Phrases like \"first come, first served,\" \"I have other buyers,\" or \"I need payment in the next 10 minutes\" are designed to rush your decision.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EYou're asked to use risky payment methods that offer little or no buyer protection.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe seller avoids official ticket transfer platforms. If they refuse to transfer tickets through the event's authorized ticketing service and only offer screenshots or PDFs, that's a major warning sign.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"scam-3-fake-vendor-invites\"\u003EScam #3: Fake vendor invites\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESummer events don't just attract attendees. They also attract food trucks, artisans, photographers, local businesses, charities, and exhibitors.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEvery year, fake organizer accounts contact businesses with \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Ffake-vendor-invitation-scams-small-business\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003Einvitations\u003C\u002Fa\u003E to participate in upcoming festivals, markets, and fairs. Victims are asked to reserve a booth by paying a registration fee or deposit, only to discover later that the invitation was fraudulent.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn some cases, criminals impersonate real festivals using copied branding and logos. In others, they invent entirely fictional events to collect vendor fees from multiple businesses before disappearing.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor small businesses, the financial loss can be especially painful. Besides losing the registration fee, they may miss opportunities to participate in legitimate events scheduled for the same weekend.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERed flags to watch for\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EInvitations sent from free email services instead of official domains.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERequests to pay quickly to \"secure your spot.\"\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EOrganizers unwilling to speak by phone.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPayment requests to personal bank accounts.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EContact details that don't match the official event website.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-protect-yourself-from-event-scams-this-summer\"\u003EHow to protect yourself from event scams this summer\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA few extra minutes of verification can save you from losing money or exposing your personal information.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"verify-the-event-organizer-independently\"\u003EVerify the event organizer independently\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDon't rely on the first social media post or sponsored advertisement you see. Visit the organizer's official website, check whether the event has been held before, and confirm that contact information matches across official channels.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"be-cautious-with-ai-generated-content\"\u003EBe cautious with AI-generated content\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA convincing video doesn't necessarily mean it's genuine. If you come across a promotional video featuring celebrity endorsements, artist announcements, or event organizers that seems unusual, verify it through official channels before trusting or sharing it.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender RealCheck\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E&nbsp;for&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fplay.google.com\u002Fstore\u002Fapps\u002Fdetails?id=com.bitdefender.deepfake\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAndroid\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E&nbsp;and&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fapps.apple.com\u002Fus\u002Fapp\u002Fbitdefender-realcheck\u002Fid6754698665\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EiOS\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E can help determine whether a video shows signs of being AI-generated or manipulated, providing an additional layer of confidence before you act.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"check-suspicious-links-before-clicking\"\u003ECheck suspicious links before clicking\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf someone sends you a ticket offer or registration page through social media or messaging apps, don't open it blindly.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Flink-checker\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Link Checker\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E allows you to analyze suspicious URLs before visiting them, helping identify potentially malicious or fraudulent websites.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"ask-scamio-before-you-pay\"\u003EAsk Scamio before you pay\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you're unsure about a seller, ticket offer, website, or conversation, upload a screenshot, message, or link to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fscamio\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Scamio\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E. It can analyze the content and explain whether it shows signs commonly associated with scams.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"protect-your-devices\"\u003EProtect your devices\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany summer event scams begin with a text message, email, or social media post viewed on a smartphone. A \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002F\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003Esecurity solution\u003C\u002Fa\u003E that can detect phishing attempts, malicious links, scam messages, and fraudulent websites provides another layer of protection before you share personal or financial information.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"what-to-do-if-you-think-you%E2%80%99ve-been-scammed\"\u003EWhat to do if you think you’ve been scammed\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you've already paid for tickets or a fraudulent vendor registration:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EContact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the transaction and discuss possible chargeback options.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReport the scam to the social media platform where you found the advertisement or seller.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENotify the legitimate festival or event organizer if their name or branding was abused.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EChange any passwords if you created an account on the fraudulent website.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERun a security scan on your devices if you downloaded files or apps from the scam website.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe sooner you act, the better your chances of limiting financial losses and preventing additional fraud.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"faqs\"\u003EFAQs\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-do-i-know-if-i-am-chatting-with-a-scammer\"\u003EHow do I know if I am chatting with a scammer?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETrust your instincts. If the conversation suddenly feels rushed or something doesn't quite add up, it's worth slowing down. Scammers often create a sense of urgency by saying they have other buyers waiting or that the tickets will be gone in minutes. They may avoid answering simple questions about the event, insist on moving the conversation to a different app, or ask you to pay using methods that don't offer buyer protection. Before sending any money, take a moment to verify the seller or run the conversation through \u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Scamio\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E for an extra opinion.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-do-i-know-if-im-being-scammed-for-festival-ticket-resale\"\u003EHow do I know if I'm being scammed for festival ticket resale?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA great deal can be tempting, especially for a sold-out event, but it's worth asking yourself why someone is selling valuable tickets so cheaply. Be cautious if the seller only offers screenshots instead of an official ticket transfer, refuses secure payment methods, or pressures you to pay immediately. Whenever possible, buy directly from the event organizer or a trusted resale platform, where buyer protections are usually in place.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"how-can-i-check-if-my-concert-ticket-is-legit\"\u003EHow can I check if my concert ticket is legit?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe safest tickets are those purchased through the event's official website or an authorized ticket seller. If you're buying from another person, ask whether the ticket can be transferred via the official ticketing platform rather than relying on screenshots or PDF copies. It's also a good idea to compare the ticket details with information published by the event organizer. If you receive a ticket through a link or email that seems suspicious, check the website first with \u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Link Checker\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, and don't hesitate to contact the organizer if something doesn't look right.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",tags:[{id:k,name:l,slug:m,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],authors:[{id:A,name:B,slug:C,profile_image:D,cover_image:a,bio:E,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],excerpt:"Festival season is in full swing, whether it’s a concert, food fest, outdoor movie night, or other local events. It's the season when millions of people discover what's happening nearby through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other social platforms.\n\nScammers have been waiting for this exact moment, setting clever traps to catch people off guard.\n\n\nKey takeaways\n\n * AI is making fake festivals, event promotions, and scam websites more convincing than ever.\n * Scammers increasingly target both f",reading_time:G,url:"\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Ffake-festivals-ticket-scams\u002F"},{id:aM,title:aN,slug:aO,feature_image:aP,featured:c,published_at:aQ,custom_excerpt:a,html:aR,tags:[{id:h,name:i,slug:j,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:Q,name:R,slug:S,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],authors:[{id:o,name:p,slug:q,profile_image:r,cover_image:a,bio:s,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],excerpt:aS,reading_time:F,url:aT},{id:J,title:K,slug:L,feature_image:M,featured:c,published_at:N,custom_excerpt:a,html:W,tags:[{id:h,name:i,slug:j,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:k,name:l,slug:m,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:n,name:g,slug:g,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],authors:[{id:o,name:p,slug:q,profile_image:r,cover_image:a,bio:s,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],excerpt:O,reading_time:T,url:P}],sidePosts:[{id:J,title:K,slug:L,feature_image:M,featured:c,published_at:N,custom_excerpt:a,html:W,authors:[{id:o,name:p,slug:q,profile_image:r,cover_image:a,bio:s,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:h,name:i,slug:j,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:k,name:l,slug:m,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:n,name:g,slug:g,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:O,reading_time:T,url:P},{id:al,title:am,slug:an,feature_image:ao,featured:c,published_at:ap,custom_excerpt:a,html:"\u003Cp\u003EAs millions of Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, cybercriminals are launching scams designed to take advantage of holiday excitement, patriotic pride, and limited-time offers. Researchers have identified multiple campaigns spreading through text messages, WhatsApp, Telegram, email, and social media—all using July 4th as the hook.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E&nbsp;Bitdefender Labs is tracking multiple active Fourth of July-themed scam campaigns targeting Americans across SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, and email.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EResearcher Alecsandru Daj observed coordinated operations exploiting patriotic messaging, holiday shopping, and America's upcoming 250th anniversary to increase victim engagement\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFake giveaways impersonate trusted brands like Costco, Publix and Tim Hortons.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EInvestment scams on Telegram promote fake commemorative gold coins.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESmishing campaigns use patriotic themes to steal personal information and money.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"1-fake-%E2%80%98250th-anniversary-gold-coin%E2%80%99-investments\"\u003E1. Fake ‘250th Anniversary Gold Coin’ Investments\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Bitdefender researcher Alecsandru Daj, one of the most sophisticated campaigns we’ve been tracking targets Telegram users with offers to purchase \"Official 250th Anniversary Gold Coins.\"\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMessages urge recipients to act before July 4, claiming supplies are running low. They encourage buyers to buy dozens or even hundreds of coins as an investment for future generations. Victims are promised extraordinary returns, with coins allegedly worth nearly $2 million despite costing only around $163.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe scammers continually refine their messages using different emotional approaches, including:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EProtecting your grandchildren's future\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFear of missing history\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EExclusive patriot status\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETime-limited availability\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHere are some recent examples of fraudulent Telegram messages:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"sample-1\"\u003ESample 1\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003EONE QUESTION BEFORE YOU SCROLL PAST THIS:\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWhat are you going to tell your grandchildren when they ask —&nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\"Where were you when America turned 250?\"\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe patriots who acted today will say:&nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\"I secured these coins for you. I was there. This is yours forever.\"\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E30 coins. 50 coins. 100 coins. Your $163 price is still active.\u003Cbr\u003EYour grandchildren are still waiting.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E[fraudulent link]\u003C\u002Fblockquote\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cem\u003EOfficial 250th Anniversary Gold Coin — Three Generations. One Legacy. Chosen Patriots Only.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fblockquote\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"sample-2\"\u003ESample 2\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003EVAULT BREACH STILL ACTIVE —\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDiamond Patriots secured 100 coins. Elite Patriots secured 50 coins. Active Patriots secured 30 coins.\u003Cbr\u003ETheir patriot status is CONFIRMED. Their families are protected.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EYour vault is STILL being drained. Your grandchildren STILL have nothing.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EOne click. That is all.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EREAL PATRIOTS DON'T SCROLL PAST THIS.\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E[fraudulent link]\u003C\u002Fblockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese are classic investment fraud tactics. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"2-%E2%80%98free-independence-day-gifts%E2%80%99-on-whatsapp\"\u003E2. ‘Free Independence Day Gifts’ on WhatsApp\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother campaign impersonates major retailers including Publix, Costco, and Tim Hortons.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsers receive WhatsApp messages advertising free Independence Day gifts, often appearing to come from friends or family members rather than unknown numbers. According to researchers, around 90% of these messages originate from contacts already saved in the recipient's phone, making them far more convincing.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EClicking the links leads to phishing websites designed to steal:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003Elogin credentials\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003Epersonal information\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003Econtact details\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003Epotentially payment information\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf someone you know suddenly sends an unexpected holiday giveaway, contact them through another form of communication before opening any links. Be especially wary of domains ending in\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E .top\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\u002Fstrong\u003Eas these are a strong indicator of a scam.\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you’re unsure if a brand is handing out freebies ahead of 4\u003Csup\u003Eth\u003C\u002Fsup\u003E of July weekend, visit the official company website to verify before engaging with this type of giveaway links, even if they come from a known contact.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe’ve seen multiple campaigns on WhatsApp that follow this pattern. Last year, users were targeted with fake \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fscam-alert-fake-sephora-advent-calendar-ads-and-whatsapp-messages-flood-europe-in-2025\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003ESephora advent calendar giveaway\u003C\u002Fa\u003Es where recipients were asked to&nbsp;forward the link to all WhatsApp contacts if they wanted to claim the prize, making them active promoters of the scam.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENote:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E The food and retail brands listed above are legitimate businesses whose identities have been misused by cybercriminals. These organizations are victims of brand impersonation, not sources of the security issue. Bitdefender has no evidence that any of these brands were directly compromised or involved in the fraudulent activity.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"4-fake-fourth-of-july-sales\"\u003E4. Fake Fourth of July Sales\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHoliday shopping provides another opportunity for scammers.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFraudulent SMS campaigns impersonate well-known brands with \"Fourth of July Flash Sale\" promotions offering huge discounts on popular products. These Smishing campaigns began on July 1, targeting users across California, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese messages often include:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EProfessional-looking formatting\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUnsubscribe instructions\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERealistic sale deadlines\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EConvincing branding\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBehind the scenes, however, the links lead to fake shopping websites intended to steal payment card information or other sensitive data.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhenever you receive a shopping offer by text, visit the retailer's official website directly instead of using the provided link.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"5-patriotic-email-offers-that-create-false-urgency\"\u003E5. Patriotic Email Offers That Create False Urgency\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEmail inboxes are also filling up with patriotic promotions advertising exclusive collectibles and limited-edition merchandise, including Trump Eagle Coin 2025 , Trump Treasure Box 47th President Edition, &nbsp;Never Surrender Gold Sneakers, Fight Fight Fight Watch,&nbsp; Trump D.O.G.E. Coin\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany use phrases like:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\"Only a few left\"\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\"Offer ends tonight\"\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\"Last chance\"\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\"Patriots move fast\"\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese messages are designed to pressure recipients into making impulsive purchases. Shoppers usually receive fake products or nothing at all, while exposing their personal and financial information.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-stay-safe-this-fourth-of-july\"\u003EHow to stay safe this Fourth of July\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk of falling for this type of holiday-themed scams:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"be-skeptical-of-investment-opportunities-promoted-through-messaging-apps\"\u003EBe skeptical of investment opportunities promoted through messaging apps\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENo legitimate investment opportunity will pressure you to act before a holiday deadline or promise extraordinary returns. If someone encourages you to buy commemorative coins, cryptocurrency, or other assets through Telegram, WhatsApp, or social media, treat it as a red flag. Always research independently and verify offers through official sources before sending money.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"protect-your-mobile-device-where-many-of-these-scams-begin\"\u003EProtect your mobile device, where many of these scams begin\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis year's campaigns are heavily centered on smartphones, arriving via SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, and mobile-friendly phishing pages. Because your phone is often the gateway to your banking apps, email, passwords, and digital identity, protecting it is just as important as securing your computer.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing a \u003Cstrong\u003Etrusted mobile security solution\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E for \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fmobile-security-android\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAndroid\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fmobile-security-ios\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EiOS\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, keeping your operating system and apps up to date, and enabling anti-phishing protection can help block malicious links and detect threats before they reach you.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"verify-links-before-clicking\"\u003EVerify links before clicking\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScammers frequently disguise malicious websites behind shortened URLs or domains that mimic trusted brands. If you're unsure whether a link is legitimate, check it first with \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Flink-checker\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Link Checker\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E before opening it for free.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"think-before-you-trust-unexpected-messages\"\u003EThink before you trust unexpected messages\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA message from a friend or family member isn't always what it seems. If you receive an unexpected giveaway, investment opportunity, or urgent request, verify it through another communication channel before clicking links or sharing personal information.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"have-a-chat-with-bitdefender%E2%80%99s-free-ai-powered-scam-detector-to-identify-scam-messages\"\u003EHave a chat with Bitdefender’s free AI-powered scam detector to identify scam messages\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you're unsure whether a text message, email, QR code, or social media post is legitimate, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fscamio\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Scamio\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E can analyze suspicious content and help you determine whether you're dealing with a scam.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"monitor-your-digital-footprint\"\u003EMonitor your digital footprint\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome campaigns may use your real name, ZIP codes, or other personal details to appear more convincing. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fdigital-identity-protection\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Digital Identity Protection\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E helps you discover whether your personal information has been exposed in data breaches, allowing you to take action before criminals can misuse it.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDisclaimer:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E \u003Cem\u003EThis article is published for informational and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on technical research conducted by Bitdefender Labs and publicly available sources. Bitdefender does not make any legal determination regarding the activities described herein. The mention of any company, brand, domain, or individual does not constitute an accusation of illegal activity. The technical indicators and behavioral patterns described reflect observations made at the time of research and may change over time. Readers should exercise their own judgment and consult appropriate authorities or legal counsel if they believe they have been affected by any of the activities described. Domain names and URLs listed in this article are provided solely to help consumers and security professionals identify potentially harmful infrastructure. Bitdefender disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the information in this article.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",authors:[{id:A,name:B,slug:C,profile_image:D,cover_image:a,bio:E,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:k,name:l,slug:m,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:n,name:g,slug:g,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:aq,reading_time:z,url:ar},{id:as,title:at,slug:au,feature_image:av,featured:c,published_at:aw,custom_excerpt:a,html:"\u003Cp\u003EFor more than 15 years, WhatsApp has tied every account to a phone number. While simple, that design has always created a privacy dilemma: every time you joined a community, contacted a business, or messaged someone new, you exposed your personal number.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat's finally changing.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhatsApp has officially \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.whatsapp.com\u002Fits-time-to-reserve-your-whatsapp-username?lang=en\"\u003Eannounced\u003C\u002Fa\u003E usernames, a long-awaited feature that lets people communicate without revealing their phone numbers. Instead of sharing a mobile number, you'll be able to share a unique username — similar to Telegram, Signal, Discord, or X (formerly Twitter). Username reservations are beginning now, with a gradual global rollout planned over the coming months.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe update represents one of WhatsApp's biggest privacy improvements in years — but like every new identity system, it also comes with new security considerations.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhatsApp is introducing optional usernames, allowing people to connect without sharing their phone numbers\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou can reserve your preferred username before the wider rollout reaches everyone\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUsernames aren't publicly searchable, helping reduce unwanted contact\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA new optional Username Key adds another layer of protection against unsolicited messages\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhile usernames improve privacy, they also introduce new impersonation and phishing risks users should understand\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\n\u003Ch2 id=\"what-are-whatsapp-usernames\"\u003EWhat are WhatsApp usernames?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA WhatsApp username is a unique identifier attached to your account that people can use to start a conversation without knowing your phone number.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYour phone number isn't going away — it will still be required to create and maintain your WhatsApp account. However, for new conversations, your username can become your public identity instead of your phone number.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike social media usernames, WhatsApp usernames aren't designed for public discovery or building a following. They're primarily a privacy feature.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"why-whatsapp-is-introducing-usernames\"\u003EWhy WhatsApp is introducing usernames\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe change addresses one of WhatsApp's longest-standing privacy limitations.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPreviously, anyone who knew your phone number could potentially contact you on WhatsApp. Likewise, participating in certain group conversations often meant exposing your number to people you didn't know.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsernames make it possible to:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EShare a contact without revealing your phone number\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECommunicate with businesses more privately\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EJoin communities while exposing less personal information\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESeparate your public identity from your mobile number\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReduce unwanted collection of your personal phone number\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor creators, freelancers, and small businesses, usernames also provide a more memorable way for customers to reach them.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-reserve-your-whatsapp-username\"\u003EHow to reserve your WhatsApp username\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf the feature is available on your account:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Update WhatsApp to the latest version\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Open \u003Cstrong\u003ESettings\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Go to \u003Cstrong\u003EAccount\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tap \u003Cstrong\u003EUsername\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Choose an available username\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Confirm your selection\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf the option doesn't appear yet, don't worry — WhatsApp is rolling out reservations gradually.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"whatsapp-username-rules\"\u003EWhatsApp username rules\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to WhatsApp, usernames must follow several requirements, including:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBe unique\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EContain between \u003Cstrong\u003E3 and 30 characters\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EInclude at least one letter\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUse only lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENot begin with \"www\"\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENot end with a web domain such as \".com\"\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENot start or end with a period\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENot contain consecutive periods\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECertain usernames may also be “reserved” to prevent impersonation of celebrities, organizations, and public figures.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"a-second-privacy-layer-username-key\"\u003EA second privacy layer: Username Key\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhatsApp is also introducing an optional \u003Cstrong\u003EUsername Key\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThink of it as an extra verification code for your username. Even if someone learns your username, they may still need your Username Key before they can start a conversation with you.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis gives users more control over who can initiate contact, particularly if they share their username publicly on websites or social media.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"will-your-phone-number-disappear\"\u003EWill your phone number disappear?\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENot entirely.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYour phone number will still exist behind your WhatsApp account, and existing contacts who already have your number will continue seeing it in many situations.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe biggest change applies when interacting with \u003Cstrong\u003Enew people\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E who don't already know your phone number.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhatsApp has also confirmed that there will be \u003Cstrong\u003Eno public directory\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E where anyone can browse usernames. Someone must know your exact username to contact you.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"privacy-benefits\"\u003EPrivacy benefits\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor everyday users, usernames offer several meaningful advantages.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBetter protection in public groups\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you join neighborhood groups, hobby communities, or event chats, you no longer need to expose your phone number to dozens — or even hundreds — of strangers.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEasier networking\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProfessionals can share a username on business cards or LinkedIn without revealing a personal phone number.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMore control over personal information\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPhone numbers have become valuable pieces of personal data that are often reused for scams, spam calls, and identity verification attacks. Reducing how often you share yours can help limit your digital footprint.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"the-security-risks-you-should-know-about\"\u003EThe security risks you should know about\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELike any new online identity system, usernames create fresh opportunities for cybercriminals.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUsername impersonation\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAttackers may attempt to register usernames that closely resemble legitimate people or brands.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhatsApp says it is reserving usernames for high-profile individuals and organizations to reduce impersonation, but scammers will likely try to spoof them.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFake support accounts\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EExpect scammers to create usernames pretending to be:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBanks\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDelivery companies\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECryptocurrency exchanges\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGovernment agencies\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETechnical support teams\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERemember that legitimate organizations rarely contact people unexpectedly through messaging apps.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUsername harvesting\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you publish your username on social media, forums, or websites, it becomes another identifier scammers can collect.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough sharing a username is safer than sharing a phone number, it can still increase unsolicited contact attempts.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlso, \u003Cstrong\u003Epause and think before using an existing \u003Cem\u003E@username\u003C\u002Fem\u003E handle from a social platform\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E (Instagram, X, etc.). That account name is already in the public domain.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-stay-safe\"\u003EHow to stay safe\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo get the most out of the new feature:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EChoose a username that's recognizable but doesn't reveal unnecessary personal information\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEnable the Username Key if you want tighter control over new contacts.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBe skeptical of unexpected messages — even if the username appears legitimate\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EVerify requests involving money, passwords, or sensitive information through another communication channel\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EKeep WhatsApp updated to receive the latest security improvements.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReview your privacy settings regularly to control who can see your profile information\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a rule of thumb, use a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002F\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Esecurity solution\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E to help detect malicious links, phishing attempts, and scams before they cause harm.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions-faq\"\u003EFrequently asked questions (FAQ)\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAre WhatsApp usernames mandatory?\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENo. Usernames are optional. Your account will still require a phone number to register, but you can choose whether to create and use a username.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECan someone find me by searching my username?\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENot through a public directory. WhatsApp says usernames won't be searchable — you'll need to share your exact username with someone if you want them to contact you. However, if you set your username as your social media handle, it’s easier for someone (anyone really) to find you on WhatsApp.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWill my existing contacts still see my phone number?\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYes. People who already have your phone number and existing conversations won't suddenly lose access to it. Usernames primarily affect new interactions.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECan I change my username later?\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYes. WhatsApp says usernames can be changed, although your previous username may become available for someone else to claim after you change it, subject to WhatsApp's policies.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECan two people have the same username?\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENo. Like email addresses or social media handles, every WhatsApp username must be unique.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWill businesses use usernames too?\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYes. Businesses and organizations will also be able to claim usernames, making it easier for customers to contact them while reducing confusion and helping prevent impersonation.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"bottom-line\"\u003EBottom line\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhatsApp usernames are much more than a cosmetic update — they fundamentally change how people connect on one of the world's most popular messaging platforms.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy allowing users to communicate without exposing their phone numbers, WhatsApp closes a longstanding privacy gap while bringing the app closer to competitors like Signal and Telegram. At the same time, usernames introduce familiar risks seen across other online platforms, including impersonation, phishing, and fake support accounts.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the feature rolls out globally, the best approach is to reserve your preferred username early, review your privacy settings, and stay vigilant against anyone trying to exploit this new way of connecting.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EYou may also want to read:\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fwhatsapp-new-spyware-israel-nso-group\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003EWhatsApp detects new spyware activity from Israel’s NSO Group despite court order\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fdeepfake-detector-bitdefender-realcheck\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe deepfake detector in your pocket: introducing Bitdefender RealCheck\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fscam-centers-office-hours-fraud-business\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003EScam centers keep office hours — because fraud is a business\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",authors:[{id:o,name:p,slug:q,profile_image:r,cover_image:a,bio:s,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:h,name:i,slug:j,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:n,name:g,slug:g,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:v,name:t,slug:w,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:ax,reading_time:z,url:ay},{id:"6a43e5cd8beeea9658027144",title:"Fake shop ads on Snapchat show how scammers continue to abuse social media",slug:"fake-shop-ads-on-snapchat",feature_image:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Ffake-shop-ad-on-snapchats.jpg",featured:c,published_at:"2026-06-30T19:08:51.000+03:00",custom_excerpt:a,html:"\u003Cp\u003EScrolling through social media and stumbling across an amazing bargain has become part of everyday life. Unfortunately, not every deal is what it appears to be.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBitdefender researchers recently came across scam ads on Snapchat promoting newly registered websites offering steep discounts on a wide range of products.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBitdefender researchers observed multiple Snapchat ads promoting websites that displayed characteristics commonly associated with phony online stores.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESeveral domains were registered only days before the ads appeared.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe sites advertised unusually large discounts, even claiming up to 80% off.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESome websites redirected visitors to additional shopping domains.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMost observed ads were eventually disapproved and removed.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe findings reflect tactics previously observed across other social media advertising platforms.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EConsumers should carefully evaluate unfamiliar online stores before making purchases.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"a-taste-of-suspicious-shopping-ads-observed-on-snapchat\"\u003EA taste of suspicious shopping ads observed on Snapchat\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAmong the examples recently observed by Bitdefender Labs researcher Eduard Prozoreanu were several Snapchat ads promoting newly registered shopping websites that showcased the telltale signs often associated with fraudulent online stores.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"zalandasportshop\"\u003EZalandasport[.]shop\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-0c22f71e-b6f8-4cd9-90ca-9de5957d208b.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"623\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw600\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-0c22f71e-b6f8-4cd9-90ca-9de5957d208b.png 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-0c22f71e-b6f8-4cd9-90ca-9de5957d208b.png 623w\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFirst observed on June 5, 2026, this ad displayed messages such as:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELimited stock available, only €23\u003Cbr\u003E🔥 Seulement aujourd'hui\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe domain had been registered on May 29, 2026, only days before the advertisement appeared.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers also observed redirection to another website, \u003Cstrong\u003Eveepee-vente[.]life\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, where heavily discounted products were advertised. Redirect chains are often used by malicious advertisers because they allow operators to change destinations while keeping advertising campaigns active.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"styleinsummershop\"\u003EStyleinsummer[.]shop\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-a0cb2adb-3d70-4f15-bfa0-9815f3ba6c0f.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"623\" height=\"307\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw600\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-a0cb2adb-3d70-4f15-bfa0-9815f3ba6c0f.png 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-a0cb2adb-3d70-4f15-bfa0-9815f3ba6c0f.png 623w\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-07a90be9-cfc0-4bcc-b8b6-c0d3c3e2cfc2.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"623\" height=\"292\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw600\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-07a90be9-cfc0-4bcc-b8b6-c0d3c3e2cfc2.png 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-07a90be9-cfc0-4bcc-b8b6-c0d3c3e2cfc2.png 623w\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EObserved on June 6, 2026, this website promoted summer products and footwear using advertising messages such as:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E🔥19€-Pantoufles d'été pour vous\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne promotion advertised an electric bike for around €50, a price low enough to make most shoppers stop scrolling and take notice. The domain itself was registered on June 2, 2026.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"tasfiyashop\"\u003ETasfiya[.]shop\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-d79a555e-5050-48ba-8e8e-6fabb7802454.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"608\" height=\"864\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw600\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-d79a555e-5050-48ba-8e8e-6fabb7802454.png 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-d79a555e-5050-48ba-8e8e-6fabb7802454.png 608w\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EObserved on June 13, 2026, this ad used a simple but familiar marketing hook:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E80% off\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe promotion directed users to a shopping website advertising heavily discounted products, including bonsai trees. The domain had been registered on June 1, 2026.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"stradivariusmallcom\"\u003EStradivariusMall[.]com\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother advertisement observed on June 17 directed users to \u003Cstrong\u003Estradivariusmall[.]com\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, a domain whose name evokes a well-known fashion retailer. However, instead of a clothing store, visitors were presented with a generic online shop selling unrelated products.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-54c6ca07-e755-4206-a384-8e416aa7f132.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"623\" height=\"366\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw600\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-54c6ca07-e755-4206-a384-8e416aa7f132.png 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fdata-src-image-54c6ca07-e755-4206-a384-8e416aa7f132.png 623w\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E&nbsp;The domain had been registered only days earlier, on June 9, 2026, was classified as malicious, and the advertisement was later disapproved.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile many of the scam ads were eventually disapproved and removed, the findings highlight an ongoing challenge facing social media platforms: scammers continue to exploit advertising systems to promote questionable storefronts, fake shops, and offers designed to entice users with deals that seem too good to be true.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe activity mirrors tactics Bitdefender has observed across Meta platforms, Reddit, Pinterest, and X, reinforcing the idea that scammers follow users wherever they spend time online.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"common-themes-observed-in-scam-ads-on-snapchat\"\u003ECommon themes observed in scam ads on Snapchat\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough the products varied, the ads shared a number of recurring characteristics that consumers should learn to recognize:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERecently registered domains\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMassive discounts and unrealistic pricing\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDisposable storefronts using generic e-commerce templates, sometimes paired with domains that evoke recognizable retail brands\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELimited online reputation\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EScarcity and urgency messaging\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EShort operational lifespans\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERedirects to additional domains\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn several cases, the websites appeared online only days before advertisements began running. This type of disposable infrastructure lets operators quickly launch new campaigns, collect traffic, and replace domains when advertisements are removed or websites become flagged.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"why-fake-shop-ads-continue-to-thrive\"\u003EWhy fake shop ads continue to thrive\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Snapchat examples are not isolated incidents.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fglobal-scam-report-2026\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003EBitdefender's Global Scam Intelligence Report 2026\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, approximately \u003Cstrong\u003E60 million people were targeted by scam advertisements on social media and video-content platforms\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E in 2025. The report also found that fake shops and fraudulent advertising rank among the leading scam categories observed globally.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe report further notes that malvertising has evolved into a major scam delivery mechanism rather than a niche tactic used by a small number of threat actors.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPart of the reason these scams continue to work is simple: people tend to trust what they see inside apps they use every day. If an offer appears as a paid advertisement, many users assume someone has already checked that it's legitimate.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThreat actors exploit that trust by creating professional-looking ads that resemble legitimate promotions from real retailers.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"the-challenges-facing-social-media-platforms\"\u003EThe challenges facing social media platforms\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMajor social media companies actively work to identify and remove deceptive ads.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESnapchat's advertising policies prohibit deceptive content, misleading claims, and scam-related promotions. The platform also provides educational resources to help users recognize fraudulent ads and suspicious offers.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENotably, many of the advertisements observed by Bitdefender researchers were eventually marked as disapproved and removed.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, scammers often operate faster than enforcement systems can respond. A newly registered domain can be advertised within hours, attract traffic for days, and disappear before many users realize something is wrong.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Flabs\u002Finside-the-apac-malvertising-ecosystem\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003Emalvertising campaigns\u003C\u002Fa\u003E today leverage newly created advertising accounts, compromised advertiser profiles, and accounts funded through stolen payment methods. These tactics can make enforcement more difficult and allow scammers to quickly return after previous campaigns are disrupted.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-stay-safe-from-fake-shop-ads\"\u003EHow to stay safe from fake shop ads\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether consumers are browsing Facebook, Instagram, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Freddit-scam-ads-impersonate-bbc-and-the-guardian\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003EReddit\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fpinterest-ad-scams-impersonate-amazon-clearance-sales\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003EPinterest\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, X, Snapchat, or the next popular social platform, scammers are constantly looking for opportunities to place their fraudulent content in front of potential victims.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe faster they can convince someone to click, the less likely that person is to investigate whether an offer is legitimate.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"verify-before-committing-to-any-purchase-even-if-it-looks-like-a-bargain\"\u003EVerify before committing to any purchase, even if it looks like a bargain\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore entering payment details:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBe skeptical of discounts that seem unusually large.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECheck how long the website's domain has been registered.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESearch for independent reviews outside the retailer's website.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EVerify that the business provides legitimate contact information and customer support channels.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECompare prices with established retailers.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA few minutes of research can help prevent financial loss and identity theft.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"use-free-scam-checking-tools-from-bitdefender\"\u003EUse free scam-checking tools from Bitdefender\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf an ad, message, or online offer seems suspicious, consider checking it before clicking.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFree tools such as \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fscamio\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Scamio\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E can help analyze suspicious messages, social media posts, emails, screenshots, and online offers for signs of fraud.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf an advertisement contains a link, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Flink-checker\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Link Checker\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E can help determine whether the destination appears suspicious before you visit it.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScammers count on users acting quickly. Taking a moment to verify an offer can make all the difference.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"protect-the-device-you-use-the-most\"\u003EProtect the device you use the most\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany people discover social media advertisements on their phones, making mobile devices an increasingly important target for scammers.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA \u003Cstrong\u003Emobile security solution\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E for\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fmobile-security-android\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAndroid\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fmobile-security-ios\" rel=\"noreferrer\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EiOS\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E can provide an additional layer of protection by helping identify fraudulent websites, phishing attempts, scam messages, suspicious links, and other threats before they lead to financial loss or account compromise.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether you're browsing social media, shopping online, or following links from advertisements, having protection on the device you use every day can help reduce your exposure to online scams.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERemember:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E A healthy dose of skepticism can save you a lot of trouble. The next time a social media ad promises an unbelievable bargain, pause for a moment. Spending a few extra minutes verifying the seller could save you from losing money, exposing your personal information, or dealing with fraud later.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDisclaimer:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E This article is published for informational and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on technical research conducted by Bitdefender Labs and publicly available sources. Bitdefender does not make any legal determination regarding the activities described herein. The mention of any company, brand, domain, or individual does not constitute an accusation of illegal activity. The technical indicators and behavioral patterns described reflect observations made at the time of research and may change over time. Readers should exercise their own judgment and consult appropriate authorities or legal counsel if they believe they have been affected by any of the activities described. Domain names and URLs listed in this article are provided solely to help consumers and security professionals identify potentially harmful infrastructure. Bitdefender disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the information in this article.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",authors:[{id:A,name:B,slug:C,profile_image:D,cover_image:a,bio:E,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:k,name:l,slug:m,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:n,name:g,slug:g,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:"Scrolling through social media and stumbling across an amazing bargain has become part of everyday life. Unfortunately, not every deal is what it appears to be.\n\nBitdefender researchers recently came across scam ads on Snapchat promoting newly registered websites offering steep discounts on a wide range of products.\n\n\nKey takeaways\n\n * Bitdefender researchers observed multiple Snapchat ads promoting websites that displayed characteristics commonly associated with phony online stores.\n * Several ",reading_time:G,url:"\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Ffake-shop-ads-on-snapchat\u002F"},{id:"6a3e546e8beeea9658026f58",title:"Scam Centers Keep Office Hours — Because Fraud Is a Business",slug:"scam-centers-office-hours-fraud-business",feature_image:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fscam-center.png",featured:c,published_at:"2026-06-26T13:35:17.000+03:00",custom_excerpt:a,html:"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EBitdefender telemetry shows that many scam operations follow predictable work schedules, reinforcing what police investigations have long suggested: modern fraud is an organized business.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKey takeaways:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EScam operations increasingly function like legitimate businesses, complete with specialized teams, performance targets, and predictable work schedules\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMore than 5% of global SMS traffic analyzed by Bitdefender was linked to risky campaigns or coordinated scam infrastructure\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EScam activity peaks during standard business hours, suggesting that human operators remain central to many fraud campaigns\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELaw enforcement investigations continue to dismantle large transnational scam centers operating across multiple countries\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EConsumers should verify unexpected messages, calls, and financial requests, and use dedicated scam-detection tools to stay protected\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESMS and phone calls are among the most personal digital communication channels—and the most effective attack vectors for organized cybercrime.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike mail or web content, text messages and calls catch our attention the moment they arrive, often appearing to come from friends, family members, banks, delivery companies, government agencies, or other trusted organizations.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis proximity creates a trust bias – one that threat actors exploit with great success.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fglobal-scam-report-2026\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2026 Global Scam Intelligence Report\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E reveals, more than 5% of all SMS traffic is associated with scams. In other words, approximately 1 in 20 messages exhibited characteristics consistent with scam infrastructure or coordinated fraud. This represents a high contamination rate for a communication channel perceived as high in trust.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fchart-1-4.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"931\" height=\"705\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw600\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fchart-1-4.jpg 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fchart-1-4.jpg 931w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 720px) 720px\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe most common scams delivered through SMS.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"organized-fraud\"\u003EOrganized fraud\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScams at this scale don't happen by accident. Behind many of these campaigns are organized fraud operations that function much like legitimate businesses.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInvestigators increasingly uncover scam compounds where hundreds of workers follow scripts, work shifts, and meet performance targets.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese operations are often divided into specialized teams. &nbsp;One group distributes millions of phishing texts or fraudulent messages, another handles phone calls from victims, while others focus on payment processing, cryptocurrency transfers, or laundering stolen funds.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELike any sales organization, efficiency is measured, tactics are refined, and successful campaigns are quickly replicated across countries and languages.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"transnational-scam-networks\"\u003ETransnational scam networks\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fscam-center-interpol-arrests-mena\"\u003ELaw enforcement actions\u003C\u002Fa\u003E expose the scale of these operations. Recent INTERPOL operations across the Middle East and North Africa led to hundreds of arrests linked to transnational scam networks responsible for online fraud, phishing campaigns, and financial scams.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESimilar investigations have uncovered \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Ftelecom-executives-plead-guilty-tech-support-fraud\"\u003Efraudulent tech support operations\u003C\u002Fa\u003E masquerading as legitimate customer service centers, complete with office infrastructure, managers, call scripts, and employees whose sole purpose was persuading victims to surrender remote access to their devices or transfer money.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur own telemetry reinforces this picture. Scam activity isn't evenly distributed throughout the day. Instead, many campaigns closely mirror standard business hours, suggesting that human operators – not just automated bots – remain an integral part of the fraud chain.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fchart-2-3.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1023\" height=\"552\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw600\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fchart-2-3.jpg 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002Fsize\u002Fw1000\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fchart-2-3.jpg 1000w, https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fchart-2-3.jpg 1023w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 720px) 720px\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EOur honeypots reveal that scam activity peaks around 8:00 a.m. Many fraud operations follow structured workdays rather than operating randomly.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to the &nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fbitdefender-2025-consumer-cybersecurity-survey\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender 2025 Consumer Cybersecurity Survey\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, 7 out of 10 people have encountered a scam of some type in the last 12 months, and 1 in 7 fell victim to one.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\"download-the-full-bitdefender-global-scam-intelligence-report-2026\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Ffiles\u002F2026\u002F06\u002Fglobal_scam_intelligence_2026.pdf\"\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDownload the full Bitdefender Global Scam Intelligence Report 2026\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe takeaway is simple: modern scams are no longer opportunistic crimes carried out by isolated individuals. They're organized businesses with employees, workflows, performance metrics – and, apparently, office hours.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-protect-yourself-from-sophisticated-scams\"\u003EHow to protect yourself from sophisticated scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs online fraud operations expand globally, consumers should assume that unsolicited messages, calls, and investment opportunities deserve verification before trust – especially in conversations involving investments, cryptocurrency, urgent financial requests, or emotional manipulation.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHere are some practical tips to reduce your risk:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBe skeptical of investment opportunities promoted through social media, messaging apps or dating platforms.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENever send money or cryptocurrency to an entity or person you have not verified independently.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWatch for pressure tactics involving urgency, secrecy, or emotional manipulation.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEnable multi-factor authentication on important accounts.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUse strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAvoid downloading attachments or clicking links from unexpected messages.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EKeep devices and security software updated.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EResearch companies, trading platforms, and investment offers independently before sending funds.\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"use-security-tools-that-detect-scams\"\u003EUse security tools that detect scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDedicated scam-detection tools can help identify phishing links, fraudulent messages, spoofed websites, and other indicators of online fraud before they cause harm.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo help people stay ahead of evolving threats, Bitdefender has introduced&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fscam-radar-bitdefender\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScam Radar\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, a new feature integrated into&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fmobile-security-android\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Mobile Security for Android\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003Eand\u003Cstrong\u003E&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fmobile-security-ios\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Mobile Security for iOS\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen in doubt about an unsolicited phone call, text or social media interaction, use&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fscamio\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScamio\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, our free scam detector and prevention service. Simply describe your situation and let Scamio guide you to safety.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EYou may also want to read:\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fglobal-scam-report-2026\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003EScams Have Gone Omnichannel: New Global Report Tracks Fraud Across Web, SMS, Social and Voice\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fscam-center-interpol-arrests-mena\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003EScam Centers Are Feeling the Heat – INTERPOL Makes 201 Arrests in the MENA Region\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Ftelecom-executives-plead-guilty-tech-support-fraud\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003ETelecom Executives Plead Guilty to Tech Support Fraud\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",authors:[{id:o,name:p,slug:q,profile_image:r,cover_image:a,bio:s,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:k,name:l,slug:m,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:n,name:g,slug:g,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:"Bitdefender telemetry shows that many scam operations follow predictable work schedules, reinforcing what police investigations have long suggested: modern fraud is an organized business.\n\nKey takeaways:\n\n\n * Scam operations increasingly function like legitimate businesses, complete with specialized teams, performance targets, and predictable work schedules\n * More than 5% of global SMS traffic analyzed by Bitdefender was linked to risky campaigns or coordinated scam infrastructure\n * Scam activ",reading_time:T,url:"\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fscam-centers-office-hours-fraud-business\u002F"},{id:"6a3bcde08beeea9658026e52",title:"GTA VI is coming this fall, accompanied by a flood of scams",slug:"gta-vi-is-coming-this-fall-accompanied-by-a-flood-of-scams-2",feature_image:"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002FChatGPT-Image-Jun-23--2026--01_27_17-PM.png",featured:c,published_at:"2026-06-24T15:33:53.000+03:00",custom_excerpt:bz,html:"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGTA VI is likely to be the most anticipated game of all time, which means scammers will try to trick people in relation to the November launch. Don’t think scams will start this fall though; unfortunately, they are already here and will only increase.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAll major events are accompanied by scams. This is how the world works now, and our best protection is always to be aware of what’s happening in the online world.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince we know the exact date when GTA VI is expected to arrive worldwide, on Nov. 19 on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, it also gives us a timeframe for when the scams will increase exponentially.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGTA VI’s hype will make it a prime target for scammers\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFake beta invites and early access offers are already appearing\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBe careful with GTA VI preorders promoted through ads, social media, Discord or unsolicited messages\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERockstar hasn't announced a GTA VI PC release date—treat PC preorders, “Steam account” listings, APK files and cracked versions as red flags\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFake trailers, leaks and map reveals can lead to malicious ads, fake CAPTCHA pages, surveys or malware\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EScammers will impersonate Rockstar, PlayStation, Xbox, retailers and gaming influencers\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELaunch-day confusion will create fake support scams\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAfter launch, expect fake cheat tools, mod menus, money generators and “free shark card” offers\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\n\u003Ch2 id=\"fake-gta-vi-beta-access-scams\"\u003EFake GTA VI beta access scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis will likely become one of the biggest GTA VI scams before launch. In fact, they have already started to pop up. Scammers know that players want early access, so they’ll promote fake “closed beta,” “private playtest,” “creator preview,” or “early console testing” invitations.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese scams are likely to arrive through email, Discord, Reddit, YouTube comments, TikTok videos, X posts, Facebook ads and even direct messages. The links usually lead to phishing pages that ask users to log in with their Rockstar, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, Google or email accounts.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn other cases, the scam pushes users to download a fake beta installer. That file may contain malware, infostealers or remote access tools.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"fake-gta-vi-preorder-pages-and-collector%E2%80%99s-edition-scams\"\u003EFake GTA VI preorder pages and collector’s edition scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFake preorder scams will likely grow as soon as demand spikes. Criminals will likely create spoofed Rockstar pages, fake listings, search ads or social media posts offering discounted copies, early delivery, preorder bonuses or limited collector’s editions.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome fake stores will steal payment card details. Others will ask users to create an account, enter personal information or connect their gaming accounts before checkout.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a rule, players should avoid preordering from ads, social media comments, Discord servers, or any type of unsolicited messages, not just for GTA VI.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"fake-gta-vi-downloads-for-pc-android-and-%E2%80%98early-access%E2%80%99-builds\"\u003EFake GTA VI downloads for PC, Android and ‘early access’ builds\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAny website offering a GTA VI PC download, Android APK, cracked version, leaked installer, compressed build, demo or preload file should raise immediate suspicion unless Rockstar has officially announced it.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScammers often hide malware behind files that appear to be game installers, launchers, graphics patches, activation tools, or update packages. These downloads can steal passwords, session cookies, crypto wallets, browser data and gaming accounts.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis scam will likely target users searching for terms such as “GTA VI PC download,” “GTA VI APK,” “GTA VI free download,” “GTA VI crack” and “GTA VI early access.”\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"gta-vi-pc-preorders\"\u003EGTA VI PC preorders\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPC players should be especially careful with GTA VI preorder offers. Rockstar has confirmed GTA VI for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X\u002FS, but it hasn't announced a PC release date.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat makes any “GTA VI PC preorder” suspicious, especially when it appears on grey-market websites instead of official storefronts.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome of these listings don’t even promise a normal game key. They offer access to a “Steam account” or another third-party account that supposedly contains GTA VI. That’s a major red flag.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBuyers may receive stolen accounts, shared accounts, empty accounts, banned accounts or nothing at all. They may also lose access later if the original owner recovers the account or the platform detects suspicious activity.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUntil Rockstar announces a PC version through official channels, players should avoid GTA VI PC preorder pages, “Steam account” offers, discounted PC keys, early access builds and any listing that asks them to buy access to someone else’s gaming account.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"fake-gta-vi-trailers-leaks-and-gameplay-videos\"\u003EFake GTA VI trailers, leaks and gameplay videos\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScammers will use fake leaks to capture attention. Expect posts claiming to show “Trailer 3 leaked,” “full map revealed,” “Vice City beta footage,” “ending leaked” or “first mission gameplay.”\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENot every fake leak will ask for money right away. Some will send users through malicious ad networks, fake CAPTCHA pages, browser notification traps, survey scams or fake download pages.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"gta-vi-giveaway-scams\"\u003EGTA VI giveaway scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFake giveaways will spread quickly on social media. Scammers can impersonate Rockstar, gaming influencers, streamers, retailers or console brands. They will promise free copies, beta keys, console bundles, collector’s editions, gift cards or GTA Online currency.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese scams usually ask users to follow accounts, share posts, complete surveys, enter personal details, pay “shipping fees” or log in to claim a prize.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"rockstar-playstation-and-xbox-account-verification-scams\"\u003ERockstar, PlayStation and Xbox account verification scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccount-theft campaigns will likely use GTA VI as bait. Scammers will claim that players need to verify their age, confirm their region, secure their preorder, link their Rockstar account or protect their console account before launch.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese messages will be made to look like official security alerts or warn users that their preorder will be canceled unless they act quickly.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"fake-gta-vi-launch-day-support-scams\"\u003EFake GTA VI launch-day support scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELaunch day will create confusion. Players may search for help with download delays, preorder problems, payment issues, account errors, installation failures or server problems.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScammers will exploit that confusion by pretending to offer Rockstar Support, PlayStation Support, Xbox Support or retailer support. They may appear in search ads, social media replies, fake help pages or direct messages.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"gta-vi-cheat-mod-menu-and-money-generator-scams\"\u003EGTA VI cheat, mod menu and money-generator scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter launch, scammers and cybercriminals will shift toward cheats and shortcuts. Expect fake “GTA VI money generators,” “RP boosters,” “mod menus,” “anti-ban tools,” “unlock all” files and “free shark card” offers.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese scams target players who want in-game money, rare items or faster progress. Instead of delivering cheats, the malware will steal accounts and infect devices.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd that’s not including the risk incurred by players who could get their accounts banned if they install suspicious third-party tools.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"stay-safe-from-gta-vi-scams\"\u003EStay safe from GTA VI scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGTA VI scams won’t wait for launch day. Fake beta invites, preorder pages, account verification messages and malicious downloads are already trying to catch players off guard.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fultimate-security\"\u003EBitdefender Ultimate Security\u003C\u002Fa\u003E helps protect your devices, accounts and privacy with award-winning malware protection, Scam Protection Pro, email protection, a password manager, unlimited VPN and digital identity protection.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore you click a GTA VI link, download a file, or enter your login details, make sure you’re protected.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n\u003C!--kg-card-begin: html--\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"background:#F9F9F9; border:1px solid #e5e5e5; border-radius:12px; padding:24px; margin:24px 0;\"\u003E\n\n  \u003Ch2\u003EFAQ\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\n\n  \u003Ch3\u003EIs GTA VI getting a public beta?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\n  \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnswer:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E Rockstar hasn't announced a public GTA VI beta. Treat beta invitations, private playtest offers and early access links as suspicious unless they come from official Rockstar channels.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n\n  \u003Chr\u003E\n\n  \u003Ch3\u003EIs GTA VI available for PC preorder?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\n  \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnswer:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E No official GTA VI PC preorder has been announced. Rockstar has confirmed GTA VI for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X\u002FS, but it has not announced a PC release date.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n\n  \u003Chr\u003E\n\n  \u003Ch3\u003EAre GTA VI “Steam account” listings safe?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\n  \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnswer:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E No. A “Steam account” listing is not the same as a legitimate game key. Buyers may receive stolen, shared, banned or empty accounts. They may also lose access later.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n\n  \u003Chr\u003E\n\n  \u003Ch3\u003ECan I download GTA VI for PC or Android?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\n  \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnswer:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E No official GTA VI PC or Android version is available. Avoid websites offering GTA VI APK files, cracked versions, demos, preload files or early access builds.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n\n  \u003Chr\u003E\n\n  \u003Ch3\u003EHow do fake GTA VI beta scams work?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\n  \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnswer:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E Scammers send links through email, Discord, Reddit, TikTok, YouTube comments, X, Facebook ads or direct messages. The links usually lead to phishing pages or fake installers that can steal accounts or infect devices.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n\n  \u003Chr\u003E\n\n  \u003Ch3\u003EWhat are the biggest GTA VI scam red flags?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\n  \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnswer:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E Watch for early access offers, unofficial preorders, huge discounts, fake giveaways, “verify your account” messages, APK files, cracked versions, money generators and requests for login codes.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n\n  \u003Chr\u003E\n\n  \u003Ch3\u003EAre GTA VI giveaways real?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\n  \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnswer:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E Some official giveaways may exist in the future, but scammers will fake many of them. Be careful with giveaways that ask you to log in, pay shipping, complete surveys or share personal information.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n\n  \u003Chr\u003E\n\n  \u003Ch3\u003EHow can I stay safe from GTA VI scams?\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\n  \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnswer:\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E Use only official Rockstar, PlayStation and Xbox channels. Don’t download unofficial files. Don’t buy “Steam accounts.” Enable two-factor authentication. Never share passwords or login codes.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\n\n\u003C\u002Fdiv\u003E\n\u003C!--kg-card-end: html--\u003E\n",authors:[{id:af,name:ag,slug:ah,profile_image:ai,cover_image:aj,bio:ak,website:a,location:a,facebook:a,twitter:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a}],tags:[{id:k,name:l,slug:m,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:e,name:f,slug:d,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a},{id:n,name:g,slug:g,description:a,feature_image:a,visibility:b,og_image:a,og_title:a,og_description:a,twitter_image:a,twitter_title:a,twitter_description:a,meta_title:a,meta_description:a,codeinjection_head:a,codeinjection_foot:a,canonical_url:a,accent_color:a}],excerpt:bz,reading_time:z,url:"\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fgta-vi-is-coming-this-fall-accompanied-by-a-flood-of-scams-2\u002F"}],page:1,limit:999,isLoading:c,filterString:u,blogname:bs,menuItems:{hotforsecurity:{en:[{tag:u,name:x},{tag:"threats",name:"Threats"},{tag:V,name:y},{tag:ad,name:H},{tag:"tips-and-tricks",name:"Tips and Tricks"},{tag:bA,name:bB}],es:[{tag:u,name:x},{tag:"consejos-de-seguridad",name:"Consejos de Seguridad"},{tag:"noticias-de-la-industria",name:"Noticias de la industria"},{tag:"microempresas",name:"Microempresas"},{tag:"actualizaciones-de-productos",name:"Actualizaciones de productos"},{tag:"hogar-inteligente",name:"Hogar Inteligente"},{tag:bA,name:bB}],ro:[{tag:u,name:x},{tag:V,name:y},{tag:ad,name:H}],fr:[{tag:u,name:x},{tag:V,name:y},{tag:"conseils-astuces",name:"Conseils"},{tag:"maison-connectee",name:"Maison Connectée"},{tag:bC,name:"ABC CYBERSÉCURITÉ"}],de:[{tag:u,name:x},{tag:"branchennachrichten",name:"Nachrichten"},{tag:V,name:y},{tag:"tipps-und-tricks",name:"TIPPS"},{tag:ad,name:H},{tag:bC,name:"ABC DER CYBERSICHERHEIT"}]},labs:{en:[{tag:u,name:x},{tag:"antimalware-research",name:"Anti-Malware Research"},{tag:"free-tools",name:"Free Tools"},{tag:"whitepapers",name:"Whitepapers"}]},businessinsights:{en:[{tag:u,name:x},{tag:"enterprise-security",name:"Enterprise Security"},{tag:"cloud-security",name:"Cloud Security"},{tag:"privacy-and-data-protection",name:"Privacy and Data Protection"}]}}}},error:a,state:{lang:d,primaryTag:bD,server:"http:\u002F\u002Flocalhost:3000\u002Fnuxt\u002Fapi",mainTag:bD,locale:"en-us"},serverRendered:I,routePath:"\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002F",config:{pageEnv:"prod",_app:{basePath:ab,assetsPath:"\u002Fnuxt\u002F_nuxt\u002F",cdnURL:a}}}}(null,"public",false,"en","66f50fb228045a04f10ce986","EN","top","66f50fb228045a04f10ce98a","Industry News","industry-news","66f50fb228045a04f10ce9b2","Scam","scam","66f50fb228045a04f10ce992","66d5cbea28045a04f10b89d0","Filip TRUȚĂ","ftruta","http:\u002F\u002F0.gravatar.com\u002Favatar\u002F377aeee1f02a7ae7ac62f20f2f4ce504?s=512&d=mm&r=g","Filip has 17 years of experience in technology journalism. In recent years, he has focused on cybersecurity in his role as a Security Analyst at Bitdefender.","Digital Privacy","all","66f50fb228045a04f10ce985","digital-privacy","All","Product Updates",5,"66d5cbea28045a04f10b89c1","Alina BÎZGĂ","abizga","http:\u002F\u002F2.gravatar.com\u002Favatar\u002F8438d6e3076d0baf471aec1235424fcf?s=512&d=mm&r=g","Alina is a history buff passionate about cybersecurity and anything sci-fi, advocating Bitdefender technologies and solutions. She spends most of her time between her two feline friends and traveling.",3,6,"Smart Home",true,"6a50ff188beeea9658027a1f","INTERPOL crackdown shows scammers shifting to social media","interpol-social-media-scams","https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Finterpol-scam-social-media.jpg","2026-07-10T18:16:13.000+03:00","An international law enforcement operation targeting online fraud has led to thousands of arrests and the seizure of hundreds of millions of dollars in criminal proceeds.\n\nThe operation, coordinated by Interpol and involving authorities from 97 countries and territories, uncovered—yet again—how online fraud has shifted to social media as the main attack vector. Rather than relying on malware or sophisticated hacking, many of the targeted criminal networks simply manipulated people into handing o","\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Finterpol-social-media-scams\u002F","66f50fb228045a04f10ce9b5","Very Small Business","very-small-business",4,"yearly","product-updates","\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAn international law enforcement operation targeting online fraud has led to thousands of arrests and the seizure of hundreds of millions of dollars in criminal proceeds.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe operation, coordinated by Interpol and involving authorities from 97 countries and territories, uncovered—yet again—how online \u003Cstrong\u003Efraud has shifted to social media\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E as the main attack vector. Rather than relying on malware or sophisticated hacking, many of the targeted criminal networks simply manipulated people into handing over money themselves.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInterpol's latest global anti-fraud operation resulted in more than 5,800 arrests across 97 countries and territories\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EToday's scammers increasingly manipulate victims through social engineering\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBitdefender research shows how social media has become a primary channel for scam distribution\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECriminal fraud increasingly operates like a legitimate business, complete with organized teams and predictable work schedules\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EConsumers should consider using a personal scam detector when venturing online\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\n\u003Ch2 id=\"a-global-crackdown-on-social-engineering-scams\"\u003EA global crackdown on social engineering scams\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOperation First Light 2026\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E ran between January and April this year, bringing together police agencies, financial investigators, and cybercrime specialists from nearly 100 jurisdictions.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERather than targeting a single criminal group, the operation focused on the broader ecosystem of social engineering fraud—a category of crime that exploits trust instead of technical vulnerabilities. Criminals impersonate \u003Cstrong\u003Ebanks, government agencies, businesses, romantic partners, or investment advisers\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E to persuade victims to voluntarily transfer money or disclose sensitive information.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Intertpol, participating countries analyzed more than 152,000 fraud cases during the operation, identifying over 15,600 suspects, blocking more than 31,000 bank accounts, and issuing 99 international notices and diffusions to help locate offenders across borders.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"from-fake-police-stations-to-business-email-compromise\"\u003EFrom fake police stations to business email compromise\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe investigation uncovered a wide variety of criminal operations.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn Eswatini, authorities dismantled a network involved in \u003Cstrong\u003Eillegal online gambling, money laundering, and sophisticated impersonation scams\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E. Police seized hundreds of electronic devices, foreign currency, and even discovered \u003Cstrong\u003Ea realistic replica of a Brazilian police station\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E complete with fake uniforms and official-looking equipment used to deceive victims.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn another case, investigators in Singapore and Oman \u003Cstrong\u003Eprevented the transfer of $6.6 million\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E stolen through a business email compromise (BEC) scam. Criminals had impersonated a legitimate supplier and persuaded a commodity trading company to redirect a payment to fraudulent accounts before authorities intervened.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities carried out multiple raids against cyber scam centers, arresting hundreds of suspects accused of organized online fraud operations.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBitdefender data shows that \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fscam-centers-office-hours-fraud-business\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Emany scam operations follow predictable work schedules\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, reinforcing what police investigations have long suggested: \u003Cstrong\u003Emodern fraud is an organized business\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fchart-1-3.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"324\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fchart-1-3.jpg 600w\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScam activity peaks during the morning hours, when people typically receive their most important messages. Many fraud operations follow structured workdays rather than operating randomly.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"social-engineering-remains-cybercrimes-most-effective-weapon\"\u003ESocial engineering remains cybercrime's most effective weapon\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe operation highlights a reality our blog has covered repeatedly: today's most successful \u003Cstrong\u003Ecybercriminals often don't hack computers—they hack people\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether it's an investment scam promising unrealistic returns, a fake bank representative requesting urgent verification, a romance scammer building emotional trust, or a business email compromise operation redirecting invoices, these attacks rely on psychological manipulation.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur own \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fglobal-scam-report-2026\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2026 Global Scam Intelligence Report\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E found that scammers increasingly meet victims where they already spend time—on social media, messaging platforms, SMS, phone calls, and online marketplaces—rather than relying solely on traditional phishing emails.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs we note in \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fsocial-media-feed-scam-inbox\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ea recent blog article\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E highlighting these findings, social media has evolved into a highly effective scam distribution channel, with&nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003E36%&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003Eof users who\u003Cstrong\u003E&nbsp;encountered scams&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003Eon social platforms\u003Cstrong\u003E&nbsp;interacting with them\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E. Instead of baiting users hoping to open suspicious emails, scammers now conveniently place traps exactly where people spend hours every day.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fchart-2-3.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fchart-2-3.jpg 600w\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EData from the&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fbitdefender-2025-consumer-cybersecurity-survey\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender 2025 Consumer Cybersecurity Survey\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E also&nbsp;supports these findings, with&nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003Emore than a third of respondents\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E&nbsp;reporting they&nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003Eencountered a scam through their social media feed\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fchart-3-4.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fchart-3-4.jpg 600w\"\u003E\u003C\u002Ffigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs artificial intelligence makes impersonation easier and more convincing, social engineering is becoming both more scalable and harder to detect.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"international-cooperation\"\u003EInternational cooperation\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInterpol officials say no country can tackle these schemes alone.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E“Social engineering scams continue to pose a significant threat to our society,” \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.interpol.int\u002FNews-and-Events\u002FNews\u002F2026\u002FOver-5-800-arrests-USD-293-million-intercepted-in-global-fraud-bust\"\u003Esaid\u003C\u002Fa\u003E Tomonobu Kaya, Director of Interpol's Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, adding that criminal syndicates routinely operate across multiple jurisdictions, making international intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement critical to disrupting fraud networks and the money laundering operations that support them.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScammers posing as government agencies, banks, tech support representatives, employers, and even romantic partners \u003Cstrong\u003Estole $3.5 billion from Americans in 2025\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, according to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Famericans-lost-3-5-billion-imposter-scams-ftc\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ethe U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EImposter scams were the most commonly reported type of fraud in the United States for the ninth consecutive year, with reported losses jumping nearly 20% from 2024.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-block-scammers\"\u003EHow to block scammers\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile large international operations disrupt criminal networks, fraudsters launch new campaigns every day. A few habits can significantly reduce your risk:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBe skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those promising guaranteed returns\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIndependently verify requests involving payments, invoices, or bank account changes\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENever feel pressured into acting immediately because of “urgent” messages\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBe cautious of unexpected contact from people claiming to represent banks, government agencies, or technical support\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUse \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Ftotal-security\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Esecurity software\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E that can help identify phishing attempts, malicious websites, and scam campaigns before they reach you\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe best defense is usually \u003Cstrong\u003Ea healthy dose of skepticism\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E: whenever someone demands money, personal information, or urgent action, verify first. However, it always helps to use a security tool.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen in doubt about an unsolicited phone call, text or social media interaction, consider using a scam detector like \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fscamio\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScamio\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\u002Fstrong\u003Eor&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fscam-radar-bitdefender\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScam Radar\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, our new scam-fighting solutions integrated across our consumer security suite.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe’ve also recently launched \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Frealcheck.onelink.me\u002FxWYY\u002Fl7cmeixk\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender RealCheck\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E&nbsp;— a standalone app for iOS and Android that helps you evaluate whether a video has been manipulated and may be intended to deceive.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EYou may also want to read:\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Famericans-lost-3-5-billion-imposter-scams-ftc\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAmericans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams last year — and the scams are getting harder to spot\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fscam-centers-office-hours-fraud-business\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003EScam centers keep office hours — because fraud is a business\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fsocial-media-feed-scam-inbox\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003EIs your social media feed the new scam inbox?\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E","66d5cbea28045a04f10b89eb","Vlad CONSTANTINESCU","vlad","https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2021\u002F12\u002FVlad.jpg","Vlad's love for technology and writing created rich soil for his interest in cybersecurity to sprout into a full-on passion.\nBefore becoming a Security Analyst, he covered tech and security topics.","Consumer Insights","\u002F","hotforsecurity","smart-home","People who receive an unexpected Venmo payment from a stranger might be tempted to return it immediately, especially since the sender is quick to claim it was an accident.","66d5cbea28045a04f10b89df","Silviu STAHIE","sstahie","https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F03\u002FBD_Silviu_Stahie_Pic3-1.jpeg","https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F03\u002FBD_Silviu_Stahie_Pic3.jpeg","Silviu is a seasoned writer who followed the technology world for almost two decades, covering topics ranging from software to hardware and everything in between.","6a466e158beeea9658027335","Bitdefender Labs warn of Independence Day scams ahead of July 4","independence-day-scams-2026-alert","https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002F4th-of-july-scams.png","2026-07-02T17:15:17.000+03:00","As millions of Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, cybercriminals are launching scams designed to take advantage of holiday excitement, patriotic pride, and limited-time offers. Researchers have identified multiple campaigns spreading through text messages, WhatsApp, Telegram, email, and social media—all using July 4th as the hook.\n\n\nKey takeaways\n\n *  Bitdefender Labs is tracking multiple active Fourth of July-themed scam campaigns targeting Americans across SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram","\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Findependence-day-scams-2026-alert\u002F","6a4519ce8beeea96580272e0","WhatsApp usernames explained: how to reserve yours and stay safe","whatsapp-usernames-explained-how-to-reserve","https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fwhatsapp-usernames.jpg","2026-07-01T16:52:34.000+03:00","For more than 15 years, WhatsApp has tied every account to a phone number. While simple, that design has always created a privacy dilemma: every time you joined a community, contacted a business, or messaged someone new, you exposed your personal number.\n\nThat's finally changing.\n\nWhatsApp has officially announced usernames, a long-awaited feature that lets people communicate without revealing their phone numbers. Instead of sharing a mobile number, you'll be able to share a unique username — si","\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fwhatsapp-usernames-explained-how-to-reserve\u002F","6a5529808beeea9658027b77","The ransomware negotiator who was working for the other side","ransomware-negotiator-working-other-side","https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fransom-betrayal.jpeg","2026-07-13T21:10:06.000+03:00","\u003Cp\u003EWhen a company falls victim to a ransomware attack, it is not uncommon for it to turn to experts for help.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpecialist ransomware negotiation firms handle communications with criminal gangs on a victim's behalf. They know how the ransomware gangs operate, how to buy time, and how to push back on extortionate demands. They can help manage the technical side of any payment if needed, and help a corporate victim assess whether decryptors actually work.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat victims don't expect is that their trusted negotiator might be separately sharing details of the victim's cyber-insurance policy and negotiation strategy directly with the attackers themselves.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat's precisely what Florida man Angelo John Martino III did, and last week a federal judge \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.justice.gov\u002Fopa\u002Fpr\u002Fflorida-ransomware-negotiator-who-extorted-and-attacked-multiple-us-victims-sentenced-prison\"\u003Esentenced him to 70 months in prison\u003C\u002Fa\u003E for it.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E41-year-old Martino worked as a ransomware negotiator for DigitalMint, an incident response company based in Chicago. His job was to negotiate on behalf of organisations who had been held to ransom by ransomware attacks.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, starting in April 2023, Martino started to live a double life. Unknown to his employer or clients, Martino was feeding information to the BlackCat (also known as ALPHV) ransomware group through a hidden tab within the same BlackCat negotiation panel he used for his legitimate work.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn exchange for a cut of the ransom payment, Martino fed the criminals everything they wanted: victims' insurance policy limits, their internal negotiating positions, and their financial circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn one occasion, Martino secretly tipped off a BlackCat affiliate that the victim's insurance company had only approved a limited payout.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the official negotiation chat - visible to both DigitalMint and the victim - he acted the role of concerned intermediary with aplomb. However, behind the scenes, the gang already knew exactly what they could extract.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe BlackCat operator's response in the official negotiation chat was clear: \"We know how much you can pay. Contact your insurance. We know about them also.\"\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe ransomware victim, a hospitality company, ultimately paid out nearly US $16.5 million.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn total, five of Martino's clients collectively made more than US $75.3 million in ransom payments between April and September 2023. This included a non-profit organisation that paid nearly US $26.8 million, and a financial services company that paid nearly US $25.7 million - each payment likely inflated due to the information Martino shared with the extortionists.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut that wasn't the limit of Martino's wrongdoing, because he and two colleagues (Kevin Martin, another DigitalMint negotiator, and Ryan Goldberg, an incident response manager at cybersecurity firm Sygnia) deployed BlackCat ransomware against more victims themselves.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe trio kept 80% of ransoms and paid 20% to the BlackCat gang, as affiliates - successfully extorting US $1.2 million from a medical device company.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn April 2026, Goldberg and Martin were both \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.justice.gov\u002Fopa\u002Fpr\u002Ftwo-americans-who-attacked-multiple-us-victims-using-alphv-blackcat-ransomware-sentenced\"\u003Esentenced to four years in prison\u003C\u002Fa\u003E.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMartino spent the cryptocurrency proceeds of his criminal activity on two Florida properties, a boat, and several vehicles. Authorities say that they have seized US $10 million of his assets, and a hearing in September will determine what other restitution he will have to make.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\"Angelo Martino sold out the very victims he was hired to represent, handing their confidential negotiating positions to BlackCat actors to drive up ransoms and enrich himself,\" said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI Cyber Division. “[The] sentence demonstrates that the FBI will pursue not just the criminals who deploy ransomware, but the insiders who enable them. Working with our partners, the FBI will find those who betray that trust and hold them accountable.”\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUS authorities have described DigitalMint as an \"unknowing victim,\" and said that Martino deliberately concealed what he was doing from his employer. The company has since changed the way its negotiators communicate with ransomware gangs, and is working with the Department of Homeland Security to establish a registry for the currently highly-unregulated world of ransomware negotiation.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E","66d5cbea28045a04f10b89d1","Graham CLULEY","gcluley","http:\u002F\u002F2.gravatar.com\u002Favatar\u002F5fdc27b8b6f6fd69e77aa017a53cceb5?s=512&d=mm&r=g","Graham Cluley is an award-winning security blogger, researcher and public speaker.  He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s.","When a company falls victim to a ransomware attack, it is not uncommon for it to turn to experts for help.\n\nSpecialist ransomware negotiation firms handle communications with criminal gangs on a victim's behalf. They know how the ransomware gangs operate, how to buy time, and how to push back on extortionate demands. They can help manage the technical side of any payment if needed, and help a corporate victim assess whether decryptors actually work.\n\nWhat victims don't expect is that their trust","\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fransomware-negotiator-working-other-side\u002F","6a54ddb68beeea9658027ad9","After years on the run, alleged Ryuk ransomware operator pleads guilty","ryuk-ransomware-operator-guilty","https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Fryuk-ransomware-guilty.jpg","2026-07-13T15:51:10.000+03:00","\u003Cp\u003EA suspected member of the notorious \u003Cstrong\u003ERyuk ransomware\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E operation has pleaded guilty in a US federal court after being extradited from Ukraine.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKaren Serobovich Vardanyan, a 34-year-old Armenian national, admitted to participating in a conspiracy that targeted companies across the United States between late 2019 and early 2020.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe attacks allegedly led to more than \u003Cstrong\u003E$15 million in ransom payments\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E from victims.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"key-takeaways\"\u003EKey takeaways:\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAn alleged Ryuk ransomware operator has pleaded guilty after being extradited from Ukraine\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EProsecutors say the conspiracy targeted hospitals, municipalities, manufacturers, schools, and large enterprises\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EVictims are said to have paid more than $15 million in ransom\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe defendant faces up to 15 years in prison and has agreed to pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBitdefender recommends deploying a dedicated security solution to stem the chances of a successful ransomware attack\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\n\u003Ch2 id=\"a-key-role-in-ryuk-attacks\"\u003EA key role in Ryuk attacks\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to the US Department of Justice, Vardanyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy and computer fraud for helping compromise corporate networks that were later encrypted with Ryuk ransomware.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInvestigators say he and his co-conspirators obtained unauthorized access to victim organizations before deploying ransomware and demanding payment in exchange for restoring access to critical systems. The attacks took place between \u003Cstrong\u003ENovember 2019 and April 2020\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E while Ryuk was among the world's most active ransomware operations.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.justice.gov\u002Fusao-or\u002Fpr\u002Farmenian-national-extradited-united-states-pleads-guilty-ransomware-extortion-conspiracy\"\u003EDOJ\u003C\u002Fa\u003E:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003EBetween November 2019 through April 2020, Vardanyan illegally accessed computer networks of victim companies to deploy Ryuk ransomware on compromised servers and workstations.\u003C\u002Fblockquote\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003EAs part of the scheme, ransom payments were extorted from victim companies in exchange for decryption keys to regain access to their data. A ransom note was placed on the computer systems demanding ransom payments in Bitcoin, a form of cryptocurrency, and provided an email address that victims could use to communicate with the cybercriminals.\u003C\u002Fblockquote\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003EVardanyan worked with his co-conspirators to attack a company in Michigan that paid 200 bitcoin or over $1.1 million at the time of payment to restore access to their network.\u003C\u002Fblockquote\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003EVardanyan and his co-conspirators are alleged to have received approximately 1,610 bitcoins in ransom payments from the victim companies, which was valued at over $15 million at the time of payment.\u003C\u002Fblockquote\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"extradited-from-ukraine\"\u003EExtradited from Ukraine\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUS authorities said Vardanyan was arrested in Kyiv in 2025, extradited to the United States, and entered his guilty plea in federal court in Portland, Oregon. Sentencing is scheduled for later this year, where he faces \u003Cstrong\u003Ea maximum prison sentence of 15 years\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E. He has also agreed to pay nearly \u003Cstrong\u003E$1.2 million\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E in restitution to victims.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe investigation involved the FBI alongside Europol, authorities in Ukraine and France, and other international partners. The case follows a series of arrests, extraditions, infrastructure seizures, and sanctions targeting ransomware groups over the past several years.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"ryuks-legacy\"\u003ERyuk's legacy\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile these actions have disrupted many established gangs, ransomware remains one of the most profitable forms of cybercrime, with new groups emerging as older operations are dismantled or rebrand under different names.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough Ryuk has largely disappeared from today's ransomware landscape, its influence is still felt.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe malware, active between 2018 and 2021, became notorious for targeting \u003Cstrong\u003Ehospitals, municipalities, manufacturers, schools, and large enterprises\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E. Rather than relying on mass phishing campaigns alone, Ryuk operators often \u003Cstrong\u003Espent days or weeks inside victim networks\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, stealing credentials, moving laterally, and identifying the systems whose encryption would cause the greatest disruption.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESecurity researchers have long associated Ryuk with sophisticated cybercriminal groups operating from Eastern Europe. Many attacks were believed to begin with malware such as \u003Cstrong\u003ETrickBot\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E or \u003Cstrong\u003EEmotet\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, which provided the initial foothold inside corporate environments.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe campaign helped shape what has since become the standard ransomware playbook:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGain privileged access\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDisable defenses\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEncrypt critical assets\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPressure victims into paying large sums to restore operations\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-reduce-ransomware-risk\"\u003EHow to reduce ransomware risk\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENo single security measure can completely eliminate ransomware risk, but organizations can significantly reduce their exposure by:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEnabling multi-factor authentication across all critical accounts\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPromptly patching internet-facing systems and remote access services\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESegmenting networks to limit lateral movement\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMaintaining offline or immutable backups that are regularly tested\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMonitoring for suspicious credential use and privilege escalation\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETraining employees to recognize phishing and other social engineering attacks\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDeploying layered endpoint protection capable of detecting ransomware behavior before encryption begins\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\"advice-for-smallmedium-sized-business-owners\"\u003EAdvice for small\u002Fmedium-sized business owners\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you run a small or medium-sized business, thoroughly review your cybersecurity posture to prevent a breach at the hand of professional hacking groups. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fico-3-million-fine-advanced-software-lockbit-ransomware\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor some businesses\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E, a ransomware attack can inflict losses that far outweigh the investment in a strong cybersecurity posture.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender strongly recommends deploying a dedicated security solution\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E&nbsp;to stem the chances of a successful attack.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fconsumer\u002Fsmall-business-security\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E&nbsp;is an extended version of our consumer-friendly security suite, designed specifically for small and medium-sized firms. It includes malware detection, ransomware prevention, email protection, account breach protection, scam protection, and VPN. It can be administered by anyone in your organization, thanks to a natural, intuitive dashboard designed for use even by non-techies.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou may also want to read:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fnew-jersey-neurology-25-000-ransomware\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003ENew Jersey neurology practice fined $25,000 over ransomware incident\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fscammers-20-million-hacking-emails-real-estate-agents-small-firms-cybersecurity\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003EHow scammers stole $20 million by hacking emails of real estate agents\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bitdefender.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fico-3-million-fine-advanced-software-lockbit-ransomware\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E£3 million fine for a victim of LockBit ransomware\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E","A suspected member of the notorious Ryuk ransomware operation has pleaded guilty in a US federal court after being extradited from Ukraine.\n\nKaren Serobovich Vardanyan, a 34-year-old Armenian national, admitted to participating in a conspiracy that targeted companies across the United States between late 2019 and early 2020.\n\nThe attacks allegedly led to more than $15 million in ransom payments from victims.\n\n\nKey takeaways:\n\n\n * An alleged Ryuk ransomware operator has pleaded guilty after being","\u002Fblog\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fryuk-ransomware-operator-guilty\u002F","News, views and insights from the Bitdefender experts","https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Fh4s_2x.png","#15171A","https:\u002F\u002Fstatic.ghost.org\u002Fv3.0.0\u002Fimages\u002Fpublication-cover.png","bitdefender","@bitdefender","Europe\u002FAthens","Home","Cybersecurity News","\u002Ftag\u002Fpeople-of-bitdefender\u002Findustry-news\u002F","\u002Ftag\u002Fdigital-privacy\u002F","\u002Ftag\u002Fsmart-home\u002F","How To","\u002Ftag\u002Fhow-to\u002F","\u002Ftag\u002Fproduct-updates\u002F","noreply","icon-and-text","Subscribe","free","monthly","off","hotforsecurity@bitdefender.com","noreply@blogapp.bitdefender.com","disabled","https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002F","5.101",{},"fr","66d5cbea28045a04f10b89cc","Cristina POPOV","cpopov","https:\u002F\u002Fblogapp.bitdefender.com\u002Fhotforsecurity\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F12\u002F20251024_153349.jpg","Cristina Popov is a Denmark-based content creator and small business owner who has been writing for Bitdefender since 2017, making cybersecurity feel more human and less overwhelming. ","GTA VI is likely to be the most anticipated game of all time, which means scammers will try to trick people in relation to the November launch. Don’t think scams will start this fall though; unfortunately, they are already here and will only increase.","vpn","VPN","abc",""));</script></body></html>