Scammers continue to improve their processes.
The desired outcome is usually the same: get you to download malware
But the sophistication is growing.
Previously, agency owners would get sent cold emails inviting you to tender for some agency work (eg paid advertising for a big brand). The cold email would include a link to a ‘Presentation Deck’ explaining the brief and the requirements for tendering.
Easy to spot and ignore.
Now they get a little more cunning.
Here’s an example.
We received an enquiry through our site, asking about our paid advertising services. The form submit included an overview of the project and included a likely domain related to the brand.
Our automated thank you email went out saying we’d be in touch.
We got a personal response from them.
I emailed them to say we don’t provide paid advertising services.
They replied with further details about the project, including a link (that I assume is a malware link).
At that point I realise it’s a scam.
And kick myself for not realising earlier.
The WhatsApp number, the hyphenated email address, using the CEO title in the name, the fact that they’d emailed me previously – all red flags I should have spotted right away. Duh!
We’re all tired and have too many things to do each day. If I’d received this last thing in the day – when my energy is depleted – it’s possible I might have clicked it.
Stay vigilant folks.
