How Online Scams Work: A Hands-On Experiment in Cybersecurity

Online scams have become an everyday nuisance for most internet users. With scammers constantly finding new and innovative ways to trick people into revealing personal data or even money, staying vigilant is crucial. In this article, we’ll delve into how these scams work and why it’s essential to stay informed about them. I experimented with four common online scams to uncover their methods, and the results were both enlightening and alarming. If you’re concerned about your own digital safety, this article will help you better understand the tactics used by cybercriminals.

The Four Common Scams I Encountered

In my investigation, I intentionally clicked on four common online scams to see how they operate. The goal was simple: I wanted to understand how these attacks unfold and what steps people can take to avoid falling victim. Here’s a breakdown of the scams I encountered:

1. The Fake Security Upgrade

This scam targeted me with a fake email claiming suspicious activity on my Wells Fargo account. Although I don’t have an account with Wells Fargo, many people do, which makes this scam successful for crooks. The email urged me to download a “security update.” I clicked the link, which led to a page simulating a CAPTCHA verification, followed by a download for a file called WF-Login-Signature.exe. Upon running the file through VirusTotal, it was flagged as malware. The file was a remote administration tool, meaning it could have allowed hackers to control my computer remotely. This scam was a classic example of a phishing attack that took advantage of people’s trust in security-related alerts.

2. The Fake Captcha

While browsing for information on energy upgrades, I encountered a strange challenge asking me to “verify I am human” by running a command in the Windows Run box. Upon closer inspection, the command was a malicious PowerShell script that would have downloaded and installed a payload on my computer. This attack, dubbed “Trojan:PowerShell/FakeCaptcha,” was designed to trick users into executing harmful commands that could lead to a system breach. Running unknown code on your computer is a dangerous move, and this scam highlights just how far attackers will go to exploit user behavior.

3. The Fake Receipt

Another scam I encountered was a fraudulent invoice for a subscription to security software. The fake invoice claimed I had made a purchase, and the scammer provided a contact number to “fix the problem.” If I had called, the scammer would have likely convinced me to install remote access software, giving them control over my device. To spot such scams, always check if the invoice includes specific details like your name or payment method. If it doesn’t, it’s probably a fake.

4. The Fake Toll Bill

The final scam involved smishing, or phishing via text message. I received a message claiming I had an unpaid toll fee and directing me to a website to settle the charge. The website was a near-perfect clone of the Massachusetts EZ-Pass portal, asking for personal and payment details. The website’s URL was a key giveaway—official government sites use the “.gov” domain, not random ones like “.vip.” If I had entered my payment information, the scammers could have racked up charges or stolen my identity.

What Undercode Says:

The four scams I encountered were disturbingly common. They exploit basic human psychology, preying on our fear and trust. Cybercriminals often use urgency, confusion, and false authority to get users to act impulsively—whether it’s downloading a file, entering a code, or giving out personal information.

What’s alarming is how these scams are evolving. While they may seem relatively simple, they are becoming more sophisticated with each passing day. Scammers are leveraging high-quality fake websites, using advanced techniques like PowerShell commands, and even creating entire fake customer service channels to trick users into handing over sensitive data.

As we move further into a world dominated by digital interactions, the importance of cybersecurity grows exponentially. The issue is not just the technical side of securing your devices but also the psychological aspect of understanding how scammers manipulate emotions. The widespread use of email and SMS for phishing has shown that scammers are willing to go to any length to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

Another important takeaway is the reliance on security software and updates. The first scam I encountered—the fake security alert—was particularly dangerous because it exploited the very trust that security software has built over the years. People trust emails from their banks and often don’t think twice before clicking links in such messages. This particular scam proves that no matter how advanced security measures become, users themselves need to be vigilant. Cybersecurity is not just about having the right tools—it’s about using them correctly and remaining cautious about potential threats.

Despite these frighteningly effective scams, there are ways to protect yourself. First, always verify the sender’s email address or phone number—scammers will often use addresses or numbers that look similar to legitimate ones. Second, never download files from suspicious emails or websites. Lastly, don’t engage with suspicious links. If you need to verify an account, visit the official website directly rather than clicking on a link provided in an email or text message.

Fact Checker Results:

Wells Fargo Fake Security Alert – The malicious file used in this scam was flagged by multiple antivirus tools, confirming that this was indeed a malware attack.
Fake Captcha Scam – This type of scam is well-documented, with experts confirming the use of PowerShell scripts to install malicious payloads.
Fake Toll Bill – This scam has been recognized globally, with cybersecurity experts linking it to large-scale smishing campaigns targeting drivers in various regions.

References:

Reported By: https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-clicked-on-four-sneaky-online-scams-on-purpose-to-show-you-how-they-work/
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