SCAMMER ADVISORY 10

Variant of the Scam that is making the rounds

Scammer
DeviantArt-botnn ... where nn is a number. Today it is 43.

Text
The scam is similar to the one reported on Scammer Advisory 008 though there are some differences. As the scammers are still working this technique, we of the anti-scam squad need to be diligent:

A noteworthy change is the phony status of the account being suspended. This may fool the unwary and have them proceed when they should not.

Something that can be verified to dismiss this scam... do you have any sales that have been applied to your account, which proves the above to be a scam? Checking my earnings from yesterday...

I see those earnings are there so I do not see anything preventing them from being applied to my account. So... SCAM!

Profile Check

DeviantArtBot-43 has been deactivated. You, the Community, clearly doing your part by reporting the scammer and, well done, DeviantArt, by banning him/her.


Assessment by Norton Genie (described in Advisory 002)

Remember, unless the result comes back clean, consider it a scam.


Assessment by Virustotal

Please note that not being assessed as malicious is not a guarantee of safety. Note the identification of multiple-redirects.

Multiple Redirects

Definition: Multiple redirects are a sequence of automated URL redirections that guide a user through several intermediary domains - often legitimate or compromised - before delivering them to a malicious site. These redirects can be triggered by clicking a link in an email, chat/note, or compromised website.

Why Scammers Use Multiple Redirects

• Obfuscation: Each redirect masks the final destination, making it harder for users and security tools to detect malicious intent.

• Bypass Filters: Security services and tools often scan only the first link. If that URL (tech term for link) is clean (such as a trusted domain), the malicious payload deeper in the chain may go unnoticed.

• Exploit Trust: Redirects may begin on reputable platforms (like Google or Microsoft) to lull users into a false sense of security.

• Dynamic Infrastructure: Attackers can rotate final destinations quickly, using redirect chains to distribute traffic across multiple phishing or malware hosting sites.
  
  Multiple Redirects is a red flag of malicious content.
  
  
  Any questions please feel to reach out to me here or on the Artist Safe Haven group.