It looked like it was from UPS and it said we were unable to deliver your package. However, if you click on the following link you can look up the tracking information on that package and then you can reroute it back to your place. At that point, I clicked on the link and my screen started flashing, Hoehn said. The message said, You have been hacked. We have encrypted all of your files. Send, I think it was like 150 bitcoins to this address.
A fake shipping link can launch ransomware like it did for Hoehn, or it can redirect to a counterfeit branded page that asks for credit card or personal information to reroute a package, or tricks you into entering your username and password.
By Kaelan Deese - 12/19/20 04:09 PM EST
Threat prevention experts warn that shoppers expecting package deliveries from top shipping companies such as FedEx, Amazon and UPS could be subject to fake delivery notices.
The news comes as online shopping has increased during the holiday season amid the coronavirus pandemic. Consumers are relying more on online shopping and home deliver to avoid exposure to COVID-19, the disease that continues to infected hundreds of thousands of Americans each day.
Hackers are reportedly taking advantage of unsuspecting online shoppers, sending out fake shipping notification links to capitalize on the uptick of orders this time of year, CNBC reported.
It looked like it was from UPS and it said we were unable to deliver your package. However, if you click on the following link you can look up the tracking information on that package and then you can reroute it back to your place. At that point, I clicked on the link and my screen started flashing, Hoehn said. The message said, You have been hacked. We have encrypted all of your files. Send, I think it was like 150 bitcoins to this address.
A fake shipping link can launch ransomware like it did for Hoehn, or it can redirect to a counterfeit branded page that asks for credit card or personal information to reroute a package, or tricks you into entering your username and password.