Have you ever used a free online file converter? If your answer is yes, you may want to think twice before doing it again. The FBI has issued a warning that some of these tools could be used by cybercriminals to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware.
How the Scam Works
Cybercriminals create free websites that offer to convert or merge files—like turning a Word document into a PDF or downloading MP3 and MP4 files. While these tools appear to perform the advertised task, they are also scanning your documents for sensitive personal data, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Banking details
- Cryptocurrency wallet information
- Email addresses and passwords
If that’s not alarming enough, these files can also contain hidden malware that, once opened, can infect your computer. This could lead to ransomware attacks, unauthorized financial transactions, or even identity theft.
To reduce your risk of falling victim to this scam, follow these best practices:
- Be cautious about where you upload sensitive documents. Avoid using unknown or untrusted file conversion sites.
- Keep your virus-scanning software updated. Cyber threats evolve, and updated security software helps protect against them.
- Scan all downloaded files before opening them. This extra step could prevent malware from infecting your device.
- Report suspicious activity. If you suspect you’ve been scammed, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
If you believe you’ve been affected by this scam, take immediate action to protect yourself:
- Contact your financial institutions to secure your accounts and prevent unauthorized transactions.
- Change all your passwords using a clean, trusted device.
- Run up-to-date virus-scanning software to detect and remove potential malware.
- Seek professional assistance if your device is compromised—IT security specialists can help remove malicious software and secure your system.
As we always say, take a breath, slow down, and think before taking actions online. Something as simple as converting a file on an untrusted website could expose your personal information to cybercriminals. Awareness and caution are key to staying safe in an increasingly digital world.
