Fraudsters Launch 5G Internet Scam During Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan, cybersecurity experts from Group-IB uncovered a large-scale scam campaign targeting Muslims. The perpetrators created 375 fake web pages offering 60 GB of free high-speed 5G internet from various providers.
Interestingly, most of these sites used unique domain names such as .top, .shop, and .xyz, which had not been used in previous scams. This indicates that the fraudsters carefully prepared their scheme specifically for the sacred holiday.
How the Scam Works
To make their offers appear legitimate, the scammers used social engineering techniques. The fake websites featured themed images and comments from supposed happy recipients, encouraging visitors to share the link with friends on WhatsApp as quickly as possible.
Victims were first directed to a page with various forms, where they were asked to provide personal information to receive the promised free internet. After submitting their details, they were redirected to sites associated with investment scams and pressured into making a financial contribution through various tricks.
Expert Insights and Warnings
According to Group-IB experts, this scheme is similar to previous campaigns that used online forms, but with a key difference: instead of cash rewards, the scammers now offer mobile internet traffic. This approach is designed to make the offer seem urgent and unique, preying on the victim’s trust. People are more likely to fall for such scams when they feel they have no time to think things through.
“They skillfully use cultural symbols and social engineering methods to exploit users’ trust and create a sense of urgency, drawing them into a web of deception,” warned Vladimir Kalugin, Director of Digital Threat Protection at Group-IB.
Stay Safe Online
Always be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, especially during significant holidays. Avoid sharing personal information on unfamiliar websites and verify the legitimacy of any promotions before participating.