‘Kohl’s is Rewarding Each Family with FREE $150 OFF Coupon’ Email Scam

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with scammers constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has recently gained attention is the ‘Kohl’s is Rewarding Each Family with FREE $150 OFF Coupon’ email scam. This scam preys on the desire for discounts and freebies, targeting individuals who are loyal customers of the popular retail chain, Kohl’s.

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What is the ‘Kohl’s is Rewarding Each Family with FREE $150 OFF Coupon’ Email Scam?

The ‘Kohl’s is Rewarding Each Family with FREE $150 OFF Coupon’ email scam is a phishing attempt that aims to trick recipients into providing their personal information or downloading malicious software. The scam typically involves an email that appears to be from Kohl’s, claiming that the recipient has been selected to receive a generous $150 off coupon as a reward for being a loyal customer.

The email often includes the Kohl’s logo and uses official-sounding language to make it seem legitimate. It may also contain a link or attachment that the recipient is instructed to click on or download in order to claim the coupon. However, clicking on the link or downloading the attachment can lead to disastrous consequences.

How Does the Scam Work?

The ‘Kohl’s is Rewarding Each Family with FREE $150 OFF Coupon’ email scam works by exploiting the trust and excitement of recipients who believe they are receiving a valuable coupon. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam typically unfolds:

  1. The recipient receives an email that appears to be from Kohl’s, claiming they have been selected to receive a $150 off coupon.
  2. The email contains a link or attachment that the recipient is instructed to click on or download to claim the coupon.
  3. If the recipient clicks on the link or downloads the attachment, they are redirected to a fake website that closely resembles the official Kohl’s website.
  4. The fake website prompts the recipient to enter their personal information, such as their name, address, phone number, and credit card details.
  5. Once the recipient submits their information, it is captured by the scammers, who can then use it for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.

It is important to note that the email and the fake website are carefully designed to appear legitimate, making it difficult for recipients to distinguish them from the real Kohl’s communications.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the ‘Kohl’s is Rewarding Each Family with FREE $150 OFF Coupon’ email scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Disconnect from the internet: If you suspect that you have provided your personal information to scammers, disconnect from the internet to prevent further unauthorized access to your accounts and devices.
  2. Scan your device for malware: Run a scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to detect and remove any malicious software that may have been installed on your device.
  3. Change your passwords: Change the passwords for all your online accounts, including your email, social media, and financial accounts. Use strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable.
  4. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit reports, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions or signs of identity theft to the relevant authorities.
  5. Be cautious of future emails: Exercise caution when receiving emails claiming to be from Kohl’s or any other company. Verify the legitimacy of the email by contacting the company directly through their official website or customer service channels.

Technical Details of the Scam

The ‘Kohl’s is Rewarding Each Family with FREE $150 OFF Coupon’ email scam utilizes various techniques to deceive recipients and steal their personal information. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • Phishing emails: The scammers send out mass emails that mimic the appearance of legitimate Kohl’s communications, including the use of the company’s logo and official language.
  • Fake websites: The scammers create fake websites that closely resemble the official Kohl’s website, tricking recipients into entering their personal information.
  • Spoofed email addresses: The scammers often use spoofed email addresses that make it appear as if the email is coming from a legitimate Kohl’s domain.
  • Social engineering: The scammers use psychological manipulation to exploit the trust and excitement of recipients, making them more likely to fall for the scam.

Statistics on Email Scams

Email scams, such as the ‘Kohl’s is Rewarding Each Family with FREE $150 OFF Coupon’ scam, are a widespread issue that affects individuals and businesses alike. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence and impact of email scams:

  • According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), email scams accounted for over $1.8 billion in losses in 2020.
  • A report by the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) found that there were over 241,324 unique phishing attacks in the first quarter of 2021 alone.
  • Research conducted by Verizon revealed that 94% of malware is delivered via email.
  • A study by Symantec found that the average user receives 16 malicious spam emails per month.

Summary

The ‘Kohl’s is Rewarding Each Family with FREE $150 OFF Coupon’ email scam is a phishing attempt that targets individuals who are loyal customers of Kohl’s. The scam tricks recipients into providing their personal information or downloading malicious software by offering a generous coupon as a reward. If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage. Disconnect from the internet, scan your device for malware, change your passwords, monitor your accounts, and be cautious of future emails. Email scams are

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.

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    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.

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