‘Saved Passwords Were Found Online’ Scam Email: Explained

Have you ever received an email claiming that some of your saved passwords were found online? If so, you may have been targeted by a phishing scam that tries to trick you into revealing your login credentials. In this blog post, we will explain what this scam is, how it works, and what to do if you have fallen victim.

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What is the ‘Saved Passwords Were Found Online’ Scam Email?

This phishing email is designed to deceive recipients by claiming that some of their saved passwords have been discovered online. The email states that these passwords were exposed in a data breach from a website or application that recipients use. It attempts to create a sense of urgency by suggesting that their accounts may be compromised. To supposedly secure their accounts, the email prompts recipients to review their passwords immediately by clicking the “Check passwords” button. It also provides a link, which it claims will show security activity. However, in reality, the email is a phishing attempt to trick recipients into visiting a fraudulent webpage and divulging their login credentials. Here is how the ‘Saved Passwords Were Found Online’ scam email looks:

Subject: Check Password Some of your saved passwords were found online Some of your saved passwords were found in a data breach from a site or app that you use.Your Account might be affected. To secure your accounts, Account Password Manager recommends reviewing your passwords now by using below icon Check passwords You can also see security activity at [malicious link] You received this email to let you know about important changes to your Account and services.

How does the ‘Saved Passwords Were Found Online’ Scam Email work?

The scammers behind this scam use various techniques to make their email look legitimate and convincing. They may spoof the sender’s address, use logos and graphics from reputable companies, or copy the style and tone of official communications. They may also use personal information, such as the recipient’s name or email address, to make the email seem more relevant and authentic. The scammers rely on the fear and curiosity of the recipients to persuade them to click on the “Check passwords” icon/button or the link provided in the email. These links lead to a fake webpage that mimics the appearance of a genuine website or application that recipients use. The webpage may ask the recipients to enter their login credentials, such as their username and password, or other sensitive information, such as their credit card details or security questions. Once the recipients enter their information, they may be redirected to another webpage that displays a message saying that their passwords have been checked and secured, or that they need to update their account settings. Alternatively, they may see an error message or a blank page. In any case, the scammers have already captured their information and can use it for malicious purposes.

What to do if you have fallen victim?

If you have received this scam email and clicked on any of the links or entered any of your information, you should take immediate action to protect yourself and your accounts. Here are some steps you can take:

• • Change your passwords for all your online accounts, especially those that use the same or similar passwords as the ones you entered on the fake webpage.

• • Contact your bank or credit card provider and inform them of the incident. They may be able to block any unauthorized transactions or issue you a new card.

• • Scan your computer or device for malware or viruses using a reputable antivirus software.

• • Report the scam email to the company or organization that it claims to be from. You can also forward it to spam@uce.gov, which is a service of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

• • Delete the scam email from your inbox and trash folder.

Conclusion

The ‘Saved Passwords Were Found Online’ scam email is a phishing attempt that tries to lure recipients into revealing their login credentials by claiming that some of their saved passwords have been exposed online. The scammers use various techniques to make their email look legitimate and convincing, but there are some signs that can help you spot this scam and avoid falling victim. Here are some tips to remember:

• • Do not click on any links or buttons in suspicious emails. Instead, go directly to the official website or application that you use and log in from there.

• • Do not enter any personal or financial information on unfamiliar or unsecured webpages. Look for indicators of security, such as a padlock icon or “https” in the address bar.

• • Do not trust emails that create a sense of urgency or pressure you to act quickly. Take your time to verify the source and content of the email before responding.

• • Do not open any attachments or download any files from unknown senders. They may contain malware or viruses that can harm your computer or device.

• • Do not reply to any emails that ask for your login credentials or other sensitive information. Legitimate companies and organizations will never ask for such information via email.

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

   

   It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

   

   Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

   

   Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

4. Install an ad blocker.

   

   Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

5. Be careful what you download.

   

   A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

   

   Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

7. Back up your data.

   

   Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

8. Choose strong passwords.

   

   Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

9. Be careful where you click.

   

   Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

10. Don't use pirated software.

    

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.