Bitdefender Warns of Surge in Subscription Scams Disguised as Online Stores and Mystery Boxes

Cybersecurity researchers at Bitdefender have uncovered a sharp increase in deceptive online subscription scams, with fraudsters disguising themselves as legitimate e-commerce platforms and mystery box vendors. These sophisticated schemes are luring unsuspecting users into handing over sensitive credit card details under the guise of low-cost purchases. 

Unlike older, more obvious fraud attempts, this new wave of scams involves meticulously crafted fake websites that mimic real online shops. Bitdefender’s investigation revealed over 200 fraudulent sites offering goods such as footwear, apparel, and electronic gadgets. 

The catch? Victims unknowingly agree to recurring subscription charges cleverly hidden in the fine print.

One tactic gaining traction is the so-called “mystery box” scam. These scams entice consumers with a small upfront fee in exchange for a surprise package, often marketed as unclaimed luggage or packages left behind at airports or post offices. 

However, the real goal is to harvest personal and payment information, often enrolling victims in recurring payment plans before the transaction is even finalized.

The scams are widely advertised on social media platforms, including Facebook, through sponsored posts. 

In many cases, scammers pose as content creators or use fake influencer pages to build trust. Bitdefender researchers found more than 140 websites push

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