If you've ever Googled "convert PDF to Word" or "convert PNG to JPG" and used whatever free site popped up first - you should know the FBI put out a warning about this.
They confirmed that cybercriminals are setting up fake file converter websites specifically to distribute malware. The sites actually do convert your file, which is why people trust them. But in the background, they're scraping the uploaded documents for passwords, SSNs, bank details, and crypto wallet info. Some are even bundling malware into the converted file you download back.
BleepingComputer did a detailed writeup confirming the FBI's findings:
The FBI warned that free online converters distribute malware. I'd been uploading client docs, tax files, and contracts to random sites for years.
So I built FileFlip — a desktop file converter that works 100% offline.
- 70+ formats (images, docs, audio, video)
- Zero uploads — files never leave your computer
- 5MB app — Rust/Tauri, not bloated Electron
- $9.99 one-time — no subscription, no account
Your files stay on your machine. That's it.
