The FBI Denver Field Office has sounded the alarm about a burgeoning scam involving purportedly free online document converter tools.
This scam, which has gained traction globally, sees cybercriminals harnessing these tools to spread malware, leading to severe consequences such as ransomware attacks.
The FBI is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of this fraud.
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How the Scam Works
Cybercriminals are using various types of free document converters or downloader tools to execute this scheme.
These tools may promise to convert file types, such as changing a .doc file to a .pdf, or combine multiple files into one, like joining multiple .jpg files into a single .pdf. Similarly, some tools claim to download MP3 or MP4 files.
While these tools may perform their advertised functions, the resulting files often contain hidden malware, granting criminals access to the victim’s computer.
This malware can scrape the submitted files for sensitive information, including:
- Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, dates of birth, phone numbers, etc.
- Banking Information
- Cryptocurrency Information: Seed phrases, wallet addresses, etc.
- Email Addresses
- Passwords
Many victims remain unaware of the infection until it is too late, finding themselves dealing with ransomware or identity theft.
FBI’s Response and Recommendations
The FBI Denver Field Office emphasizes the importance of education to thwart these fraudsters.
“The best way to thwart these fraudsters is to educate people so they don’t fall victim to these fraudsters in the first place,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek.
The FBI encourages victims or those who have attempted to use these tools to report incidents to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
To protect against this scam, the FBI recommends the following actions:
- Be Cautious Online: Take a moment to think about your actions online and consider the potential risks.
- Keep Software Up to Date: Ensure your virus scan software is current and regularly scan any files you receive before opening them.
- Protect Your Assets: If you fall victim to this scam, contact your financial institutions immediately to safeguard your identity and accounts.
As the FBI continues to work tirelessly to hold these scammers accountable, the public must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
By doing so, we can collectively combat these types of cyber threats and safeguard our digital assets.
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