Scammers take advantage of  Barbie and Oppenheimer movie hype to steal money, personal data of users

By Ankita ChakravartiBarbie and Oppenheimer are two highly anticipated movies of the year that many people are excited about. Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of this excitement and using it for their own dishonest purposes. Kaspersky, a cybersecurity company, has discovered that these scammers are using phishing scams to deceive unsuspecting users. Their main goal is to trick people and illegally obtain their money and personal information.

One of the fraudulent pages found by Kaspersky tempts users with special offers on Barbie dolls related to the movie release. They advertise limited-edition dolls, including one of the lead actress Margot Robbie, for a discounted price of around 12 pounds. Users are also enticed to add a helicopter to their purchase for ã56, making the total cost ã60 with the supposed “exclusive” discount. However, when users decide to make the purchase, they are redirected to a form that asks for personal details like their name, address, phone number, and banking information. Unknowingly, users end up sending their money and private data directly to the scammers. Apart from the financial risks, this scam also raises concerns about privacy, as the stolen data could potentially be sold on the Dark Web Market.

The scammers are not just targeting Barbie fans, they are also exploiting the popularity of the movie Oppenheimer. They trick people by offering a free stream of the movie, but their real intention is to steal users’ banking information and money. In these situations, scammers often ask for a small fee, such as one dollar or euro, for registration. However, this seemingly harmless payment requirement should raise a red flag. To proceed with registration, they ask users to link their bank card, which enables unauthorized debits from their accounts that are difficult to cancel.

Olga Svistunova, a security expert at Kaspersky, warns users to remain cautious during premieres and exciting events. She emphasizes the importance of adhering to basic online safety rules. While the experience of these movies is thrilling, it’s crucial not to overlook the risks. By staying vigilant and practicing safe online habits, people can enjoy the Barbie and Oppenheimer experience while protecting themselves from cyber threats lurking in the digital world.
In summary, scammers are taking advantage of the popularity of Barbie and Oppenheimer movies to deceive and defraud unsuspecting users. They use phishing scams to trick people into sharing their personal information and money. It is important for users to remain alert, follow online safety rules, and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. By doing so, people can fully enjoy these movies while safeguarding themselves from cyber threats.