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BBB: Scammers use "Most Dangerous Celebrities" as click bait to fool consumers

Published  October 1, 2014 9:59am CDT
FOX 6 Now Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (WITI) --  Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about the “Most Dangerous Celebrities” whose names and photos are most often used by scammers as click bait. BBB is joining with security technology company McAfee in alerting consumers about the problem of click baiting and how to avoid it. Today McAfee released the list of the top ten “Most Dangerous Celebrities.” Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel topped the list.

What is Click Baiting?

“Click baiting” is a way to get someone’s attention online. Many advertisers use it, but so do scammers. They engage with potential identity theft victims by offering something that is too intriguing to ignore: messages claiming new videos, “shocking” information or scandalous news on celebrities, newsmakers and other famous people.

Many consumers are unaware of the risks that exist when searching for celebrity and entertainment news. Often, the click bait leads to a sketchy website or a link that downloads malware on the user’s computer or smart phone.

The Most Dangerous Celebrities

For the eighth year, security technology company McAfee has identified the “Most Dangerous Celebrities” whose names and images are most widely used by scammers as click bait. The riskiest personalities on the Web are:


    What Consumers Can Do

    Consumers can do their part by being vigilant in practicing safe online behavior. BBB and McAfee recommend the following:


      Find out more about scams and sign up for scam alerts at BBB Scam Stopper (bbb.org/scam). For tips you can trust, visit bbb.org and for the latest, check out our blog, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

       

      For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin or 414-847-6000 (metro Milwaukee), 920-734-4352 (Appleton), 608-268-2221 (Madison) or 1-800-273-1002 (elsewhere in Wisconsin). Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin BBB on Twitter, Facebook and You Tube.