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Cloud Storage Full scam steals your photos and money

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Cloud Storage Full scam steals your photos and money

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A new scam is sweeping across smartphones and catching thousands of people off guard. Criminals are sending fake “Cloud Storage Full” or “photo deletion” alerts that claim your images and videos are about to disappear unless you upgrade your storage. The warning looks urgent and real. It even mimics major cloud services. But the moment you click the link, you enter a trap.

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How this fast-growing Cloud Storage Full scam tricks victims

Trend Micro researchers recently uncovered this fast-growing phishing campaign after seeing a massive jump in activity. The company reports a 531% month-over-month spike from September to October, which shows how quickly the scheme is spreading.

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Scammers use convincing storage alerts and fake dashboards to push victims into paying small fees that expose their credit card details. (Pixelfit/Getty Images)

Scammers are sending personalized SMS and iMessage alerts that include your name and a believable count of photos or videos. Once you tap the link, you land on a very convincing fake website that appears to be a cloud storage dashboard. From there, you are urged to pay a tiny $1.99 upgrade fee to prevent deletion. Instead of protecting anything, you hand over your credit card, PayPal login or other personal information.

Trend Micro provided several screenshots and internal samples that reveal how polished the scam has become. The fake sites use progress bars, countdown timers and warnings that your files will be lost. They even simulate a cloud storage layout to match the look of popular platforms. 

Jon Clay, VP of Threat Intelligence at Trend Micro, shared an important warning to CyberGuy:

“The recent spike in ‘Cloud Storage Full’ scams shows just how well cybercriminals are perfecting emotional manipulation. These scams prey on fear and urgency, warning users their photos will be deleted unless they pay a small upgrade fee. During a time of year when we may be capturing many precious moments on camera, scammers are targeting older adults who may think this type of scam message is legitimate and who may be worried and anxious about losing something that cannot easily replace. Consumers should always stay cautious of unsolicited messages and always verify alerts directly through official apps or websites.”

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Trend Micro’s analysis outlines exactly how the scam works, from the initial message to the final theft. Their screenshots show fake dashboards, false warnings and pages asking for credit card or PayPal details. Some versions even redirect to legitimate sites later to cover their tracks.

How the Cloud Storage Full scam works

Scammers follow a predictable pattern with this scheme, and each stage reveals a clear red flag that can help you spot the danger early.

1) Initial contact

Victims receive an unsolicited SMS or iMessage that claims their photos or videos will be deleted soon. Messages include the person’s first name and fake counts like “1,675 images” or “2,010 snaps” to boost credibility. Scammers add statements like “Act now” or “Final warning” to trigger panic. Each message ends with a short link that leads to a malicious .info domain.

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2) Trust building

After tapping the link, the user arrives at a fake “Cloud Storage Full” website. It mirrors the fonts, icons and button styles of real cloud services. Users see alerts such as “Your photos, contacts and private data will be lost.” Everything looks polished to reduce suspicion.

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3) The hook

The site claims your storage is completely full and urges a one-time upgrade for $1.99. A progress bar sits at 100 percent full and a countdown timer warns that data will vanish in minutes. The “Continue” button goes to a fake payment page.

4) The exit

Once victims enter credit card or PayPal details, scammers harvest the data instantly. Attackers may use stolen credentials for unauthorized purchases, credential stuffing or resale on dark web markets. Some victims receive fake receipt emails to make the charge look legitimate.

Trend Micro reports that certain scam sites later redirect to real pages like iolo.com to hide their tracks.

Scammers use fake dashboards and alerts to push victims to share payment info. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Red flags to watch for

  • Urgent warnings that your photos will be deleted
  • Unfamiliar links ending in .info
  • Messages that include your name to appear credible
  • Payment requests for tiny fees like $1.99
  • Countdown timers meant to force quick decisions
  • Sites that look familiar but have unusual URLs

Tips to stay safe from Cloud Storage Full scams

Scammers rely on fear and urgency to push quick decisions, but a few smart habits can shut down their tricks before they start.

1) Verify alerts inside the official app or website

Open your cloud storage app or go to the official website directly. If you see a real problem, it will appear there. This simple step prevents you from reacting to fake warnings.

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2) Never tap storage alerts sent through SMS or iMessage, and use strong antivirus software

Break the habit of tapping links in messages. Real cloud services rarely text users about photo deletion. A strong antivirus tool will flag dangerous links before they open.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Use a data removal service

Consider using a reputable data removal service to scrub your personal details from data broker sites. This step makes it harder for scammers to target you with personalized messages that look real.

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While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com

4) Watch for strange links

Look closely at every link. Scammers rely on short domains that look suspicious. Legitimate companies avoid shortened URLs and unknown domains.

5) Use multi-factor authentication

Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all cloud and payment accounts. It adds a powerful layer of protection if criminals steal your login.

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6) Check your credit card for small test charges

Review your statements often. Attackers start with tiny charges to test a card before making bigger purchases.

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7) Use a password manager

A good password manager helps you create strong, unique passwords. It limits the fallout if your login appears in a data breach.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

These fake storage warnings mimic real cloud services and pressure users to upgrade for $1.99. Once you enter payment info, scammers steal it instantly. (uchar/Getty Images)

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Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com

8) Report suspicious messages

Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM). This helps carriers block similar messages for everyone.

Kurt’s key takeaways

This scam spreads because it hits people where they are most vulnerable. Our phones store personal memories, family events and moments we never want to lose. Scammers know this and are now creating messages that look real enough to fool even the most cautious users. Emotional triggers like fear and urgency remain powerful tools for cybercriminals. Always question surprise warnings about data loss. When in doubt, check your account directly through the official app or website. A few seconds of verification can save you from credit card theft and identity headaches.

Have you ever received a message like this, and how did you handle it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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It’s the last day of Prime Day — here are over 140 great deals to choose from

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It’s the last day of Prime Day — here are over 140 great deals to choose from

We’ve arrived at the final day of Prime Day, which at this point should probably be called “Prime Week.” We’ve found discounts on all manner of gadgets, including TVs, smart home tech, chargers, headphones, and more. Some of the best deals have started selling out at some retailers, so if you’ve been craving a popular upgrade like the AirPods Max 2, time is running low.

The good news is that our team is still hard at work, and in addition to the deals that remain in stock, the retailers sometimes save up a few extras for the last day (like this Echo Spot that got a little cheaper). This roundup is our pride and joy; the culmination of over four days of deal hunting by our entire team. We’ve worked tirelessly for the last week and arrived at a list of over 120 discounted items (and growing) that we’re happy to share with you.

Of course, our Prime Day coverage spans every category The Verge staff touches, and is a great place to explore the full breadth of discounts we’re able to find on the stuff we’ve tested, regularly use, and love. We genuinely enjoy helping you save on cool tech and fun gadgets that are actually worth your hard-earned money, especially when everything is getting more expensive.

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Update, June 26th: Struck some out of deals near the end of the sale.

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Ohio robot cop retires after zero arrests

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Ohio robot cop retires after zero arrests

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Dublin, Ohio, gave a robot cop a trial run inside a public parking garage. Less than a year later, the machine was off the job and headed back to its maker.

DubBot, a Knightscope security robot used by the Dublin Police Department, was meant to help deter crime, support emergency response and give the city another way to monitor a busy public space. However, its patrols led to zero arrests, tickets or criminal cases.

Now the failed pilot raises a bigger question nationwide. Should local leaders have to prove these machines work before putting them on patrol?

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Dublin’s robot cop pilot ended after its patrols led to zero arrests, tickets or criminal cases. (Knightscope)

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Ohio robot cop ends its parking garage patrol

DubBot began patrolling the Rock Cress Parking Garage in July 2025. The robot was one of Knightscope’s K5 Autonomous Security Robots, the tall white security machines built to move through public spaces and act as an extra set of eyes.

Dublin retired DubBot on May 12 after deciding the pilot no longer fit the city’s operational needs. The robot has since gone back to Knightscope.

The city’s public safety page now says the autonomous safety robot pilot has ended. It also notes that Dublin added other security measures at the Rock Cress garage, including entrance and exit gate arms and mirrors.

What the Ohio robot cop was supposed to do

DubBot was designed to support police operations, deter crime and give people another way to reach emergency help. The robot had 360-degree video cameras, two-way emergency communication and an emergency call button that could connect people with dispatchers.

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In theory, that sounds useful. A robot moving through a parking garage could make people feel watched over. It could also give police a live look at an area without assigning an officer there full time.

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But let’s be real here. A camera on wheels still has to solve a real problem. Parking garages have awkward corners, quick encounters and plenty of moments where something can happen fast. A robot moving at walking speed may create a visible presence. However, presence alone does not equal public safety results.

How much the Ohio robot cop cost

Dublin spent $128,080 in the first year of the agreement. The city expects a reimbursement from Knightscope of about $60,500, bringing the final cost down to $67,548.

The original plan was larger. Dublin had planned to pay $238,440 for two robots over two years. However, the second robot never rolled out. It was supposed to serve Riverside Crossing Park, but development needs and infrastructure limits kept it from going into service.

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SMART STREET SENSORS COULD BE WATCHING YOUR CITY NEXT

That leaves one robot, one parking garage and a pilot that ended with no arrests, no criminal cases and no tickets.

The city also collected no other performance metrics because the pilot was meant to test the robot before any expansion.

That part should make taxpayers pause. When a city tests an expensive public safety tool, people deserve a clear way to judge whether it worked.

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Why cities keep testing robot cops

You can understand why local governments keep looking at these robots. Police departments are stretched. Public spaces need coverage. Parking garages, parks and transit hubs can be hard to monitor with people alone.

Security robots promise a lot. They can move around, stream video, offer a help button and act as a visible deterrent. They also give a city a technology-forward image, which can sound appealing during a public safety pitch.

The challenge comes after the rollout. When a city says a robot deters crime, officials should explain how they will measure deterrence. When the robot supports emergency response, the city should track how often people use the help button. When the robot helps investigations, officials should show whether its video helped solve cases. Without that kind of follow-up, a robot can become a pricey symbol rather than a useful safety tool.

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Other robot cop pilots have struggled too

Dublin is hardly the only city to test a Knightscope K5 and then move on. New York City tried a K5 robot in the Times Square subway station. That pilot ended after several months. Reports at the time noted that officers had to chaperone the robot and that the machine could not use stairs.

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San Antonio International Airport also tested a Knightscope robot. That trial ran into technical problems, including navigation issues, camera focus problems and trouble with live video and audio feeds.

Those cases do not prove that every security robot will fail. They do show that public spaces are tough testing grounds. A robot may look impressive in a demo, then struggle when crowds, tight spaces, doors, stairs and real people get involved.

The Knightscope K5 security robot was designed to monitor public spaces and connect people with emergency dispatchers. (Knightscope)

Robot cops raise privacy questions

The other issue here is privacy. Dublin has a broader public safety technology program that includes drones, license plate readers, security cameras, body-worn cameras and facial recognition technology under a formal policy. Add a roaming robot with cameras and emergency communication, and residents may have fair questions.

What does the robot record? Who can access the footage? How long does the city keep it? Does the system use facial recognition? What happens when someone presses the emergency button? What data goes to the company?

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Cities should answer those questions before a robot starts patrolling public spaces. The point isn’t to reject every new tool. The point is to make sure public safety tech comes with public accountability.

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What this means to you

If a robot starts patrolling your local garage, mall, park or transit hub, do not get distracted by the cool tech factor. The first question should be: What does it actually do when something goes wrong?

Can it connect you to a real person fast? Is someone watching the video when it matters? Can it help during an emergency, or does it mostly record what has already happened?

But let’s be real here. If your tax dollars are paying for this kind of technology, your city should explain the goal before the robot rolls out. Otherwise, people may only learn whether it worked after the money has already been spent. New technology can sound impressive. However, results still count.

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Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay and get our checklist here:CyberGuyLive.com.

Kurt’s key takeaways

A robot cop patrolled a parking garage, led to zero arrests and then got sent back. That should make taxpayers ask some hard questions. But let’s be real here. If local leaders are paying for AI-powered public safety tools, they should explain what problem the tech solves, how success will be measured and what happens to the data it collects. Dublin deserves credit for ending the pilot when DubBot failed to deliver enough value. A robot can look like progress, but the real test is whether it makes people safer and gives taxpayers results they can actually see.

DubBot patrolled the Rock Cress Parking Garage in Dublin, Ohio, before the city ended the robot pilot program. (The City of Dublin)

Would you feel safer knowing a robot was watching your public space, or should your city have to prove the machine works before spending your tax dollars? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Prime Day’s final hours bring rare discounts on Philips Hue smart lights

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Prime Day’s final hours bring rare discounts on Philips Hue smart lights

Philips Hue products don’t often see major discounts, which makes this year’s Prime Day deals especially notable. Prices have dropped significantly across much of the company’s smart lighting lineup, with deals on everything from smart bulb starter kits and sleep lamps to smart buttons. If you’ve been thinking about investing in Philips Hue, now is one of the best opportunities we’ve seen all year to do so for less.

Update, June 26th: Updated prices and availability and added a couple of deals, including a discount for the Philips Hue Bridge.

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