‘You Received A Voicemail’ Phishing Scam Email [Explained]

Photo of author

Written by: Stelian Pilici

Published on:

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals and steal their personal information. One such method is the ‘You Received A Voicemail’ phishing scam email. This article will delve into what this scam is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, technical details, and statistics to support the points made.

Scams

What is the ‘You Received A Voicemail’ Phishing Scam Email?

The ‘You Received A Voicemail’ phishing scam email is a fraudulent email that attempts to trick recipients into believing they have missed a voicemail message. The email typically contains a subject line similar to “You Missed a Call” or “New Voicemail Received.” The goal of this scam is to lure individuals into clicking on a malicious link or downloading a harmful attachment.

How Does the Scam Work?

The scam starts with the victim receiving an email that appears to be from a legitimate voicemail service provider or a well-known company. The email often includes the company’s logo and may even mimic the design of legitimate voicemail notifications. The message informs the recipient that they have missed a voicemail and provides a link or attachment to listen to the message.

Unsuspecting individuals who click on the link or download the attachment are directed to a fake website or prompted to install malware-infected software. These malicious websites or software can steal sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card details, or personal identification information.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the ‘You Received A Voicemail’ phishing scam email, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage:

  1. Disconnect from the internet: Unplug your device from the network to prevent further communication with the scammer’s servers.
  2. Scan for viruses and malware: Run a thorough scan using reliable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to detect and remove any malicious software.
  3. Change passwords: Change the passwords for all your online accounts, especially those related to banking, email, and social media.
  4. Monitor financial accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
  5. Report the incident: Inform your local authorities and report the scam to the appropriate cybercrime reporting agencies in your country.

Technical Details of the Scam

The ‘You Received A Voicemail’ phishing scam email often utilizes various techniques to deceive recipients and bypass security measures. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • Email spoofing: Scammers often spoof the email address to make it appear as if the email is coming from a legitimate source. They may use a similar domain name or manipulate the display name.
  • Malicious attachments: The scam email may contain attachments, such as ZIP files or Microsoft Office documents, that contain malware. Opening these attachments can infect the victim’s device.
  • Phishing websites: Clicking on the link provided in the email may redirect the victim to a phishing website that mimics a legitimate voicemail service. These websites are designed to trick users into entering their login credentials or personal information.
  • Social engineering: The email often employs psychological manipulation techniques to create a sense of urgency or fear, compelling the recipient to take immediate action without thinking.

Statistics on Phishing Scams

Phishing scams, including the ‘You Received A Voicemail’ scam, continue to be a significant threat to individuals and organizations worldwide. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence and impact of phishing scams:

  • In 2020, the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) reported a total of 241,324 unique phishing attacks.
  • According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), phishing scams resulted in over $54 million in losses in 2020.
  • A study conducted by Verizon found that 22% of data breaches in 2020 involved phishing attacks.
  • Phishing attacks targeting businesses increased by 22% in 2020, according to the 2021 Phishing Trends and Intelligence Report by PhishLabs.

Summary

The ‘You Received A Voicemail’ phishing scam email is a deceptive tactic used by scammers to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful attachments. It is essential to be cautious when receiving such emails and to follow the necessary steps if you have fallen victim to the scam. Disconnecting from the internet, scanning for viruses and malware, changing passwords, monitoring financial accounts, and reporting the incident are crucial actions to take. Understanding the technical details and statistics surrounding phishing scams can help individuals stay informed and protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

How to Stay Safe Online

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.

    Shield Guide

    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.

    updates-guide

    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.

    install guide

    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.

    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.

    Trojan Horse

    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.

    warning sign

    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.

    backup sign

    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.

    lock sign

    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.

    cursor sign

    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.

    Shady Guide

    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.

Previous

‘HSBC Payment Advice’ Email Phishing Scam [Explained]

Next

‘For The Mutual Benefit Of The Orphans’ Advance Fee Scam