The FBI’s Denver office has issued a warning about free online file converters, available as websites and smartphone apps, which may be stealing users’ personal data without their knowledge. According to the agency, many users are unaware that they’re exposing themselves to malware and data theft when using these free services. This lack of awareness can lead to devastating consequences, as users may only discover they’ve been compromised when it’s too late, and their personal information has already been stolen from their computer.
The FBI is seeing a surge in scams where free online file converters lead to users having their Personally Identifiable Information (PII) stolen or malware installed on their computers. To avoid falling victim to such scams, it’s essential to be cautious when using free file conversion services. As the FBI Denver tweeted, “Don’t be a victim! Learn how to spot the scam, what steps to take to protect yourself, and what to do if you are victimized.” The agency has provided a resource to help users educate themselves on how to protect their personal data.
FBI Denver is seeing a scam where free online file converters lead to users having PII stolen or malware installed on computers. Don’t be a victim! Learn how to spot the scam, what steps to take to protect yourself, and what to do if you are victimized: https://t.co/qTNLM9pwHE pic.twitter.com/My5j7nh3t6
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) March 7, 2025
To protect yourself from these scams, the FBI recommends keeping the Safe Browsing feature enabled on your browser. This feature, available on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and other browsers, warns users about potential security risks when accessing suspicious websites and blocks unwanted pop-ups and downloads. Additionally, it allows users to set privacy controls to limit tracking and cookie usage. If you encounter a suspicious file conversion website, you can report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
For those looking to stay safe while using file conversion services, it’s crucial to be vigilant and take steps to protect your personal data. By being aware of the potential risks and taking the necessary precautions, you can minimize your exposure to scams and keep your information secure.