Introduction
You’re going about your day when suddenly, your credit card details are stolen—maybe through a data breach, a skimming device, or a sneaky phishing email. The thief doesn’t waste any time. They quickly use your stolen card to make a big purchase, like a shiny new Apple product. But here’s where it gets even trickier.
To cover their tracks, the scammer sets up a list bombing attack. Within minutes, your inbox is flooded with hundreds of emails from random newsletters, subscriptions, and online services you’ve never even heard of. The sheer volume of these emails makes it nearly impossible to spot the real threat—a confirmation email from Apple or your bank regarding the fraudulent purchase.
As if that’s not enough, Apple might even call you to confirm the purchase or inquire about the transaction. But in the middle of all this chaos, the call could easily slip through the cracks, or worse, you might mistake a scammer posing as Apple for the real deal.
By the time the dust settles and you realize what’s happened, the damage is done. The scammer has made off with your money, and you’re left sorting through the mess. This is the kind of situation where list bombing can cause serious harm, not just by flooding your inbox, but by obscuring the critical alerts that could have helped you catch the fraud in time.
In this article, we’re going to cut through the chaos, expose what’s really going on, and show you how to stay one step ahead of the scammers. If your inbox feels like it’s under siege, don’t just sit back—let’s fight back.
What is List Bombing?
List bombing is a malicious cyber attack tactic that involves signing up a targeted individual or organization for numerous mailing lists, newsletters, or subscription services without their consent.
The aim of list bombing is to overwhelm the victim’s email inbox and disrupt their normal operations. This form of attack can lead to the victim receiving an influx of unwanted emails, potentially causing confusion, frustration, and a waste of time and resources in managing the influx of emails.
List bombing can also be used as a form of harassment or to disrupt the victim’s online activities.
Information Verification Phone Call and List Bombing Attack
List bombing attacks can sometimes be part of a broader, more coordinated strategy that includes other tactics like phone calls. During the call, the scammer might pose as a legitimate entity, like your bank or a tech support agent, asking you to verify sensitive information.
Further into this article, I will explain how to avoid Information Verification phone calls.
How did they get my personal information?
So, how did these cyber creeps get their hands on your personal info? It’s a question that’s as frustrating as it is important. The truth is, there are countless ways your details could have ended up in the wrong hands. Maybe you filled out an innocent-looking online form, entered a giveaway, or got hooked by a phishing email that looked legit. Or perhaps your data was caught up in one of those massive data breaches that seem to hit the headlines every other week.
Once your info is out there, it’s like a wild card in the scammer’s deck—they can trade, sell, or exploit it in ways you’d never expect. Scammers are relentless, scraping the web, breaching databases, or even buying your details on the dark web for pennies. It’s a dirty game, and unfortunately, once you’re in their sights, it’s hard to shake them off. That’s why it’s crucial to stay sharp, protect your data like gold, and be wary of where you’re sharing your personal information online.
Understanding the Motives Behind List Bombing
List bombing isn’t just a random act of annoyance; it serves specific purposes for cybercriminals. Understanding the motives behind this tactic can help you grasp the seriousness of the threat and take appropriate action.
Distraction and Diversion
One of the primary motives behind list bombing is to create a distraction. By flooding your inbox with hundreds or even thousands of unwanted emails, attackers aim to divert your attention.
During this chaos, they might be trying to cover up other malicious activities, such as unauthorized transactions or an account takeover. With your inbox overwhelmed, it’s easier for them to slip through a confirmation email for a fraudulent purchase or a password reset request without you noticing.
Psychological Impact
List bombing can also be used to cause stress and anxiety. The sudden flood of emails can feel overwhelming, leading to frustration and confusion. This psychological impact can make victims more vulnerable to other scams or less likely to notice suspicious activity in their accounts.
Testing Security Responses
Sometimes, attackers use list bombing as a way to test the security defenses of an individual or organization. By observing how quickly the target responds to the influx of emails, they can gauge the effectiveness of your spam filters and other security measures, helping them refine their tactics for future attacks.
What Are the Scammers After?
List bombing isn’t just about filling your inbox with unwanted emails; it serves a deeper, more nefarious purpose for scammers. Here’s what they’re typically after:
Personal Information Theft
At the core of many list bombing attacks is the goal of stealing personal information. Scammers often use list bombing as a smokescreen to hide their attempts to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.
During the chaos of a flooded inbox, they might slip in phishing emails or password reset attempts, hoping you won’t notice and might accidentally provide sensitive information like passwords or financial details.
Financial Gain
Scammers are frequently motivated by financial gain. By distracting you with a barrage of emails, they can carry out fraudulent transactions, transfer funds from your bank accounts, or make unauthorized purchases using your payment information. In some cases, they might be after your credit card details, which they can then use or sell on the black market.
Account Takeover
One of the most dangerous outcomes of list bombing is account takeover. While your inbox is overwhelmed, scammers may attempt to gain control of your online accounts, such as email, social media, or banking accounts. Once they gain access, they can lock you out, change your passwords, and use your accounts for further malicious activities, such as spreading spam, conducting phishing attacks, or stealing more personal data.
What to do once you’re the victim of a List Bombing?
If you find yourself suddenly inundated with a flood of unwanted emails, you might be the victim of a list bombing attack. Here’s what you should do to protect yourself and mitigate the damage.
Don’t Panic and Stay Vigilant
First and foremost, try not to panic. While it’s overwhelming to see hundreds or thousands of emails flooding your inbox, staying calm and methodical is crucial. Recognize that this could be a tactic to distract you from more serious threats, so it’s essential to stay alert.
Secure Your Accounts
- Change the passwords for your important online accounts.
- Starting with your email, banking, and social media accounts.
- Then into your more important accounts such as Amazon, Paypal and anything where financial damage can occur.
- Any platform where you can order used saved details or through credit.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account. See our recommendations for 1Password
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- Look for any unauthorized changes, password resets, or changes that you did not initiate.
Inform Relevant Parties
If you suspect that your accounts may have been compromised during the attack, inform relevant parties.
- Your bank, or bank(s)
- Trading Platforms
- Cell Phone Provider to avoid a sim swap or new hardware purchased under your account.
- Your Employer
- Credit Agencies.
Monitor Your Credit and Financial Statements
Keep a close eye on your credit reports and financial statements for any unusual activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions or accounts opened in your name, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the fraud.
Immediately review any recent transactions or account activity across your online accounts, especially financial and email accounts. Look for any unauthorized changes, password resets, or transactions that you did not initiate. Scammers may be using the chaos to slip through a fraudulent action unnoticed.
Handling the List Bombing Emails
The Chaos Usually Ends After a Couple of Weeks
When you’re hit by a list bombing attack, the flood of emails can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, this chaos usually doesn’t last long.
Most attacks are automated and move on to new targets within a week or two, meaning the barrage of emails will gradually taper off. While you wait for the storm to pass, focus on setting up filters and managing the situation, knowing that your inbox will return to normal soon.
Set Up Email Filters
Use your email provider’s filtering options to manage the flood of incoming emails. You can create rules to automatically delete or archive emails from certain domains or with specific keywords, helping to reduce the clutter and focus on legitimate messages.
Unsubscribe Carefully
While it may be tempting to click “unsubscribe” on the barrage of emails, do so cautiously. Scammers often rely on users hastily clicking unsubscribe links in frustration, which could lead you to malicious sites or confirm your email address is active. Instead, use a reliable email management tool or service to unsubscribe safely, or mark the emails as spam to prevent further messages from reaching your inbox.
Long-Term Protection Strategies
Adopt a “No Verification Over the Phone” Policy
A simple but effective way to protect yourself is to establish a personal policy of not verifying sensitive information over the phone. Tell yourself and others in your household that you will not share personal information, account details, or passwords with anyone who calls you, regardless of how legitimate they may seem.
Always Verify the Caller’s Identity
If you receive a call requesting verification of your information:
- Ask for the Caller’s Information: Politely ask for the caller’s name, their department, and a callback number. Legitimate callers will not hesitate to provide this information.
- Hang Up and Call Back: End the call, and then independently verify the number by looking it up through the official website or documentation from the company. Call back using the verified number to ensure you are speaking with a legitimate representative.
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls
Scammers often prey on victims through unsolicited calls. If you receive a call you weren’t expecting, be extra cautious:
- Don’t Trust Caller ID: Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make it look like they’re calling from a trusted source. Just because the caller ID shows a familiar number doesn’t mean the call is legitimate.
- Listen for Red Flags: Be wary of calls that create a sense of urgency, demand immediate action, or pressure you into providing information. Legitimate companies typically follow up with written communication and won’t pressure you into giving details on the spot.
Use Secure Communication Channels
Instead of verifying information over the phone, use more secure communication channels:
- Use Secure Messaging Apps: When communicating with companies, opt for secure messaging apps that provide end-to-end encryption.
- Online Account Verification: Verify your information through official websites or apps where you can securely log in and manage your account. Avoid clicking on links sent via text or email, and instead navigate to the site directly through your browser.
Educate Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Stay informed about the latest phone scams and educate those around you:
- Share Knowledge: Talk to family members, especially those who might be more vulnerable, like the elderly, about the risks of verifying information over the phone. Make sure they know how to handle suspicious calls.
- Stay Updated on Scam Tactics: Scammers constantly evolve their tactics. Regularly check reputable sources for information on the latest scams to stay ahead of potential threats.
Use a Password Manager
A password manager can help you keep your passwords secure and unique for each account. This way, even if a scammer tries to obtain your password over the phone, it will be much harder for them to gain access to your accounts.
See our recommendations for 1Password
Report Suspicious Calls
If you receive a call that seems suspicious, report it to your phone provider and relevant authorities. This helps prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively prevent yourself from verifying sensitive information over the phone, thereby reducing the risk of falling victim to phone-based scams.
Use a Fake Birthday for Non-Critical Accounts
Your birthdate is often used for identity verification, making it a prime target for scammers. Protect yourself by using a fake birthday for non-critical accounts like social media and shopping sites. Choose a date that’s memorable but not linked to you, and use it consistently across these accounts. This simple step helps keep your real information safe, reducing the risk of identity theft and phishing. For critical accounts like banking or healthcare, always use your real birthday for accuracy. If you’ve used your real birthday elsewhere, consider updating it to your chosen fake date.
- Pick a Date with Personal Significance: Choose a date that means something to you, like an anniversary or a memorable event, but isn’t tied to your official documents.
- Use a Unique Pattern: Create a date with a unique number pattern that’s easy to recall, like repeating digits or a mirrored date.
- Combine Elements: Mix and match significant numbers, such as the month from one event and the day from another, to create a memorable but unrelated date.
- Avoid Predictability: Stay away from obvious choices like 01/01 or dates that could easily be guessed based on your other public information.
Choose a method that makes the fake date easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
Strengthen Your Defenses—Identity Theft Protection and Credit Monitoring
When dealing with a list bombing attack, it’s crucial to think beyond your inbox and protect your identity. Scammers might be using the chaos to gather personal information or carry out identity theft. To safeguard yourself, consider enrolling in an identity theft protection service that monitors your personal information for suspicious activity.
Additionally, regularly check your credit reports to spot any unauthorized accounts or transactions. Most credit reporting agencies offer free annual reports, which you can review to ensure everything is in order. If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately to the credit bureau and take steps to secure your financial accounts. Staying vigilant is key to preventing further damage during and after a list bombing attack.
Get a Second Phone Number for SMS 2FA
When it comes to securing your online accounts, SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) is a popular option. But here’s a pro tip: get a second phone number dedicated solely to 2FA. Why? Because your primary number is often tied to your identity in more ways than you might realize, making it a prime target for scammers and hackers.
You can get a second phone number through your current provider, but here’s the catch: determined crooks can sometimes verify your identity with your provider and hijack that number. To add an extra layer of security, consider getting your second number from a different provider than your main phone service. This way, even if someone compromises your primary number, they won’t have access to the one securing your critical accounts. A virtual phone service or prepaid phone on a separate network can provide the protection you need to keep your digital life locked down.
Need Help Securing Your Online Presence?
If you’re concerned about protecting your personal information and securing your online accounts, I can help. As a technology consultant, I offer practical advice and tailored solutions to keep your digital life safe.
Services I Offer:
- Security Audits: Identify and address vulnerabilities in your online accounts.
- Phishing Protection: Learn how to spot and avoid phishing scams.
- Account Recovery: Assistance if you’ve been targeted by cyberattacks.
- Ongoing Support: Stay updated with regular tips and advice to keep your information secure.
Your security is important—let’s protect it together.
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