January 27, 2016
Media Contact: Jerad Albracht, Senior Communications Specialist, (608) 224-5007 or Bill Cosh, Communications Director, (608) 224-5020
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MADISON – What’s up with fake WhatsApp emails? Malware…that’s what.
The latest fraudulent e-mail messages to flood inboxes are using the names of popular online services to trick readers into downloading malware to their devices.
Watch for messages from senders with names like:
Delete these emails immediately without opening them and never click the links in the message.
The email addresses associated with the supposed sender have nothing to do with the service in question and are likely hacked accounts.
These emails typically claim that you have a missed voicemail or a deferred or missed notification. If you open the email, you will find little more than a link to supposedly hear the voicemail or read the missed message. Clicking the “Play” or “View notifications” (or similar) button or the link in the email will open a website that tries to fool you into downloading malware to your device.
For additional information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau at http://datcp.wisconsin.gov, send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call the Consumer Information Hotline toll-free at (800) 422-7128.
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