News

Lights, Camera, Scam: Kaspersky Reports Growing Scamming Activity Amid World’s Most Popular Film Awards

As people around the globe look forward to the upcoming Oscars 2023 on March 12, Kaspersky experts are warning of a surge in scams using the hype and popularity of the event to deceive people. Scammers are creating fake websites offering free streaming of Oscar-nominated movies, prompting users to give away their personal and banking information and to also download malware.

Kaspersky experts identified various websites claiming to offer free streaming of these movies but steal users’ money instead. To access the movies, users are ‘required’ to pay a small subscription fee. Once the payment is made, users become vulnerable to unauthorized transactions that are either charged at equal intervals, resembling an uncancelable subscription, or in small daily increments until the account is drained.

The highly anticipated Avatar sequel has become a target for scammers who have devised several deceitful tactics to trick users into downloading or watching the movie, including giveaway rackets. 

The scheme works by directing users to a fraudulent website where they are prompted to confirm their humanity by completing surveys that offer a variety of prizes. Once a user clicks the ‘play’ button, they are greeted with a message congratulating them on winning a prize of their choice, which may include a financial reward, H&M or IKEA vouchers, or a PS5 console.

 The primary objective of the deception is to extract money from the user by requesting a commission fee for sending the prize. Additionally, the scammers collect personal information such as the user’s name, email address, and phone number with the promise of a financial reward or gift certificate. This information may be used for identity theft or sold on the Darkweb for malicious purposes.

“The Oscars 2023 is lucrative for cybercriminals who intensify their malicious activity every year. It’s crucial to be extra cautious during this event and double-check the authenticity of any website offering free streaming of movies. Don’t fall for fake websites or giveaway scams that trick users into giving away their personal information. Always use reputable streaming services and double-check website authenticity,’ comments Olga Svistunova, security expert at Kaspersky.

To avoid falling victim to fraud, Kaspersky advises users to:

  • Pay attention to the official movie release dates in movie theaters, on streaming services, TV, DVD, or other sources
  • Check the authenticity of websites before entering personal data and only use official webpages to watch or download movies. Double-check URL formats and company name spellings.
  • Use a reliable security solution, such as Kaspersky Premium, that identifies malicious attachments and blocks phishing sites.
  • Avoid links promising early viewings of content, and if you have any doubts about the authenticity of content check it with your entertainment provider.
Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

SEACare 2025 Solidifies Malaysia’s Leadership in Southeast Asia’s Healthcare Landscape

Malaysia’s commitment to transforming its healthcare system takes centre stage this week as SEACare 2025,… Read More

1 day ago

Drop: A First Date That Turns Into a Psychological Minefield

What happens when trust, trauma, and tequila meet at the same table?  That’s the unnerving… Read More

1 day ago

SME Bank Collaborates with Autism Cafe Project to Empower Autistic Entrepreneurs

Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”) has partnered with The Autism Cafe… Read More

1 day ago

Pahlawan Malaysia 2025: Malaysia’s Premier Obstacle Sports Competition Set to Energize the Nation at the Curve, Mutiara Damansara

The Malaysia Obstacle Race Sports Association is proud to announce Pahlawan Malaysia 2025, the premier… Read More

1 day ago

Tesla Malaysia is Celebrating the ‘Earth Week’ to Rewards Owners in Conjunction with a ‘Refer and Win’ Campaign

Embracing the mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, Tesla Malaysia launches the… Read More

1 day ago

Malaysia’s Viper Niza Racing On The Winners’ Podium At The 12 Hours Of Spa Francorchamps

Malaysians Douglas Khoo, Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh raced to a podium finish at last… Read More

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.