Cybercriminals are targeting college students and faculty with advance fee scams centered around pianos.
In an advance fee fraud scam, victims are usually asked for a small amount of money up front in exchange for a larger amount to be paid at a later date.
Proofpoint has tracked dozens of different advance fee fraud scams over the years, attributing many to groups based in Nigeria.
The piano-themed scammers typically ask for personal information and payment through cryptocurrency or bank transfer platforms like Zelle, Cash App, PayPal and Apple Pay.
Once the payment is sent, the fraudsters stop answering.
Proofpoint researchers communicated with one of the scammers and were able to obtain IP addresses, one of which was based in Nigeria.
Selena Larson, threat researcher at the company, told Recorded Future News that they frequently see AFF scams that use products like computing equipment or other types of technology to get victims to pay money ahead of time.
Larson noted that in her conversations with friends, she learned it is actually common for people to give pianos away for free if the recipient pays for transport.
AFF actors likely research what products people typically sell online in an effort to make their lures more realistic, Larson noted, adding that the schemes can work with practically any product.
Proofpoint has often seen scammers bait victims with emails about potential jobs, inheritance, awards, government payouts, and international business.
The company previously tracked a campaign where fraudsters targeted college students with employment opportunities, writing that small amounts of money were needed to pay for computers or cameras for the fake jobs.
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This Cyber News was published on therecord.media. Publication date: Thu, 30 May 2024 21:00:28 +0000