Free smartwatch in the mail? Here's why you shouldn't turn it on
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These days, we're all a bit wary when something seems too good to be true, and as it so happens, the latest scam involves none other than the ever-popular smartwatch!
This innocent-looking gadget has raised quite a bit of concern across Australia and abroad, with several recipients reporting an odd occurrence: they've been receiving free smartwatches in the mail that they didn't order!
Sounds like winning the lottery, right? Wrong.
It remains unclear who's sending these surprise ‘gifts’ and what their intentions are, but our gut instinct, coupled with advice from criminal investigation experts, suggests something fishy is going on.
The advice? If you receive one, don't turn that smartwatch on.
According to the experts, the mysterious smartwatches have shown a peculiar knack for connecting automatically to Wi-Fi networks and smartphones once activated. This independent action suggests something isn't quite right, indicating the potential for a network infiltrator.
Though not confirmed, the concerning possibility is that these devices might be harbouring malware or collecting and sending information. Just when you thought the internet couldn't get any scarier, right?
Cybercriminals have embraced this tactic and often distribute devices like smartphones or storage drives chock-full of hidden malware to invade their victims' privacy and rob them of their precious information.
Smartwatches may be the new devices on the block as far as major security breaches go, but their similarities to other gadgets make them equally vulnerable and threaten the same degree of security risk.
As wearable technology, smartwatches collect and store significant amounts of biometric and location data. Not to mention they are equipped with microphones that, in combination with their wireless smartphone connection, could potentially endanger the security of our personal information.
However, not all explanations are as nefarious—the culprits behind the unsolicited smartwatches might simply be trying to boost online product reviews, a fraudulent practice referred to as brushing.
The practice involves vendors purchasing their own products, sending them to random addresses, and then ghost-writing fake positive reviews in the recipient's name on retail websites (like Amazon). This inflates the product ratings and visibility, providing an air of 'credibility' even though no actual customers are involved.
Many Australians have shared their stories of falling victim to this brushing scam on social media, claiming that they have suddenly started receiving random packages containing their personal information.
One Facebook user shared their encounter, saying, 'I was surprised to find two rings delivered to my doorstep. I hadn't placed any orders, but the package was addressed to me with accurate details.'
Similar stories flooded the comments section, with many individuals expressing that they, too, had received unsolicited items not just once but multiple times.
While receiving free items might sound enticing at first, it's important to recognise the potential risks involved. Falling victim to this scam could expose your personal information to identity thieves, resulting in severe consequences.
Your personal information holds immense value to these perpetrators, as it is a gateway for various fraudulent activities. They can exploit it to gain unauthorised access to your financial accounts, establish new ones under your name, apply for loans, drain your retirement funds, or even create fictitious social media profiles solely for the purpose of bullying and harassment.
Given the gravity of these possibilities, it's crucial to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect your personal information.
As always, we want to remind our members to stay on the lookout for scams and take immediate action by reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. It's crucial to keep those scammers at bay!
If you suspect that a scammer might have gotten their hands on your account details, passport, tax file number, driver's licence, Medicare number, or any other personal identification information, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission suggests reaching out to your bank, financial institution, or other relevant agencies. They can provide guidance and support in handling such situations.
Have you ever had an unexpected package show up on your doorstep? Share your experiences and stories in the comments below!
This innocent-looking gadget has raised quite a bit of concern across Australia and abroad, with several recipients reporting an odd occurrence: they've been receiving free smartwatches in the mail that they didn't order!
Sounds like winning the lottery, right? Wrong.
It remains unclear who's sending these surprise ‘gifts’ and what their intentions are, but our gut instinct, coupled with advice from criminal investigation experts, suggests something fishy is going on.
The advice? If you receive one, don't turn that smartwatch on.
If you received an unsolicited smartwatch in the mail, don't turn it on. Credit: Unsplash/Luke Chesser.
According to the experts, the mysterious smartwatches have shown a peculiar knack for connecting automatically to Wi-Fi networks and smartphones once activated. This independent action suggests something isn't quite right, indicating the potential for a network infiltrator.
Though not confirmed, the concerning possibility is that these devices might be harbouring malware or collecting and sending information. Just when you thought the internet couldn't get any scarier, right?
Cybercriminals have embraced this tactic and often distribute devices like smartphones or storage drives chock-full of hidden malware to invade their victims' privacy and rob them of their precious information.
Smartwatches may be the new devices on the block as far as major security breaches go, but their similarities to other gadgets make them equally vulnerable and threaten the same degree of security risk.
As wearable technology, smartwatches collect and store significant amounts of biometric and location data. Not to mention they are equipped with microphones that, in combination with their wireless smartphone connection, could potentially endanger the security of our personal information.
With the 'brushing' scam, sellers use random strangers' personal information to leave fake positive reviews on their products. Credit: Shutterstock.
However, not all explanations are as nefarious—the culprits behind the unsolicited smartwatches might simply be trying to boost online product reviews, a fraudulent practice referred to as brushing.
The practice involves vendors purchasing their own products, sending them to random addresses, and then ghost-writing fake positive reviews in the recipient's name on retail websites (like Amazon). This inflates the product ratings and visibility, providing an air of 'credibility' even though no actual customers are involved.
Many Australians have shared their stories of falling victim to this brushing scam on social media, claiming that they have suddenly started receiving random packages containing their personal information.
One Facebook user shared their encounter, saying, 'I was surprised to find two rings delivered to my doorstep. I hadn't placed any orders, but the package was addressed to me with accurate details.'
Similar stories flooded the comments section, with many individuals expressing that they, too, had received unsolicited items not just once but multiple times.
While receiving free items might sound enticing at first, it's important to recognise the potential risks involved. Falling victim to this scam could expose your personal information to identity thieves, resulting in severe consequences.
Your personal information holds immense value to these perpetrators, as it is a gateway for various fraudulent activities. They can exploit it to gain unauthorised access to your financial accounts, establish new ones under your name, apply for loans, drain your retirement funds, or even create fictitious social media profiles solely for the purpose of bullying and harassment.
Given the gravity of these possibilities, it's crucial to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect your personal information.
As always, we want to remind our members to stay on the lookout for scams and take immediate action by reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. It's crucial to keep those scammers at bay!
If you suspect that a scammer might have gotten their hands on your account details, passport, tax file number, driver's licence, Medicare number, or any other personal identification information, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission suggests reaching out to your bank, financial institution, or other relevant agencies. They can provide guidance and support in handling such situations.
Have you ever had an unexpected package show up on your doorstep? Share your experiences and stories in the comments below!
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