Scammers deceive users with Apple iPhone X prize in new calendar invitation spam campaign

• In order to claim the prize, the recipient is asked to check the store’s location by visiting the link provided in the invitation spam.
• The main purpose of spammers using a new technique to spread the campaign is to grab as many eyeballs as possible.

Scammers have been found tricking users in a new campaign that informs them of winning a new Apple iPhone X. The campaign is carried out unwanted calendar invitation spams instead of phishing emails.

What is the matter?

Discovered by a security blogger Graham Cluley, the scam involves users being bombarded with calendar invitation spams. The invitation claims that the recipient has won an Apple iPhone X from AppleStore.

In order to claim the prize, the recipient is asked to check the store’s location by visiting the link provided within.

However, Cluley has warned that visiting the link could ‘range from anything to a survey scam to a webpage attempting to phish your passwords, or even install malware.’

Change in the delivery method

The main purpose of spammers behind using a new technique to spread the campaign is to grab as many eyeballs as possible. Also, with improved email filters that are now more efficient in filtering spam messages, cybercriminals have started to lookout for new ways to trick users.

How to stay safe?

Users can prevent themselves such unwanted spam invitations by following these steps:

• Go to your Google calendar, and click on the gear icon near the top right of the screen. Choose Settings from the drop-down menu that appears;
• Select Event settings from the choices in the left-hand menu bar;
• Change the Automatically add invitations setting from Yes to No.