Impersonating famous brands and companies, scammers will send out phishing links (usually via text message or email) and try to entice you into opening them with various lies. As seen below, these phishing links will lead to malicious websites containing fake log-in pages.</p>\r\n<h2>American Express Phishing</h2>\r\n<p>We’ve reported extensively on phishing emails that pose as banks, and this week we’ve detected multiple fake security alert emails purporting to be from <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2022/09/22/american-express-regions-nfcu-iccu-bank-of-america-scams-phishing//">American Express</a>:</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-103297","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/trend-2-a13eb.png_900x.png"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-103299","data":{"text":"<p>Falsely claiming that you need to validate your account, the scammers prompt you to click on the embedded link, which will take you to a fake American Express log-in page (often difficult to tell apart from the legitimate one).</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-103312","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/trend-3-74f11.png_900x.png"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-103314","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/trend-4-b8fce.png_900x.png"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-103316","data":{"text":"<p>Scammers can record all the log-in information you’ve submitted on these fake pages. With it, they can take control of your account and use if for their own criminal activities. Don’t get scammed!</p>\r\n<h2>Stay Away from Phishing Scams — <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://api.link.trendmicro.com/events/landing-page?product_id=4cc29&source=blog&utm_content=american-express-amazon-netflix-costco-walmart-phishing-scams\%22>Trend Micro Check</a></h2>\r\n<p><a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://api.link.trendmicro.com/events/landing-page?product_id=4cc29&source=blog&utm_content=american-express-amazon-netflix-costco-walmart-phishing-scams\%22>Trend Micro Check</a> is a browser extension and mobile app for detecting scams, phishing attacks, malware, and dangerous links — and it’s FREE!</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageText","_identifier":"block-103367","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/trend-5-f1ff7.png_900x.png","text":"http://<p>After you’ve pinned the Trend Micro Check extension, it will block dangerous sites automatically! (Available on Safari, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.)</p>","reverseOrder":false}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageText","_identifier":"block-103381","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/trend-6-0d0f4.png_900x.png","text":"http://<p>You can also download the Trend Micro Check mobile app for 24/7 automatic scam and spam detection and filtering. (Available for Android and iOS).</p>","reverseOrder":false}},{"_template":"Articles\\Button","_identifier":"block-103395","data":{"text":"Get Trend Micro Check, Its free","link":"https://api.link.trendmicro.com/events/landing-page?product_id=4cc29&source=blog&utm_content=american-express-amazon-netflix-costco-walmart-phishing-scams"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-103409","data":{"text":"<h2>Amazon Security Alert Scam</h2>\r\n<p>Similar tricks are also seen in other phishing attempts. For example, we’ve observed some fake Amazon security alerts this week:</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><em>Information We have detected suspicious activity on your account and have locked it as a precaution. Click the link below to unlock your account: <URL> If you do not verify your identity before 24 hours, your Paypal account will be terminated. Sincerely, Paypal Team</em><br /> </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>As mentioned, the link will take you to a fake log-in page where you could expose all your sensitive credentials:</p>\r\n<p> </p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-103422","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/trend-7-80bf7.png_900x.png"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-103424","data":{"text":"<p style=\"padding-left: 200px;\"><strong>Sample fake Amazon log-in page</strong></p>\r\n<h2>Netflix Phishing</h2>\r\n<p>We’ve seen far too many <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2022/10/20/netflix-refund-scam-claimrefund-info-text-2022//">Netflix phishing scams</a> before. Don’t click on the links from random text messages!</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><em>[ Netflix ] Your Netflix membership has been ended because we’re having some trouble with your current account information. Validate your account information by click link bellow: <URL> Best Regards, The Netflix team</em></li>\r\n</ul>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-103437","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/trend-8-f77d9.png_900x.png"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-103439","data":{"text":"<p>Phishing links will also take you to <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/09/24/youve-won-an-iphone-13-pro-6-hot-raffle-text-scams-bestbuy-walmart-t-mobile-costco-att-and-amazon-survey//">online survey pages</a> that state you can claim a gift by filling out an online questionnaire. Below are some examples:</p>\r\n<h2>Costco Gift Card Scam</h2>\r\n<p><a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2022/08/19/costco-shell-ssa-louis-vuitton-blogdodge-shop-gmail-scams-phishing//">Costco is one of the most impersonated brands in phishing scams. Featuring a $90 gift card, scammers will lure you into taking an online survey to claim a gift:</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-103452","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/trend-9-24bf8.png_900x.png"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-103454","data":{"text":"<p>You will be taken to a scam survey page and asked to submit your personal information. Again, it will end up in scammers’ hands to be used for other cybercrime. <strong>Don’t let them!</strong></p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-103467","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/trend-10-abd50.png_900x.png"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-103469","data":{"text":"<h2>Walmart Delivery Scam</h2>\r\n<p>If you receive a <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2022/12/30/walmart-venmo-usps-fedex-phishing-scams-2022//">Walmart text message</a> about a delivery, please don’t click on the attached link:</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><em>Hi James your shipment was delivered to the drop-off point in . View where you can pick-up here: <URL></em><br /> </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>You’ll likely end up exposing personal information on another fake survey page, including your address and credit card details. <strong>Be careful!</strong></p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-103482","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/trend-11-b6a2e.png_900x.png"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-103484","data":{"text":"<h2>Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams</h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Pay close attention to URLs — are they legitimate?</li>\r\n<li>Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.</li>\r\n<li>Free gifts are always a major red flag.</li>\r\n<li>Go to the official website/application instead of using links from unknown sources.</li>\r\n<li>Never click on links or attachments from unknown sources. Use <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://api.link.trendmicro.com/events/landing-page?product_id=4cc29&source=blog&utm_content=american-express-amazon-netflix-costco-walmart-phishing-scams\%22>Trend Micro Check</a> to surf the web safely (it’s <strong>FREE!</strong>).</li>\r\n<li>Change your password as soon as possible if you’ve already clicked on a suspicious link. Consider using our online <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://api.link.trendmicro.com/events/landing-page?product_id=c95d9&source=blog&utm_content=american-express-amazon-netflix-costco-walmart-phishing-scams\%22>Password Generator</a> (also <strong>FREE!</strong>) to create strong, tough-to-hack passwords.</li>\r\n<li>Finally, add an extra layer of protection to your devices with Trend Micro <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://api.link.trendmicro.com/events/landing-page?product_id=6c217&source=blog&platform=df&utm_content=american-express-amazon-netflix-costco-walmart-phishing-scams\%22>Maximum Security</a>. Its Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing, and Anti-spam Protection will help you combat scams and cyberattacks. Click the button below to give it a try.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p> </p>\r\n<p>If you’ve found this article an interesting and/or helpful read, please SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected. Also, please consider leaving a comment or like below. Stay safe, folks!</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-103497","data":{"text":"<p><em>This article was published in collaboration with <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2023/01/06/american-express-amazon-netflix-costco-walmart-phishing-scams/?utm_source=scamadviser&utm_medium=referral\%22>Trend Micro</a></em></p>"}}],"sidebarBlocks":[{"_template":"Small\\Content\\Cta","_identifier":"block-157084","data":{"title":"Report a Scam!","consumer":null,"description":"Have you fallen for a hoax, bought a fake product? Report the site and warn others!","image":"https://files.scamadviser.com/thumbs/tell-your-story-8910e.png_200x200.png","button":"Report a Scam!","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/leave-review"}},{"_template":"Small\\Content\\Taxonomy","_identifier":"block-157123","data":{"title":"Scam Categories","taxonomies":[{"id":7,"name":"Scam Alerts (1025)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-alerts"},{"id":6,"name":"Scam Trends (372)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-trends"},{"id":8,"name":"Global Scam Country Guide (44)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/global-scam-country-guide"},{"id":87,"name":"Product Reviews (43)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/product-reviews"},{"id":88,"name":"Fact Check (43)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/fact-check"},{"id":3,"name":"News about Scamadviser (42)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/news-about-scamadviser"},{"id":5,"name":"Reliable Sites (37)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/reliable-sites"},{"id":1,"name":"Tips & Support (32)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/tips-support"},{"id":2,"name":"Research & Reports (26)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/research-reports"},{"id":4,"name":"Advice for Companies (2)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/advice-for-companies"}]}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-59407","data":{"align":"left","text":"Help & Info","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157795","data":{"articles":[{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157824","data":{"title":"Scam Alerts","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-alerts","icon":"fa-exclamation-triangle","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-scam-alert-f348b.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157839","data":{"title":"Learn Scams","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-trends","icon":"fa-tags","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-learn-scam-737a6.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157854","data":{"title":"Reliable Sites","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/reliable-sites","icon":"fa-check-circle","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-website-213fb.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157869","data":{"title":"Advices","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/advice-for-companies","icon":"fa-comment","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-advice-f32d8.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157884","data":{"title":"Studies","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/research-reports","icon":"fa-search","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-report-ebc61.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-161131","data":{"title":"Global Scams","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/global-scam-country-guide","icon":"fa-globe","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-global-scam-005ad.svg"}}],"buttonText":"See all","buttonLink":"https://www.scamadviser.com/help-info"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-167997","data":{"align":"left","text":"Top Safety Picks","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Lists","_identifier":"block-167811","data":{"heading":"Your Go-To Tools for Online Safety","hint":"Disclaimer: Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.","description":null,"listItems":[{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-167891","data":{"title":"ScamAdviser App - iOS","titleUrl":"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scamadviser/id6480509109","linkTarget":"1","text":"Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on iOS"}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-167944","data":{"title":"ScamAdviser App - Android","titleUrl":"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tech.scamadviser","linkTarget":"1","text":"Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on Android."}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-169734","data":{"title":"NordVPN","titleUrl":"http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101566658-13382109","linkTarget":"1","text":"NordVPN keeps your connection private and secure whether you are at home, traveling, or streaming from another country. It protects your data, blocks unwanted ads and trackers, and helps you access your paid subscriptions anywhere. Try it Today!"}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-171573","data":{"title":"Incogni","titleUrl":"http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101566658-15718702","linkTarget":"1","text":"Incogni automatically removes your personal data from data brokers that trade in personal information online, helping reduce scam and identity theft risks without the hassle of manual opt-outs. Reclaim your privacy now!"}}]}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-59517","data":{"align":"left","text":"Popular Stories","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Blogs","_identifier":"block-59530","data":{"items":[{"id":1406,"title":"7 Best VPN Services for Security, Speed, and Privacy","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/7-best-vpn-services-for-security-speed-and-privacy","excerpt":"In a nutshell: A good VPN protects your privacy with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and fast protocols like WireGuard. The best VPNs also offer wide server coverage, leak protection, and easy-to-use apps for all devices. For 2025, the top providers are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and Mullvad—each excelling in speed, security, or value.\r\n\r\nIn an age where every click is tracked, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is no longer just a luxury—it's an essential tool for digital privacy and security. A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, masking your real IP address and protecting your sensitive data from prying eyes.\r\nBut with hundreds of providers out there, how do you sort the secure from the suspect? This guide breaks down the non-negotiable features of a quality VPN and highlights the 7 top-rated services for 2025.\r\nWhat to Look for in a Good VPN: The 4 Non-Negotiable Pillars\r\n1. Ironclad Security Features\r\n\r\nStrong Encryption: AES-256, the gold standard.\r\nSecure Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, NordLynx, Lightway. Avoid PPTP.\r\nKill Switch: Ensures no accidental IP leaks.\r\nLeak Protection: Covers DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC.\r\n\r\n2. Verified Privacy Practices\r\n\r\nNo-Logs Policy: No activity or metadata tracking.\r\nIndependent Audits: Verification by third parties.\r\nSafe Jurisdiction: Prefer countries outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances.\r\n\r\n3. High-Speed Performance\r\n\r\nFast Protocols: WireGuard and equivalents.\r\nLarge Server Network: Less crowding, more reliable speeds.\r\n\r\n4. Essential Usability Features\r\n\r\nMulti-Device Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, routers.\r\nSimultaneous Connections: One account, many devices.\r\nUnblocking Power: Netflix, Hulu, BBC ","buttonText":"Read more","renderAsInertiaLink":false},{"id":1475,"title":"Data Breach Victim? Your Emergency Action Plan Starts Now","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/data-breach-victim-your-emergency-action-plan-starts-now","excerpt":"How to Protect Yourself and Your Family After a Data Breach\r\nWhen Your Data Falls Into the Wrong Hands\r\nJust received that terrifying notification? Or perhaps you've noticed suspicious activity in your accounts? Take a deep breath. A data breach, the unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive, protected, or confidential data, is a deeply unsettling event. It can plunge you into a world of worry, bringing risks from financial losses and identity theft to significant emotional distress and reputational damage.\r\nThe numbers don't lie: according to a 2024 report, the number of data breach victim notices has grown by a staggering 211% year-over-year. This isn't just a distant threat; it's a stark reality many individuals face. This year alone, we've seen major organizations like Adidas and Qantas grapple with high-profile data breaches, affecting countless customers. This underscores a critical truth: nobody is untouchable. Subsequently, strategic action is the only way to minimize the risk and protect your future.\r\nThis guide is your emergency action plan, designed to walk you through every crucial step—from confirming the breach to fortifying your digital life for the long term.\r\nPart 1: Confirming the Breach and Understanding the Damage\r\nThe very first step is to answer the question definitively: Was my data compromised, and if so, how badly?\r\nStart with the basics:\r\n\r\nCheck Official NotificationsReputable companies are legally obligated to inform you if your data was part of a breach. Look for official emails, letters, or public announcements.\r\nCheck Verified Breach DatabasesPlatforms like HaveIBeenPwned help you see if","buttonText":"Read more","renderAsInertiaLink":false}]}}],"meta":{"title":"Amex, Amazon, Netflix, Costco, and Walmart – Top Phishing Scams This Week","description":"We’ve found a large number of scams that you should watch out for, including ones relating to American Express, Amazon, Netflix, Costco, and Walmart. 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scams?","canonical":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/amex-amazon-netflix-costco-and-walmart-top-phishing-scams-this-week","alternates":[{"language":"x-default","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/amex-amazon-netflix-costco-and-walmart-top-phishing-scams-this-week"},{"language":"nl","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/nl/articles/amex-amazon-netflix-costco-en-walmart-top-phishing-scams-deze-week"},{"language":"pt","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/pt/articles/amex-amazon-netflix-costco-e-walmart-os-principais-esquemas-de-phishing-desta-semana"},{"language":"es","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/es/articles/amex-amazon-netflix-costco-y-walmart-las-principales-estafas-de-phishing-de-esta-semana"},{"language":"de","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/de/articles/amex-amazon-netflix-costco-und-walmart-die-wichtigsten-phishing-betruegereien-dieser-woche"},{"language":"fr","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/fr/articles/amex-amazon-netflix-costco-et-walmart-principales-escroqueries-par-hameconnage-cette-semaine"},{"language":"it","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/it/articles/amex-amazon-netflix-costco-e-walmart-le-principali-truffe-di-phishing-della-settimana"},{"language":"uk","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/uk/articles/amex-amazon-netflix-costco-ta-walmart-holovni-fishynhovi-shakhraystva-tsyoho-tyznia"},{"language":"ro","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/ro/articles/amex-amazon-netflix-costco-si-walmart-topul-inselaciunilor-de-phishing-din-aceasta-saptamana"},{"language":"ru","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/ru/articles/amex-amazon-netflix-costco-i-walmart-top-fishingovyh-afer-na-etoy-nedele"},{"language":"zh","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/zh/articles/mei-guo-yun-tong-qia-ya-ma-xun-netflix-hao-shi-duo-he-wo-er-ma-ben-zhou-zui-re-men-de-diao-yu-wang-zhan-pian-ju"},{"language":"tc","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/tc/articles"},{"language":"ja","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/jp/articles/ametsukusu-amazon-netsutohuritsukusu-kosutoko-uorumato-jin-zhou-nohuitsushinguzha-qi-totsupu"}]},"language":"en","head":[],"pendingCookieConsent":false,"isHomePage":false,"navigation":{"items":{"data":[{"id":1082,"name":"Report 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We’ve found a large number of scams that you should watch out for, including ones relating to American Express, Amazon, Netflix, Costco, and Walmart. Would you have been able to spot all the scams?
Phishing Scams
Impersonating famous brands and companies, scammers will send out phishing links (usually via text message or email) and try to entice you into opening them with various lies. As seen below, these phishing links will lead to malicious websites containing fake log-in pages.
American Express Phishing
We’ve reported extensively on phishing emails that pose as banks, and this week we’ve detected multiple fake security alert emails purporting to be from American Express:
Falsely claiming that you need to validate your account, the scammers prompt you to click on the embedded link, which will take you to a fake American Express log-in page (often difficult to tell apart from the legitimate one).
Scammers can record all the log-in information you’ve submitted on these fake pages. With it, they can take control of your account and use if for their own criminal activities. Don’t get scammed!
Trend Micro Check is a browser extension and mobile app for detecting scams, phishing attacks, malware, and dangerous links — and it’s FREE!
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After you’ve pinned the Trend Micro Check extension, it will block dangerous sites automatically! (Available on Safari, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.)
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You can also download the Trend Micro Check mobile app for 24/7 automatic scam and spam detection and filtering. (Available for Android and iOS).
Amazon Security Alert Scam
Similar tricks are also seen in other phishing attempts. For example, we’ve observed some fake Amazon security alerts this week:
- Information We have detected suspicious activity on your account and have locked it as a precaution. Click the link below to unlock your account: <URL> If you do not verify your identity before 24 hours, your Paypal account will be terminated. Sincerely, Paypal Team
As mentioned, the link will take you to a fake log-in page where you could expose all your sensitive credentials:
Sample fake Amazon log-in page
Netflix Phishing
We’ve seen far too many Netflix phishing scams before. Don’t click on the links from random text messages!
- [ Netflix ] Your Netflix membership has been ended because we’re having some trouble with your current account information. Validate your account information by click link bellow: <URL> Best Regards, The Netflix team
Phishing links will also take you to online survey pages that state you can claim a gift by filling out an online questionnaire. Below are some examples:
Costco Gift Card Scam
Costco is one of the most impersonated brands in phishing scams. Featuring a $90 gift card, scammers will lure you into taking an online survey to claim a gift:
You will be taken to a scam survey page and asked to submit your personal information. Again, it will end up in scammers’ hands to be used for other cybercrime. Don’t let them!
Walmart Delivery Scam
If you receive a Walmart text message about a delivery, please don’t click on the attached link:
- Hi James your shipment was delivered to the drop-off point in . View where you can pick-up here: <URL>
You’ll likely end up exposing personal information on another fake survey page, including your address and credit card details. Be careful!

Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams
- Pay close attention to URLs — are they legitimate?
- Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
- Free gifts are always a major red flag.
- Go to the official website/application instead of using links from unknown sources.
- Never click on links or attachments from unknown sources. Use Trend Micro Check to surf the web safely (it’s FREE!).
- Change your password as soon as possible if you’ve already clicked on a suspicious link. Consider using our online Password Generator (also FREE!) to create strong, tough-to-hack passwords.
- Finally, add an extra layer of protection to your devices with Trend Micro Maximum Security. Its Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing, and Anti-spam Protection will help you combat scams and cyberattacks. Click the button below to give it a try.
If you’ve found this article an interesting and/or helpful read, please SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected. Also, please consider leaving a comment or like below. Stay safe, folks!
This article was published in collaboration with Trend Micro
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In an age where every click is tracked, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is no longer just a luxury—it's an essential tool for digital privacy and security. A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, masking your real IP address and protecting your sensitive data from prying eyes.
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How to Protect Yourself and Your Family After a Data Breach
When Your Data Falls Into the Wrong Hands
Just received that terrifying notification? Or perhaps you've noticed suspicious activity in your accounts? Take a deep breath. A data breach, the unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive, protected, or confidential data, is a deeply unsettling event. It can plunge you into a world of worry, bringing risks from financial losses and identity theft to significant emotional distress and reputational damage.
The numbers don't lie: according to a 2024 report, the number of data breach victim notices has grown by a staggering 211% year-over-year. This isn't just a distant threat; it's a stark reality many individuals face. This year alone, we've seen major organizations like Adidas and Qantas grapple with high-profile data breaches, affecting countless customers. This underscores a critical truth: nobody is untouchable. Subsequently, strategic action is the only way to minimize the risk and protect your future.
This guide is your emergency action plan, designed to walk you through every crucial step—from confirming the breach to fortifying your digital life for the long term.
Part 1: Confirming the Breach and Understanding the Damage
The very first step is to answer the question definitively: Was my data compromised, and if so, how badly?
Start with the basics:
Check Official NotificationsReputable companies are legally obligated to inform you if your data was part of a breach. Look for official emails, letters, or public announcements.
Check Verified Breach DatabasesPlatforms like HaveIBeenPwned help you see if