FBI warning for Chrome, Safari, Edge users - Don't use THESE websites
The FBI confirmed warnings to Google Chrome, Safari, and Edge users about using fake online document converters
The FBI confirmed warnings to Google Chrome, Safari, and Edge users about using fake online document converters. The agency said that hackers are using such websites to steal user data, including passwords. Last week, the bureau's Denver Field Office warned people about using ‘fake’ websites on browsers to convert files like .doc, .pdf, MP3, MP4, and more.
“The FBI Denver Field Office is warning that agents are increasingly seeing a scam involving free online document converter tools, and we want to encourage victims to report instances of this scam. In this scenario, criminals use free online document converter tools to load malware onto victims’ computers, leading to incidents such as ransomware,” the FBI's Denver Office said in a press release.
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FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek added that if an individual has been affected by this scheme, ‘we encourage you to make a report and take actions to protect your assets’.
However, the FBI did not mention specific websites to avoid. Cue threat hunter Will Thomas posted some example URLs on X, and Malwarebytes published ‘some recent examples of domains involved in this type of scam’.
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Websites to avoid amid latest FBI warning:
Imageconvertors[.]com (phishing)
convertitoremp3[.]it (Riskware)
convertisseurs-pdf[.]com (Riskware)
convertscloud[.]com (Phishing)
convertix-api[.]xyz (Trojan)
convertallfiles[.]com (Adware)
freejpgtopdfconverter[.]com (Riskware)
primeconvertapp[.]com (Riskware)
9convert[.]com (Riskware)
Convertpro[.]org (Riskware).”
How to protect yourself from the scam (via FBI):
Take a breath, slow down and think. Be aware of your actions online and what risks you could be exposed to.
Keep your virus scan software up to date and scan any file you receive before opening it to help eliminate malicious software from being installed on your computer.
Some steps to take:
Contact your financial institutions immediately. Take steps to protect your identity and your accounts.
Change all your passwords using a clean, trusted device.
Make a report at IC3.gov
