Scam-yourself attacks—How to spot and avoid them

Looking for that perfect YouTube tutorial? The one that can help solve your computer issue? Now, imagine you’ve finally found the seemingly helpful advice you needed. You follow the steps, thinking it’s all good—but instead of a solution, you’ve just let malware into your system.

This scenario is part of a new trend we’ve named “scam-yourself attacks”—a social engineering tactic that surged up by a 614% in the last few months. Rather than using complex hacks, cybercriminals are getting users to do their job for them, turning everyday online habits into serious risks.

As detailed in the Gen Q3/2024 Threat Report, our experts have uncovered how cybercriminals have been sneaking their scams into unexpected places online. Here’s what’s happening and how you can stay ahead of the game.

What are scam-yourself attacks?

Scam-yourself attacks rely on social engineering—a fancier term for manipulation—to trick people into unknowingly installing malware on their own devices and compromising their security. Instead of finding a way in themselves, cybercriminals guide you to do the dirty work for them.

Here are the main ways these scams play out:

• Fake tutorials: YouTube tutorials and step-by-step guides on other sites might claim to offer cracked software or free downloads. When you follow the instructions, you’re actually installing malware disguised as a helpful tool.
• ClickFix scams: These scams pose as solutions to common tech problems. They might ask you to paste a script into your command prompt, promising it’ll fix that stubborn error code. What it really does, though, is give attackers access to your system.
• Fake updates: Outdated software notifications are common, and scammers use fake update prompts to trick users into downloading or pasting harmful scripts. These “essential updates” mimic real software patches, but they’re designed to compromise your system instead of helping it.
• Fake CAPTCHA: We’re all used to CAPTCHA prompts online. But now, scammers use fake CAPTCHAs to get people to click dangerous links or paste malicious code that installs malware.

In Q3/2024 alone, we protected more than 2 million from fake CAPTCHA attacks—a tactic that looks so normal we barely think twice before clicking. Almost everyone has clicked on “I’m not a robot” without a second thought. The familiarity of these prompts is precisely why they’re effective; we trust them, and that trust is being exploited.

How to spot the social engineering clues of the scams

Cybercriminals are getting better at making their scams appear legitimate. Here’s a quick guide to help you stay ahead:

• Stay wary of “free” software promises. If a tutorial promises free or cracked software, think twice. These sources often come with malware attached. Stick to reputable platforms and avoid guides that ask you to disable your antivirus software.
• Never paste random scripts into your system. It might look like a quick fix, but you could be giving attackers the keys to your computer. Stick to official tech support sites or consult a verified professional.
• Double-check update prompts. If an unexpected update notification appears, check your software’s official website or your system’s update settings to confirm it’s real.
• Look out for phishing messages. Scammers also push these tricks via text messages or emails, especially under the guise of system alerts. Stay cautious and don’t click on links from unknown senders.

Stay ahead of scams with real-time detection tools

Cybercriminals are using sophisticated tools—like AI-generated content and deepfakes—to make scams look even more convincing. Real-time detection tools—such as Norton Genie—can help protect against these advanced threats by flagging risky emails, texts, and pop-ups before you even realize they’re scams. AI-powered scam detection can quickly recognize patterns associated with phishing attempts, fake notifications, and too-good-to-be-true offers, making it easier to stay protected.

Besides, it’s not only scam-yourself attacks you should watch out for. Recent data has shown a significant rise in SMS-based phishing, better known as smishing, making up 16.5% of all scam detections. Fake but real-looking messages from banks, delivery and postal services, or government agencies may be used to urge you to click a malicious link.

Sometimes, these scams prove difficult to spot without a critical eye or a detection tool. Knowing the common signs of a fake message—like urgent language or odd-looking links—can go a long way. Real-time protections can be a valuable ally, flagging these messages on your behalf.

Awareness is key

Scam-yourself attacks are proof that scammers know how to adapt—and fast. But with a little awareness and the right tools, you don’t have to be the next victim. Stay informed, use cybersecurity software, and take a moment to process before you click. Stay safe!