Pirated software and scams are being promoted through the hijacking of Spotify playlists.

We frequently utilize Spotify for listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Some individuals create playlists of their preferred songs, while others save playlists created by others.

Spammers have discovered how to exploit Spotify's public playlist feature.

An emerging online scam involves using Spotify playlists and podcasts to distribute pirated software, game cheat codes, spam links, and malware sites. I will provide details on this scam and offer tips for staying safe.

How the Spotify scam works

This scam takes advantage of Spotify's popularity and trustworthiness by exploiting its playlists. Scammers insert targeted keywords, such as "free download," "crack," or "warez," into playlist titles and descriptions.

Spotify's web player pages are indexed by search engines, leading to spammy results that drive traffic to questionable external links. For instance, a Spotify playlist titled "Sony Vegas Pro 13 Crack" promotes "free" software sites in its title and description, leading users to potentially harmful external links.

Scammers are not only targeting playlists but also podcasts with short episodes under 20 seconds. They use synthesized speech to direct listeners to click links in the description for free content. These podcasts often focus on pirated ebooks, audiobooks, or game cheats. Although the content may seem legitimate, clicking on the links can lead to unsafe pages that further exploit users.

The end goal

The scam aims to exploit Spotify's credibility and online visibility to lure individuals into clicking on questionable links and visiting suspicious websites. Scammers generate income through fraudulent ad clicks, fake surveys, and affiliate links, while simultaneously infecting users' devices with malware by tricking them into downloading harmful software or extensions.

Fake sign-up forms and phishing pages are used by some to steal personal information, which can result in identity theft or be sold to others. Spotify’s indexed pages are used by these sites to boost their search rankings and reach more people. Some of these sites also run additional scams, such as fake crypto giveaways or phishing attempts, to obtain even more money or data from unsuspecting users.

7 ways to stay safe from Spotify scams

Be wary of clicking on links in playlists or podcasts with titles that promise free software, audiobooks, or game cheats, as they may lead to unsafe sites hosting malware, adware, or phishing pages.

To safeguard yourself from malicious links and protect your private information, it is recommended to install antivirus software on all your devices. This software can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. If you're looking for the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices in 2024, check out my top picks.

Always verify the authenticity of digital content before downloading it from unofficial sources. Be cautious of "free" versions of paid content, especially if it's from an unknown source. Stick to reputable platforms and official websites to ensure the legitimacy of the content.

To safeguard your Spotify account, create complex and distinctive passwords that do not contain personal information such as birthdays or pet names. Utilize a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Beware of scam podcasts that use short episodes with synthesized speech to lure you into clicking on a link in the description. These tactics are often used to trick users into visiting unsafe pages. If the content seems automated, unclear, or overly promotional, it's best to steer clear.

Verify curator credentials: Ensure that playlist curators have a verifiable online presence. If you can't find any information about them, it's best to avoid engaging with them.

Beware of emails from Spotify that request account confirmation or contain suspicious links, as they may be phishing attempts aimed at stealing your credentials.

Report and block inappropriate content: If you discover any suspicious or fraudulent playlists or podcasts on Spotify, report them immediately using the platform's reporting tools. This will help Spotify maintain its rules and improve its filtering and moderation systems. Additionally, blocking such accounts or playlists will prevent any accidental interactions in the future.

Kurt’s key takeaway

Scammers will use any means possible to deceive you. In the past, we’ve seen malicious websites that install malware when links are clicked on, as well as SEO scams targeting users. Companies like Spotify must take measures to prevent their platforms from being misused by scammers. Google has a responsibility to ensure the quality of its search results, and just because a webpage comes from a well-known organization doesn't mean it deserves to rank highly on the search results pages.

Are platforms like Spotify and Google doing enough to prevent scams, or could they improve? Share your thoughts by writing to Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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