A complex new cyber scam has surfaced, involving the delivery of unsolicited diamond rings and suspicious QR codes to unsuspecting victims. The scam, believed to be a form of “brushing,” has ensnared at least one Australian woman.
In a typical brushing scam, scammers send unsolicited items to victims to boost fake online reviews for their products. However, this latest iteration includes an added layer of mystery and potential danger. Victims are receiving diamond rings (fake ones of course!) accompanied by QR codes, which experts warn could be used for phishing attempts.
Cybersecurity experts are urging caution as the scam demonstrates the increasing sophistication of online criminals. By creating convincing fake websites and exploiting social media platforms, scammers are able to target a wide range of victims.
To protect yourself from falling victim to this or similar scams, it’s essential to be vigilant when making online purchases. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, avoid clicking on suspicious links or pop-up messages, and carefully research any unfamiliar websites.
If you receive an unsolicited package, do not scan any QR codes or open any links included within it. Instead, report the incident to local authorities and your bank.
Australians lost a staggering $74 million to online scams last year, highlighting the growing threat posed by cybercriminals.