The Odyssey is the hottest ticket in town and scammers are trying to cash in on its popularity. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Fans eager to watch the adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic risk falling for scams offering 'free online viewing' and handing over their personal details to criminals.
How the scam works
Fraudsters create fake websites that piggyback on the release of a popular new film, TV show, or video game. They offer 'early access' or 'free viewing' and ask for bank details. The sites feature positive reviews, but they are all fake.
What are the risks?
According to BeStreamWise, a UK campaign body, people who submit their personal details are at risk of being targeted by fraudsters again, as well as having money taken from their accounts. "Criminals are quick to exploit excitement around major releases, such as The Odyssey, using fake streaming links and websites to trick people into handing over personal information and exposing themselves to fraud," it says.
Characteristics of fake sites
Some fake sites claim to offer dubbed versions of the film in the victim's native language, selected based on geolocation. When the victim tries to play the film, they are asked to register, then to input bank details. The sites typically claim that those who sign up will be offered unlimited access to content over multiple devices.
Expert advice
Olga Altukhova, an analyst at Kaspersky, says: "We strongly encourage people to access content only through official services to protect their personal data and avoid potential financial losses." She also warns that consumers should be particularly wary if a film that has only just been released, and is still showing in cinemas, pops up on an unfamiliar platform.
Protective measures
Kaspersky advises people to closely check the URL to ensure it is a legitimate page. If someone discovers that they have been defrauded, they are advised to immediately inform their bank, change passwords on sites and apps, and turn on multi-factor authentication. In the UK, you should contact Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting centre.