The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Denver office is cautioning individuals about malicious free file converters, including web-based services and smartphone apps, that may illegally harvest personally identifiable information (PII). These converters, which claim to transform files from one format to another at no cost, can infect users’ devices with malware or ransomware.
In an official statement, FBI officials noted that, unlike apps from established mobile marketplaces—where some level of oversight exists—web-based file converters often lack adequate safeguards. The agency stressed that users frequently remain unaware of the threat until their devices are compromised, warning that this can lead to severe consequences such as identity theft or system lockouts by ransomware.
Additionally, the FBI urged individuals to remain vigilant. “Take a breath, slow down, and think,” they advised, emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential digital risks. The agency recommended running up-to-date antivirus software, enabling safe browsing settings on web browsers, and practicing overall cybersecurity awareness. Such measures, they noted, are critical no matter which platform or browser—be it Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge—is in use.
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