The dangers of phishing: A look at the smartwatch account deletion scam
In the digital age, it is very important to keep your personal information safe. A scam targeting smartwatch users underscores this point, highlighting the need for vigilance and awareness. The scam, which circulates via email, threatens users with account deletion due to inactivity, urging them to reactivate their accounts.
All smartwatch owners should be wary of this, no matter if you have an Apple Watch, a Fitbit, Polar, Garmin, Suunto or Xiaomi.
A recent example can be found in a Garmin Facebook group. One user received an email that reads the following. He was puzzled as he was actively using his account.
“According to our privacy policy, all Garmin sites, systems, and servers will remove inactive accounts for good. This includes Garmin Connect, inReach, Garmin Pilot, Garmin Express, Garmin Explore, Avionics.com, Garmin.com, and other sites. To keep your account, click the link below or sign in at Garmin.com within 60 days of receiving this email.”
For some of those that receive this type of communication, it will not be an official message from the manufacturer. Instead, it’s an attempt at phishing. This is a type of cyber attack in which scammers pose as trustworthy organisations to get people to give up sensitive information. In this case, the scammers are likely using a spoof site to capture users’ login credentials.
Many bad things can happen if you fall for one of these scams. Once the crooks have access to your account, they might be able to see a plethora of data. This includes your name, address, and maybe even your payment information. Also, they could keep track of your fitness activities, which could reveal your daily schedule and where you go, putting your privacy at risk.
How to keep yourself safe
So, how can you avoid these kinds of scams? Awareness is the first line of defence.
Be wary of any email you didn’t ask for, especially if it wants you to give personal information or click on a link. Always check the sender’s email address, and if you’re not sure, call the company directly using the information on their website.
Second, never click on links in emails that look sketchy. They could take you to fake websites that are trying to steal your information or download malware onto your device. Instead, type the website’s address directly into your browser if you need to get to your account.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
Also, it is a good idea to delete this type of email as soon as you get suspicious. There is, of course, a chance that the email is real. But you probably know if you haven’t logged into your smartwatch of fitness tracker account in a long time. On its website, Garmin states that you will only get that type of email if “your Garmin account hasn’t been used on any of our sites or services for a long time.” And that the email address on the profile will get more than one message before the account is deleted.
Lastly, you might want to think about turning on two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts. Many wearable brands, including Garmin, now offer this. It adds another layer of security and makes it harder for scammers to get into your account, even if they know your login information.
These types of scams are a stark reminder of how important cybersecurity is. By staying informed and taking steps to protect your data, you can make it much less likely that you’ll fall for these tricks.
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