Posted on 12/09/2024 1:06:03 PM PST by nickcarraway
SMS scam: smartphone used for fraud and phishing Beware of fake surveys claiming to be from Leroy Merlin. Find out how to spot them and stay safe from scams Credit : Shutterstock
Scammers are at it again, this time using Leroy Merlin’s name to trick people into sharing personal and banking information.
Fake emails promising a ‘free Dexter toolset’ in exchange for completing a survey have been circulating, but it’s all a trap to steal your details. The National Cybersecurity Institute of Spain (INCIBE) has identified this scheme and is urging everyone to stay cautious.
How the Leroy Merlin scam targets victims
These phishing emails look convincing, featuring Leroy Merlin’s branding and catchy offers. Recipients are invited to take a short survey, with the promise of receiving a free toolset. However, to claim the reward, they’re asked to pay a small shipping fee. During this process, scammers collect sensitive data, including banking details.
What these emails often say:
• ‘Your experience with Leroy Merlin could win you a Dexter tool set!’
• ‘Share your feedback and claim your free gift!’
• ‘Exclusive chance: Take our survey and get a free toolset!’
Clicking the link leads victims to a fake website designed to imitate Leroy Merlin’s official page. There, users are asked to complete the survey and provide personal and financial information.
Steps to take if you receive a Leroy Merlin scam email If you spot an email like this, here’s how to handle it:
Don’t click any links: Avoid engaging with the email entirely. Report it: Send the suspicious email to INCIBE’s incident team. Delete it: Mark the email as spam and remove it from your inbox. If you’ve entered personal or banking information, act quickly:
Contact your bank: Alert them about the situation and monitor your account for suspicious activity.
• Save evidence: Keep emails and screenshots as proof for investigations.
• Check for misuse: Search your name online (‘ego-surfing’) to spot any potential misuse of your information.
• Get expert advice: Call INCIBE’s helpline at 017 for guidance.
• Report to authorities: Provide all evidence to the police for further investigation. How to identify a Leroy Merlin phishing email Phishing scams often use urgency and tempting offers to catch you off guard. Here’s what to watch out for:
Unbelievable offers: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Suspicious links: Hover over any links to see if they lead to an official Leroy Merlin website. Generic messages: Scammers often avoid personalising emails, unlike legitimate companies. When in doubt, reach out to Leroy Merlin directly through their verified customer service channels.
Tips to stay safe online from phishing scams
Protect yourself by staying informed and cautious:
Think twice about unsolicited emails: Especially those asking for personal or financial details. Monitor your online presence: Regularly search your name to identify potential data leaks. Learn about cybersecurity: Awareness is your best defence against scams. For more information or support, contact INCIBE at 017 or visit their official website.
Nick, how many FReepers do you think shop at Leroy Merlin?
The same tactic could be used by other scammers, and probably is.
Dexter toolset
A set of knives and plastic wrap?
hell, I don’t even know what Leroy Merlin is
LEEEEEERRRROY Merlin!
Do you think scammers limit there things to one store? They will use them all over.
I didnt either.
Apparently its a fancy French Home Depot.
Also apparently real assholes. They wont let you see their website unless you are from an approved country and we arent one of them.
Did all the Nigerian princes retire? We haven’t heard from them in ages.
Who?
I once bought a pellet stove there. When I rolled around the back of the store to the warehouse to have it loaded into my car the 30-something jackass who hand trucked it and dropped it near the back of my car wouldn't help me load it in. I horsed the 200lb stove into the trunk myself. Boy, after spending $900 cash on the stove I was pretty pissed off by that guy's unwillingness to help.
Fools. I will laugh at them all who fall for these scams once my wash wash money comes in from Nigeria.
Even Costco people help you get heavy items into your vehicle.
Is this a Europe thing?
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