Fake Video Links Steal Data and Spread Bad Software

Many links online pretend to show a "Pinay Gold Medallist" video. These links are not real. They try to steal your personal details or put harmful software on your computer. Please be careful and do not click on them.
By Newsroom | Technology, Internet Safety |

The deceptive posts leverage timely keywords and emotional engagement to bypass user caution. Experts warn that clicking these links can result in compromised social media accounts, particularly Facebook, and the installation of harmful software on personal devices. The pattern is observed across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram.

Context and Timeline

The emergence of these scam links appears to be tied to the increased online attention surrounding major sporting events, such as the Olympics. While specific dates for the initial proliferation are not clearly defined, reports suggest a significant uptick in these deceptive links within the past few days, with multiple articles published between two and seven days ago highlighting the issue.

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Actors involved include:

  • Cybercriminals/Scammers: The perpetrators behind the phishing and malware distribution.

  • Social Media Users: Individuals encountering and potentially sharing the scam links.

  • Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X, and Telegram, which serve as conduits for the scam.

  • Cybersecurity Experts and Media Outlets: Those investigating and warning the public about the threats.

The core event involves the promotion of supposed "viral video" links featuring a "Pinay Gold Medallist." These links, rather than leading to verifiable content, are designed for malicious purposes.

Evidence of Deception

Reports from multiple sources provide a consistent picture of the scam's mechanics:

  • Misleading Content: The links promise access to "leaked," "exclusive," or "full" videos of a "Pinay Gold Medallist." However, users clicking these links are consistently redirected to suspicious websites.

  • I M B Times UK notes that links redirect to "suspicious or phishing pages rather than any verified footage."

  • LatestLY clarifies that "Clicking the link does not take you to a video," and in some cases, leads to stolen TikToks.

  • Lack of Verification: There is no credible evidence supporting the existence of such a video or the alleged status of the individual.

  • I M B Times UK states: "No evidence links her with any Olympic statistics, federations, medal counts, or proof of athletic competition."

  • Harvard Asia Blog confirms: "As of now, there is no official confirmation from any credible authority… regarding a real incident or authentic video associated with the term 'Zyan viral video.'"

  • Phishing and Malware: The ultimate goal of these links is to harvest personal data or install harmful software.

  • Harvard Asia Blog explicitly calls it a "dangerous phishing scam designed to hack your Facebook account."

  • Khabarxp.com and Metro Balita warn that the efforts are "aimed at stealing personal information and spreading malware."

  • LatestLY mentions that some links "redirect users to malware downloads or illegal betting/wagering apps."

Exploiting Event Interest

Cybercriminals frequently capitalize on public interest surrounding major events.

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  • I M B Times UK observes: "Cyber analysts note scammers often exploit high search interest around major events, such as the Winter Olympics, to push fraudulent links higher in search and social feeds."

  • Metro Balita echoes this, stating the scam "follows the same pattern, using timely keywords and emotional reactions to lower users’ guard."

The "Zyan Cabrera" Connection

Several reports specifically mention the name "Zyan Cabrera" in connection with these scams, sometimes alongside "Zyan Jerriel."

  • Harvard Asia Blog and LatestLY refer to the "Zyan Cabrera Gold Medalist video" or "Zyan Jerriel Viral MMS."

  • LatestLY indicates that one element appears to be an "innocent video of Zyan Cabrera (Jerriel Cry4zee) dancing, taken from her TikTok or social media." This suggests a potential repurposing of genuine content to lend an air of legitimacy to the scam.

Coordinated Cyber Attacks

The recurring patterns and similar methods across different alleged incidents suggest a coordinated effort.

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  • LatestLY draws parallels between the "Zyan Cabrera 'Pinay viral gold medalist' hoax, the Alina Amir deepfake… and the Arohi Mim malware trap," characterizing them as "a coordinated, industrial-scale cyber-attack."

Expert Warnings and User Precautions

Security professionals have issued clear directives for users to protect themselves.

  • Khabarxp.com reports that "Experts in cybersecurity and Internet safety have issued an urgent alert."

  • Key advice includes:

  • "Check the website address (URL) first before you enter any password" (Khabarxp.com).

  • Being aware of common scam indicators: claims of "exclusive" or "leaked" content, unfamiliar links, and urgent calls to action (Metro Balita).

Conclusion

The "Pinay Gold Medallist" viral video trend is a sophisticated phishing and malware campaign that preys on public curiosity, particularly around significant events. The lack of verifiable information, coupled with the consistent redirection to malicious sites, confirms its fraudulent nature.

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Findings:

  • The "viral video" is a fabricated premise used to lure users.

  • Links associated with this trend lead to phishing pages or malware downloads, not genuine video content.

  • The scam aims to compromise social media accounts (especially Facebook) and steal personal data.

  • Scammers exploit the heightened interest surrounding major events.

  • The involvement of names like "Zyan Cabrera" and comparisons to other incidents suggest organized criminal activity.

Implications:

  • Widespread data breaches and account takeovers are possible for unsuspecting users.

  • The spread of malware can compromise device security and lead to further exploitation.

  • Public trust in online information and social media content is eroded.

Next Steps for Users:

  • Exercise extreme caution with links promising exclusive or sensational content.

  • Verify the source and URL of any link before clicking.

  • Avoid entering login credentials or personal information on unfamiliar websites.

  • Keep security software updated and enable multi-factor authentication where available.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the "Pinay Gold Medallist" video scam?
It is a trick where fake links online pretend to show a video of a "Pinay Gold Medallist." These links lead to bad websites.
Q: What do these fake links do?
They try to steal your personal information, like passwords, or install harmful software on your device.
Q: Where are these links found?
They are shared on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Q: How can I stay safe?
Do not click on links that promise secret or exciting videos. Always check the website address before you enter any information.