- FBI warns that web -based file conversion projects are malicious
- Some release malware, others steal sensitive data
- FBI calls on victims to report the attacks
Free online file converters, carpenters and similar productivity tools are actually covering data campaigns and malware/ransomware distribution campaigns, FBI warns.
Bureau’s warning says its Denver -Field Office Agents “increasingly see a scam involving free online document converter tools.”
In the warning, the law enforcement agency also called on the victims to emerge and report occurrences of this scam.
Reporting of scam
“To complete this scheme, cyber criminals across the globe use any kind of free document converter or downloading tool. This may be a site that claims to convert one type of file to another, such as one .doc file to a .pdf file. It can also claim to combine files such as joining several .jpg files to one .pdf. or MP4 Download -Tools. “
The worst thing is that the tools act as intended and the victims will still get the files they were looking for.
However, they will also get a piece of malware downloaded to their computer, or the files they uploaded for conversion/joining will be scrapped for information.
The FBI says the tools can scrape the submitted files to personal identifying information, such as social security number, birth dates and phone numbers, bank information, cryptocurrency information (seeds, wallet addresses, etc.), E -mail addresses and passwords.
“The best way to ward off these scammers is to educate people so that they do not fall victim to these scammers in the first place,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek.
“If you or someone you know have been influenced by this scheme, we encourage you to make a report and take actions to protect your assets. Every day we work to keep these scammers responsible and give victims the resources they need.”
The FBI calls on the victims to report these scams to the FBI Internet Crime Clake Center at www.ic3.gov.
