In the digital age, where our lives are increasingly intertwined with online services, keeping our personal information secure has been a critical point to consider.

It's a constant battle between cybersecurity experts and hackers to keep everyone safe from cybercrime.

Unfortunately, a new front has opened up that puts users of popular apps at significant risk.

Password management company LastPass warned users about a sophisticated hacking campaign run by cybercriminals.

According to a warning issued on 30 October, the scheme may use a fake Chrome web store on the computer.

It could build a wall of false trust and lead unsuspecting victims to a fraudulent support centre.

LastPass is an application that serves as a safe for your online credentials, including social media passwords. Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

The scam could dupe users into sharing their passwords on sites such as Netflix and PayPal and compromise their online security.

The hackers also made a bogus support line for customers to call in for assistance.

These fake customer support agents then ask customers about the product they're having issues with.

Customers are then directed to a website where their sensitive online information could be harvested.

This method of using fake support calls isn't new, but it's becoming an increasingly favoured tactic among cybercriminals.

According to an investigation by Bleeping Computer, the scam has extended beyond LastPass users.

The fake hotline number has also been promoted as a support contact for a wide array of online brands—including Amazon, Facebook, Hulu, YouTube, Verizon, Netflix, and Roku, among others.

Samples of the fake customer support messages have spread online.

While site owners and administrators move quickly to remove these posts, they are rapidly replaced by new ones.

The best defence against the rampant scam is vigilance and scepticism.

Those who need customer support for any online service should always visit their official website or social media platforms.

Follow the links provided to the help pages, and never call a support number without verifying its legitimacy.

Remember, no genuine support centre will ever ask for your full password over the phone or online.

'Please remember that no one at LastPass will ever ask for your master password,' LastPass's Senior Analyst Mike Kosak reminded its users.

'If you need customer support, please go directly to our website.'

While the convenience of online services is undeniable, it's crucial to remain alert to the risks.

By staying informed about the latest scams and following best practices for online security, you can significantly reduce the chances of falling victim to such attacks.

Read more about the importance of cybersecurity for seniors here.

Key Takeaways

• Online security app LastPass issued a warning about a major hacking campaign involving fake phone support centres disguised as brands.
• Victims have been directed to fake support numbers and asked about their credentials, which could lead to password theft.
• The password hacking campaign has affected users with Amazon, Facebook, Netflix, and PayPal accounts, among others.
• Customers should always verify support numbers through official websites. Official support centres will never ask for passwords or any sensitive information over the phone or online.

What do you think about this scam? How do you keep your personal information safe online? Share your thoughts and tips with us in the comments section below.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

I'm very suspicious of every website these days, I don't even charge my phone in places like airports or use free wifi in public places and cafes as I was told by a tech security company that it's an easier way to get hacked. Must protect ourselves at every turn.

 

[Jofox]

It has become necessary now to distrust any call supposed to be from a company with which you have business. Now, I always say I am busy and I will call them back. If I think it could be legitimate, I do call the company, on their number, not any supplied by the original caller. I recently said that to an obviously scamming woman 'calling about my internet'. As I said 'thanks, I'll call back.' She sounded frustrated and muttered 'Who do you think you are?' Question is, who was she? I think I ruined her day. Hope so!

 

[Col@45]

When will it ever end with these rotten scammers !! Seems to be getting worse every day. Has put so much distrust in everybody as we're all too scared to take phone calls or look at sites.

 

[Mika in the van]

I'm very suspicious of every website these days, I don't even charge my phone in places like airports or use free wifi in public places and cafes as I was told by a tech security company that it's an easier way to get hacked. Must protect ourselves at every turn.

We’ve also noticed a lot of “free wifi” places satiate it’s not a safe connection. Our new galaxy phones are constantly blocking suspected spam calls and texts too!

 

[Mika in the van]

I keep getting phone calls from someone asking me if I remember them fitting LED lights to our home and they want to come back to fit something else free. I know for a fact we never let anyone into our home but they won’t stop calling every few months. I’ve even told them on several occasions we no longer live in Vic but they still ring again!

 

[rehandra]

In this household we are on ultra alert at all times (sadly). All phone calls (unless coming up as someone we know) are ignored and if a message is not left we do not bother calling back.

Sad really that in this day and age we should be able to relax and enjoy our remaining years but with this modern technology all it is doing is giving us all added stress.

What with banking outages (seeming to occur every week now somewhere or other) and scam emails and phone calls it makes one wonder if it is all it is cracked up to be.

 

[Ebby]

l got an email from ''Stan''that my account had run out and to ''click here'' but l just went on to my account with them and fixed it taking no chances and it was legit.

 

[Daffodil1]

I keep getting phone calls from someone asking me if I remember them fitting LED lights to our home and they want to come back to fit something else free. I know for a fact we never let anyone into our home but they won’t stop calling every few months. I’ve even told them on several occasions we no longer live in Vic but they still ring again!

Block the number.

 

[Clancieblue]

I keep getting phone calls from someone asking me if I remember them fitting LED lights to our home and they want to come back to fit something else free. I know for a fact we never let anyone into our home but they won’t stop calling every few months. I’ve even told them on several occasions we no longer live in Vic but they still ring again!

Block the number

 

[Cheezil]

Block the number.

Unfort blocking phone numbers doesnt stop phone calls going to voice mail, or not on my (Telstra) Galaxy Note 9 so they can still leave a voice mail unfort

 

[mrsrevpmo]

They're targeting older people.
Also more sites are charging in USD$ and unsuspecting buyers, if they don't check every detail, they are charged so much more than the advertised price because most don't advertise in the currency they are using to advertise!
We've been warned by many from other countries that the scammers are also 'piggybacking' off thes sites and the companies have no idea!

 

[TJ1]

Cynicism is King!!!!!

 

[GrannyJA!]

l got an email from ''Stan''that my account had run out and to ''click here'' but l just went on to my account with them and fixed it taking no chances and it was legit.

Every day I get 'Netflix cancellation' messages and I have no TV type accounts whatsoever.

 

[Barbara V]

lately have been gettting calls from overseas one from Inverness another from Glasgow both from same person talking about investment I was suppose to have inquired about. Hung up both times now ignore if number comes up they never leave a message . Rang number operator comes on says number not connected check number try again. It's so bloody annoying as they always call around 7pm

 

[Chicky]

This didn't happen before we were made go digital.

 

[Kevin. A.]

Personally, I have little faith in these digital platforms no matter who runs them. However, the best way to secure your details online is to make sure you "DO NOT" use any "LINKS" provided by "EMAIL" or "MESSAGES". Always use a "known contact online address" if you are updating your details or other personal information.