A new phishing scam is targeting users with fake ‘Cloud Storage Full’ alerts, tricking them into divulging credit card details under the guise of a $1.99 fee. Trend Micro has identified a surge in such scams, reporting a 531% rise in activity from September to October. The campaign employs sophisticated tactics, including personalized messages and convincing fake websites that mimic legitimate cloud services. Scammers use urgent language, countdown timers, and progress bars to create a false sense of immediacy, pressuring victims to act without thinking. Trend Micro’s analysis highlights how these scams often begin with unsolicited messages containing the victim’s name and fake photo counts, leading to malicious .info domains. Upon clicking, users are directed to a replica of a cloud storage dashboard, where they are prompted to pay for an ‘upgrade’ to prevent data loss. Once credit card or PayPal details are entered, scammers harvest the information for potential fraud, resale on dark web markets, or unauthorized purchases. The scam’s effectiveness lies in its psychological manipulation, preying on users’ anxiety over losing precious memories. Experts warn that users should verify alerts through official sources and avoid tapping suspicious links. They recommend implementing security measures such as multi-factor authentication, antivirus software, and data removal services to mitigate risks. The increase in these scams underscores the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to protect personal data.