FBI Denver warns of online file converter scam

The FBI Denver Field Office is warning that agents are increasingly seeing a scam involving free online  document converter tools and wants to encourage victims to report instances of this scam. 

In this scenario, criminals use free online document converter tools to load malware onto victims’  computers, leading to incidents such as ransomware. 

“The best way to thwart these fraudsters is to educate people so they don’t fall victim to these fraudsters  in the first place,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “If you or someone you  know has been affected by this scheme, we encourage you make a report and take actions to protect our  assests. Every day, we are working to hold these scammers accountable and provide victims with the  resources they need.” 

To conduct this scheme, cyber criminals across the globe are using any type of free document converter  or downloader tool. This might be a website claiming to convert one type of file to another, such as a  .doc file to a .pdf file. It might also claim to combine files, such as joining multiple .jpg files into one  .pdf file. The suspect program might claim to be an MP3 or MP4 downloading tool.  

These converters and downloading tools will do the task advertised, but the resulting file can contain  hidden malware giving criminals access to the victim’s computer. The tools can also scrape the  submitted files for: 

• Personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, phone numbers,  etc.).
• Banking information.
• Cryptocurrency information (seed phrases, wallet addresses, etc.).
• Email addresses. 
• Passwords.

Unfortunately, many victims don’t realize they have been infected by malware until it’s too late, and  their computer is infected with ransomware or their identity has been stolen. 

The FBI Denver Field Office encourages victims or attempted victims of this type of scheme to report it  to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

In addition, the FBI Denver Field Office recommends taking the following actions to protect yourself  from this scam: 

• Take a breath, slow down and think. Be aware of your actions online and what risks you could be  exposed to. 
• Keep your virus scan software up to date and scan any file you receive before opening it to help  eliminate malicious software from being installed on your computer. 

If you are a victim of this scam, here are some steps to take: 

• Contact your financial institutions immediately. Take steps to protect your identity and your  accounts. 
• Change all your passwords using a clean, trusted device. 
• Make a report at IC3.gov.
• Run up-to-date virus scan software to check for potentially malicious software installed by the  scammers. Consider taking your computer to a professional company specializing in virus and  malware removal services.