Microsoft researchers observed a recent spam campaign that distributes emails with links to fake tech support websites, according to an Aug. 7 Windows Security blog post.
Unlike standard phishing emails, which direct targeted users toward sites that steal credentials, the links in these emails lead users to tech support scam websites. These websites use various "scare tactics" to trick users into calling hotlines to purchase fake technical support services for malware infection, license expiration or other supposed system problems, according to Microsoft researchers.
"Tech support scams sites often mimic legitimate sites," the researchers note. "They display pop-up messages with fake warnings and customer service hotline numbers."
Click here to view the blog post.