- Bitdefender has identified a malicious SMS campaign
- The texts promise up to 90% savings of energy invoices
- Elon Musk’s similarity is used to try to deceive victims
Bitdefender has discovered a malicious SMS campaign, taking advantage of Americans who wish to save money in their energy bills.
The scammers sent an offer for a “innovative” energy saving device through an SMS, usually including the real name of the victim, urging them to follow a link to “start saving” hundreds of hundreds in their electricity bill. The scammers probably had access to the victim’s names through previous data violations. Here is an example of the SMS;
“Gary, his neighbors are paying 79% less for power. Why not? Stop paying excess: click here to start saving .com/Eln “
ESAver Watt
In addition to Phishing and Malware attacks, it was discovered that the link took some recipients to a fake news article with a photo and testimony of Musk, promising a saving of up to 90% in the monthly electricity bills.
“The big energy companies are cheating you. Yes, that is correct. You believe it or not, they have been using a secret to deceive you every time you execute your lights, dishwasher, blender, vacuum and anything else that attracts power, ”says the false Elon Musk.
“This is the reason why its energy bill is so expensive every month and continues to increase with some US residents. Paying up to $ 500 per month in electricity invoices. All Americans can reduce their electricity bill by 90% using this revolutionary technology. You are welcome.”
The article presents a photo of the ‘device’ and links to the products pages, where the complement is sold for $ 40. Bitdefender has seen similar devices sold in the Chinese markets for only a few dollars, but to be clear, energy prices cannot be reduced by connecting a power outlet, and these devices will cost money to victims and their personal information.
These are classic social engineering attacks, which are designed to panic or attract victims to action, usually clicking on a malicious link that will steal their data. The best way to stay safe from attacks like these is to stay attentive and never click on any unre requested link; Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
