Claim of ‘Seismic Waves CARD’ Disguised as Earthquake Pics is a Hoax
A recent viral message is making the rounds on social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, claiming that clicking on a link labeled ‘Seismic Waves CARD’ will hack your phone in just 10 seconds. The message seems to be linked to the recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, attempting to create a sense of urgency and fear among users. However, BOOM has found that the message is nothing but a revival of an old internet hoax, with no evidence of a malware called ‘Seismic Waves CARD’.
The message, which has been circulating widely, reads: “Seismic Waves CARD: Latest Earthquake Photos – Don’t click unless you want your phone hacked in 10 seconds!” The message is accompanied by a series of photos that appear to be images of destruction caused by the recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand. However, these photos are actually old images of earthquake damage from various parts of the world, including Japan, Mexico, and California.
The message claims that clicking on the link will infect your phone with a malware that will steal your personal data, bank information, and even lock your phone. The message tries to create a sense of panic by stating that “you will never be able to access your phone again” if you click on the link. However, this is just a baseless scare tactic designed to trick users into spreading the message further.
BOOM has investigated the claim and found no evidence of a malware called ‘Seismic Waves CARD’. A quick search on popular antivirus software databases and online malware scanners did not yield any results, indicating that the malware is likely non-existent.
Furthermore, the photos used in the message are old and have been circulating online for several years. They are not specific to the recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, and there is no credible evidence to suggest that the images are linked to the earthquakes in any way.
It is worth noting that the message is a classic example of a phishing scam, designed to trick users into clicking on a malicious link. The link may contain malware or a virus that can infect your device, steal your personal data, or lock your phone. It is essential to be cautious and not click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources.
In conclusion, the claim of ‘Seismic Waves CARD’ disguised as earthquake pics is a hoax with no basis in reality. The message is a revival of an old internet hoax, and there is no evidence to suggest that the malware exists. BOOM advises users to remain vigilant and not fall prey to such phishing scams. Always be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, and verify the authenticity of messages and links before sharing them with others.
