(with video below) If you use Skype on a regular basis, you need to be aware of the newest tricks and viruses hitting your computer even as early as today. There are a three variations of the Skype scam. Let's take a look at them.
This first variation of the scam is the online version of the Microsoft Tech Support Call. Crooks ring you while on Skype, most of the time using automated messages. The call informs you that your computer or laptop is slow and needs repairing or upgrading software. The message is aimed to get you to "fix your computer" by pressing certain keys, which would then give the criminal remote control over your device.
This variation of the scam has more human interaction on it. Watch the video below to see the Skype Extortion scam exposed:
In this latest version, sophisticated malware campaigns are targeting Skype users like yourself to steal your private data. In this case, targeted victims are people who are looking for information in various sectors, such as travelling or employment.
For example, if you are looking at applying for a travel visa or a job and find a web page with information about it, a criminal might contact you and invite you for an 'interview'/conversation on Skype.
Scammers act as government officials (of the country you're looking to get a visa for) or a Human Resources manager (at the place you want to get hired at) offering to help you with more information. That's when they send you files to download over Skype.
In these fake documents, they are inserting the malicious Qarallax RAT or QRAT virus.
When the malware gets downloaded on your computer, it will store keystrokes, clicks and mouse movements along with taking control of the webcam. On the other hand, a copy of another open source malware application -- called LaZagne -- is to be stored on the same server on which QRAT is already located.
It cannot be any simpler than this. Don't open attachments from people you never talked to before. Hang up as soon as you hear an automated message as well.
Make your family and friends aware of this scam by sharing it on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:
If you want to be the first to find out the most notorious scams every week, feel free to subscribe to the Scam Detector newsletter here. You'll receive periodical emails and we promise not to spam. Last but not least, use the Comments section below to expose other scammers.
Fake Amazon Shipping Notification Scam
Online Reputation Management Companies Scam
PayPal Alert Notification Scam
