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Cybercriminals are exploiting widespread interest in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film The Odyssey to launch online scams, according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.
The company warned that fraudsters are creating fake websites and deceptive offers designed to steal users’ personal and banking information by promising free access to the film.
According to Kaspersky, scammers are setting up websites claiming to offer The Odyssey for free. Some sites reportedly attract visitors by promising dubbed versions of the film in multiple languages. Fake reviews and ratings are also being used to make the websites appear legitimate.
When users attempt to watch the film, they are shown a fake video player and prompted to register to “continue watching for free”. The registration forms typically request personal information such as names and email addresses.
In the next stage, users may be asked to provide passwords and banking details under the pretext of activating a “free trial”. This could allow criminals to steal account credentials and potentially cause financial losses.
Kaspersky has issued a particular warning to people who use the same password across multiple online services. If criminals obtain the password for one account, they could potentially use it to gain unauthorised access to other accounts using the same credentials.
Olga Altukhova, senior web content analyst at Kaspersky, said scammers frequently attempt to exploit public excitement surrounding highly anticipated film releases.
“When a movie is still in cinemas and an unfamiliar website suddenly offers it for free, users should be especially cautious,” she said, urging people to access films only through legitimate services.
Kaspersky advised users to verify website addresses and check the authenticity of websites before entering any personal information. It also recommended using only official streaming platforms and considering prepaid cards or dedicated payment services to reduce the risk associated with sharing financial information online.
The cybersecurity company further advised users to install reliable security software with phishing protection, enable multi-factor authentication and regularly monitor online and financial accounts for suspicious activity.
The warning comes as anticipation builds around The Odyssey, Nolan’s next major film. The project has generated significant global interest, creating an opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit fans searching for early or free access to the movie.
Kaspersky urged users to be particularly wary of websites offering newly released or highly anticipated films for free, especially when they require registration or request sensitive personal and financial information.
