This year’s highly-anticipated movies, the Margot Robbie-led Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer are unfortunately in the crosshairs of hackers.
According to a recent report, Oppenheimer and Barbie movie scams have erupted days before the release, with hackers intending to capitalize on the immense popularity of the movie, targeting unsuspecting fans.
With both movies scheduled for the same grand release on July 21, 2023, these cybercriminals are launching malicious campaigns aimed at unsuspecting victims to pilfer sensitive personal information.
Here is a quick look at the Oppenheimer movie scams and Barbie movie scams, which hackers are running to steal sensitive information from users.
Oppenheimer and Barbie movie scams: Planning a double hit
According to Kaspersky, both Oppenheimer movie scams and Barbie movie scams are leveraging the hype around the two movies.
Barbie movie scams
The Barbie movie scams begin with a phishing campaign — offering Barbie dolls as part of the movie promotions.
To play around with public emotions to this timeless franchise, the hackers have introduced limited-edition movie-related dolls based on the actress Margot Robbie, who is also playing the protagonist in the Barbie movie alongside Ryan Gosling, who is playing the role of Ken.
The alleged doll, which is based on the Hollywood actress herself, is reportedly available at a discounted price.
This gimmick might attract a large number of fans who are looking forward to the movie or collectors who want to get a hold of the doll to add it to their collection.
However, the hackers are leveraging this phenomenon. As the users try to make the purchase, they are led to a third-party website that begins asking questions from the users about their personal information.
This information includes sensitive individual data such as name, address, phone number, and banking information. As a result, unknowing users fall prey to these scammers, unwittingly sharing both their money and private data directly with criminals.
Oppenheimer movie scams
The impact of Oppenheimer on the world is far-reaching as Julius Robert Oppenheimer, one of the most respected and influential theoretical physicists during World War II, is the eminent personality played in the movie by “Peaky Blinders” star Thomas Shelby.
The movie will be a homage to Oppenheimer and will connect with many people directly or indirectly involved in the events associated with World War II and the inception of the atomic bomb. This gives an opportunity to hackers to target a wide range of potential victims.
However, Unlike the Barbie movie scams, Christopher Nolan Oppenheimer doesn’t have a franchise character or any physical toy or product associated with it right now. So, to carry on this ordeal, the hackers have decided to offer a free streaming service for the movie in exchange for some personal information.
According to the report, the hackers’ method involves requesting a small registration fee, typically just one dollar or euro, which may initially seem harmless.
However, this seemingly insignificant payment requirement is designed to raise a red flag. Once users proceed with the registration, they are prompted to link their bank card, which opens the door to unauthorized and challenging-to-cancel debits from their accounts.
Mitigation against Oppenheimer movie scams and Barbie movie scams:
Cybersecurity experts from Kaspersky have issued essential precautions to safeguard movie enthusiasts from falling victim to Oppenheimer and Barbie movie scams.
The guidelines focus on being vigilant against phishing scams, avoiding suspicious emails or websites offering enticing deals, and verifying the authenticity of sources before sharing personal information or making online transactions.
“Premieres and exciting events bring a wave of anticipation, but amidst the thrill, it’s crucial for users to remain alert and adhere to basic online safety rules,” comments Olga Svistunova, security expert at the security company.
“While the experience is exhilarating, we must not overlook the risks. By maintaining a vigilant mindset and practicing safe online habits, we can fully enjoy the Barbie and Oppenheimer experience while safeguarding ourselves from cyber threats lurking in the digital world,” she adds.
By adhering to these precautions, movie enthusiasts can safely enjoy the excitement of the anticipated Barbie 2023, and Oppenheimer premieres without falling prey to deceptive scams.