We often find ourselves needing to convert or merge files. However, not all of us have software installed on our PCs to perform that task. In this case, many of us turn to the internet to search for free online file converter tools. While these file converter tools do the job we need, they could be stealing our info or injecting malware on our devices, warns the FBI.
File converter tools or similar productivity tools are stealing your info
According to the FBI’s warning, many of the free online file converters, file joiners, or similar tools are actually covers for tools that steal users’ private information. Threat actors are also using them for data scraping, injecting malware or ransomware, or similar malicious software on user devices. The warning suggests that its Denver Field Office agents are “increasingly seeing a scam involving free online document converter tools”.
The warning has also released some technical details regarding how threat actors are stealing user information. It mentions that scammers are using many popular online tools that convert ‘.pdf,’ ‘.doc’ and ‘.jpg’ files to another format to install malware onto users’ PCs or steal their personal information from the uploaded files. The fake converter tool often advertises its ability to convert or combine files for free. However, the converted files have malware attached to them. These infected files can give criminal access to the victim’s PC, according to the FBI.
The FBI warning is advising affected users to report. “The best way to thwart these fraudsters is to educate people so they don’t fall victim to these fraudsters in the first place”, said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek.
How to avoid the threat?
The FBI emphasized that education is the best defense to detect and avoid such document converter sites. The agency advised the users to study a converter website properly and keep the anti-virus security software on their computer to the latest version by regularly updating it. Users should carefully verify URLs before uploading their files on an online file conversion tool.
Also, avoid advertisements for free file converter tools at the top of search results in your search engine. Furthermore, users should research and check reviews of any conversion service before using its tools.
2025-03-25 15:10:54