F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Tricked by a Phishing Link

Tricked by a Phishing Link

Tricked by a Phishing Link

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_TrapBoy_
Member
224
07-21-2021, 07:07 AM
#1
Hey everyone, thanks for your interest! In short, I fell for a link that looked like an embedded YouTube video from a Facebook Group I trusted. When I clicked it, a new tab opened but closed right away without any warning or redirect. No error messages appeared, and nothing was downloaded. I felt a bit suspicious since it seemed like something might be running in the background. Win 11 Pro 22H2, Chrome version 109.0.5414.120 (Official Build). I also installed Bitdefender after seeing an ad from Linus. After several scans—including a Rescue Environment—I got clean results. I saved the link as a text file and checked it on VirusTotal, which said it was safe. Still curious about what the link did. As someone more hands-on with hardware, I’d love some guidance on analyzing this further. Any suggestions for tools or Linux distros that could help me trace it? I’ve been searching online but mostly getting vague “change your passwords” advice. Thanks for your patience and support!
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_TrapBoy_
07-21-2021, 07:07 AM #1

Hey everyone, thanks for your interest! In short, I fell for a link that looked like an embedded YouTube video from a Facebook Group I trusted. When I clicked it, a new tab opened but closed right away without any warning or redirect. No error messages appeared, and nothing was downloaded. I felt a bit suspicious since it seemed like something might be running in the background. Win 11 Pro 22H2, Chrome version 109.0.5414.120 (Official Build). I also installed Bitdefender after seeing an ad from Linus. After several scans—including a Rescue Environment—I got clean results. I saved the link as a text file and checked it on VirusTotal, which said it was safe. Still curious about what the link did. As someone more hands-on with hardware, I’d love some guidance on analyzing this further. Any suggestions for tools or Linux distros that could help me trace it? I’ve been searching online but mostly getting vague “change your passwords” advice. Thanks for your patience and support!

A
201
07-21-2021, 10:00 AM
#2
I need to include that I submitted the link to urlscan.io and received the results.
A
AwesomeIce1121
07-21-2021, 10:00 AM #2

I need to include that I submitted the link to urlscan.io and received the results.

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_TheSpirit
Member
116
07-22-2021, 02:12 PM
#3
I think using a virtual machine could help verify suspicious links. I'm not sure about the forum guidelines, but a screenshot of the URL would be acceptable for sharing with experts.
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_TheSpirit
07-22-2021, 02:12 PM #3

I think using a virtual machine could help verify suspicious links. I'm not sure about the forum guidelines, but a screenshot of the URL would be acceptable for sharing with experts.

O
OzJMan
Junior Member
10
07-22-2021, 03:37 PM
#4
Please ensure the image is clear. I understand you're concerned about the link length.
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OzJMan
07-22-2021, 03:37 PM #4

Please ensure the image is clear. I understand you're concerned about the link length.

C
Cre3peR
Member
58
07-23-2021, 11:10 PM
#5
To be certain, the best option is usually to reinstall Windows. I’m curious about why folks keep using Facebook—just to say it’s not my personal attack, though.
C
Cre3peR
07-23-2021, 11:10 PM #5

To be certain, the best option is usually to reinstall Windows. I’m curious about why folks keep using Facebook—just to say it’s not my personal attack, though.

D
DerKreiki
Member
178
07-23-2021, 11:25 PM
#6
I would omit the URL in the spoiler section so accidental clicks are avoided, while making it easier for others to assist without extra effort.
D
DerKreiki
07-23-2021, 11:25 PM #6

I would omit the URL in the spoiler section so accidental clicks are avoided, while making it easier for others to assist without extra effort.

A
Askatal
Member
223
07-24-2021, 12:30 AM
#7
I removed the initial part of the link as suggested. Here’s a clearer version:

The connection was taken out to prevent unintended clicks. Please be careful—mods may need to remove it if it feels risky. Thank you for your understanding.
A
Askatal
07-24-2021, 12:30 AM #7

I removed the initial part of the link as suggested. Here’s a clearer version:

The connection was taken out to prevent unintended clicks. Please be careful—mods may need to remove it if it feels risky. Thank you for your understanding.

D
dumb_blocks
Member
63
07-24-2021, 02:26 AM
#8
Actually, I appreciate your humor... my biggest error was using Facebook.
D
dumb_blocks
07-24-2021, 02:26 AM #8

Actually, I appreciate your humor... my biggest error was using Facebook.

G
Gladiador70
Senior Member
698
08-03-2021, 12:59 PM
#9
Sure, just to clarify, unless something was omitted or overlooked, you seem safe. Anything that poses a real risk would need more details or your approval. Unless Windows Defender is turned off, I recommend using it for a quick scan with Malwarebytes for extra protection.
G
Gladiador70
08-03-2021, 12:59 PM #9

Sure, just to clarify, unless something was omitted or overlooked, you seem safe. Anything that poses a real risk would need more details or your approval. Unless Windows Defender is turned off, I recommend using it for a quick scan with Malwarebytes for extra protection.

M
MoathyJr
Member
164
08-08-2021, 09:47 AM
#10
The corrected "unshorten" on both sites points to:
M
MoathyJr
08-08-2021, 09:47 AM #10

The corrected "unshorten" on both sites points to:

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