Received an unexpected party invite? Watch out for this phishing scam

Receiving an online invitation to a birthday party, graduation, baby shower, or family gathering isn't unusual anymore. That's exactly why scammers are using them as bait.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning about a growing phishing scam where criminals impersonate popular invitation platforms like Evite, Paperless Post, and Punchbowl to steal your login credentials, personal information, or even infect your device with malware.

Here's how the scam works, how to recognize the warning signs, and what to do if you accidentally click.

Key takeaways:

• Fake party invitations are a new type of phishing scam designed to steal your email account or personal information.
• Scammers impersonate trusted invitation services like Evite, Paperless Post, and Punchbowl to make their messages look legitimate.
• Never enter your email password or a verification code just to view an invitation or RSVP.
• If you're unsure whether an invitation is real, contact the host directly instead of clicking the link.
• If you already entered your login details, change your password immediately, enable two-factor authentication, and scan your device for malware.

What is the fake party invitation scam and how does it work?

The fake invitation scam is a phishing attack that disguises itself as an online event invitation. The message may appear to come from a trusted invitation service and even list someone you know as the host. Instead of opening an event invitation, however, the link leads to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials, personal information, or install malware on your device.

The scam works because most people don't expect an invitation to be dangerous. We naturally want to know who's inviting us, what the occasion is, and whether someone we know is celebrating a birthday, getting married, or organizing a family gathering. Scammers use that curiosity, and sometimes the fear of missing out (FOMO), to make people click before they stop to think.

When you click the invitation, instead of seeing the event details, you're asked to sign in with your email account or enter a one-time verification code. If you do, your login credentials go straight to the scammers, who can then use them to access your account.

Some fake invitations go a step further by directing you to malicious websites designed to install malware on your device. Others are designed to collect personal information that can be used in future phishing attempts or identity theft.

AI has made these scams even more convincing and much harder to tell apart from the real thing.

Related: BBB warns about ‘free’ gas and grocery card postcard scams

What can happen if you click on a fake party invitation?

The damage can go far beyond a single fake invitation. If scammers gain access to your email account, they may:

• lock you out of your account by changing your password
• send the same fake invitation to your contacts, making the scam appear even more convincing
• reset passwords for your other online accounts
• access sensitive information stored in your inbox
• use your identity to launch additional phishing scams against your friends, family, or colleagues

In some cases, clicking the invitation can also lead to malware or ransomware infections that compromise your device, steal your personal information, or lock your files until you pay a ransom.

Related: Scam evidence checklist: What to save before it disappears

How to spot a fake party invitation

Here are some common red flags:

If opening an invitation requires you to enter passwords, verification codes, or download software, stop and verify it's genuine first.

You can use two free Bitdefender tools before you click:

• Bitdefender Scamio o lets you check suspicious emails, text messages, or screenshots and tells you whether they show signs of a scam.
• Bitdefender Link Checker analyzes suspicious links before you open them, helping you identify phishing websites and other malicious pages.

Related: Can your parent recognize an AI scam? How families can help

What to do if you already clicked on a fake party invite

If you clicked the invitation, act quickly to limit the damage.

If you entered your password or a verification code:

• Change your email password immediately.
• If you use the same password for other accounts, change it there as well.
• Enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already.

If you downloaded a file or think your device may have been compromised:

• Run a full security scan with trusted security software.
• Update your device and apps to the latest versions.
• Monitor your accounts for unusual activity over the next few days.

Finally, if you believe your email account has been compromised, let your contacts know. This can help prevent someone else from falling for the same scam if fake invitations are sent from your account.

FAQs

How can you tell if an online invitation is fake?

Check the sender's email address, preview the link before clicking, and be suspicious of invitations that ask you to log in or provide a verification code just to view the event. If you're unsure, contact the host directly to confirm the invitation is real.

What happens if you click a fake invitation?

Depending on the scam, clicking a fake invitation can lead to stolen login credentials, account takeover, malware infections, or identity theft. Some scammers also use compromised accounts to send fake invitations to the victim's contacts.

What should I do if I entered my password on a fake invitation?

Change your password immediately and update any other accounts that use the same password. Enable two-factor authentication, run a security scan on your device, and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

Can opening a fake invitation install malware?

Yes. Some fake invitations redirect you to malicious websites that attempt to install malware or ransomware on your device. Others are designed to steal your login credentials or personal information instead.

Can scammers send fake invitations from someone I know?

Yes. If scammers gain access to someone's email account, they can send fake invitations from that account or make messages appear to come from someone in your contact list, making the scam much more convincing.

Are Evite invitations safe?

Legitimate Evite invitations are safe. However, scammers sometimes impersonate Evite and other invitation services by sending fake emails that look authentic. Always verify the sender's email address and avoid entering your password or a verification code just to view an invitation.