Scammers use every possible method to trick you, from social engineering to human verification pages to impersonating government agencies. You’d think there would be a limit to their tactics, that they certainly wouldn’t exploit someone’s death to scam those who are grieving. Unfortunately, you would be wrong.
A new scam has emerged in which bad actors claim to offer video streaming funeral services for the recently deceased.
Those who follow links to these streaming services are asked to provide their credit card information and register on suspicious video streaming websites.
A woman on Facebook (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How does the scam work?
The news of this scam comes from KrebsOnSecuritythat he heard from several victims. It is usually addressed to the friends and family of the deceased. Scammers begin by creating a Facebook group for the person who died, listing the correct time and date of the funeral. They then claim that the service can be transmitted online by following a link that leads to a page that requests credit card information.
It’s surprisingly easy to find these fake funeral groups on Facebook. Simply searching for keywords like “funeral” and “stream” turns up tons of pages, some for past services and others for upcoming ones.
These groups usually have a photo of the deceased as a profile picture and attempt to send users to newly created video streaming websites that request credit card payments before they can view them. Worse still, some of them ask for donations in the name of the deceased.
Facebook Fake Funeral Streaming Scam (KrebsOnSecurity)
DON’T FALL INTO THAT ‘LOOK WHO DIED’ FACEBOOK MESSAGE TRAP
But who are these scammers?
The scammers behind these fake streaming links mainly operate from Rajshahi, Bangladesh under a group called apkdownloadweb. They have registered several domains, including livestreamnow.xyz, live24sports.xyz, and onlinestreaming.xyz. These websites appear to offer live streams of various events, including funerals and community gatherings, but they are simply scams designed to deceive users.
The individual allegedly associated with apkdownloadweb is Mazidul Islam, who has experience running an IT blog, according to the KrebsOnSecurity article. Your LinkedIn profile reveals this connection. The email linked to your DNS provider is reportedly associated with another individual, Mohammod Mehedi Hasan, suggesting a network of scammers working together.
Scammers exploit social media and create fake groups on Facebook that promote links to their fraudulent streaming sites. They take advantage of genuine community events, tricking people into believing they can watch live streams by clicking on their links.
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Facebook scam illustration (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMMERS
5 ways to protect yourself from Facebook link scams
1. Check the source before clicking the links: Always check the source of any link before clicking. Look for official announcements from event organizers or reliable news sources. If a link appears in a social media post, confirm it by visiting the organization’s official website or social media page. Scammers often use similar-sounding domain names, so check for misspellings or unusual domain endings.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2024 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
2. Enable two-factor authentication: Activate two factor authentication in your online accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring not only a password but also a second verification method, such as a text message or authenticator app. Even if the scammers manage to get your password, they will need the second factor to access your accounts.
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3. Regularly update your passwords: Change your passwords regularly and use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. This reduces the risk of multiple accounts being compromised if a password is stolen. Also, consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
4. Learn about scams: Stay informed about common online scams and how they operate. Awareness is key to prevention. Research how scammers craft their messages and the types of offers that are often too good to be true. Websites like the Federal Trade Commission provide resources for identifying and reporting scams, and you can always trust Cyberguy.com.
5. Report suspicious activity: If you find a fake streaming link or suspicious post, report it to the platform where you found it. Most social media sites have mechanisms for reporting scams or fraudulent activity. Reports help keep others safe by alerting the platform to potential threats. Also, consider sharing your experience with friends and family to help them stay informed and cautious.
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Kurt’s Key Takeaway
Scammers spare no one, and this Facebook funeral scam should make that clear. They are willing to take advantage of someone’s death and take advantage of those who are grieving. While this is extremely irritating, it serves as a reminder that we cannot let our guard down when navigating the darkness of the Internet. Always be aware of the links you click on, even if they seem perfectly safe.
Do you think Facebook does enough to protect its users from scams like funeral scams? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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