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Fake USPS Delivery Text Warns Package Could Be Returned To Sender Fake USPS Delivery Text Warns Package Could Be Returned To Sender
Fake USPS Delivery Text Warns Package Could Be Returned To Sender A fake delivery notice can look routine at first, and that is exactly what makes it dangerous. A scam text received Tuesday, May 26, claimed to be a “USPS Package Tracking Update” and said a delivery attempt had failed because more address details were needed. The message said the package had been placed on a “temporary hold pending address verification.” It then urged the recipient to confirm shipping information within 24 hours to avoid return handling or cancellation of the shipment. It also asked the recipient to reply “Y” to restore delivery access and warned that if no response was r…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'?
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? A surprise message says you hit the jackpot, but there’s a catch: you must pay a fee or hand over personal details to claim it.  That’s the hallmark of a lottery or prize scam—designed to separate you from your money and identity. These schemes often arrive by email, text, phone, or mail and lean on pressure tactics to force quick decisions.  Scammers frequently demand “taxes,” “processing,” or “shipping” upfront, or ask for sensitive data to “verify” you.  Legitimate lotteries do not require payment to release a prize, and you should never be asked for your Social Security…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know
Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know It might look like a message from your bank. It might even sound urgent. But experts warn those texts could be nothing more than a scam designed to steal your money or personal information. Known as “smishing,” these fraudulent texts impersonate banks to trick people into handing over account details.  The scam often follows a pattern: a fake alert about a locked account or suspicious charge, followed by a link to a convincing but fraudulent website.  Entering information there can hand scammers access to your accounts, or worse, install malware on your phone. Your bank will nev…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Personal Data Breach Hits Major Credit Bureau, Exposing Millions: What To Know Personal Data Breach Hits Major Credit Bureau, Exposing Millions: What To Know
Personal Data Breach Hits Major Credit Bureau, Exposing Millions: What To Know More than four million people had their personal information compromised after a credit bureau suffered a major data breach. TransUnion confirmed the breach impacting more than 4.4 million people, national consumer rights law firm Wolf Haldenstein announced. According to a court filing in Texas, names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers were leaked. The breach happened on Monday, July 28, Maine court documents showed. It was discovered two days later, affecting at least 4,461,511 people. A TransUnion spokesperson told CNET the incident was identified and contained within hou…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Rapidly Spreading Scam Targets Drivers With Texts Meant To Click Quickly Rapidly Spreading Scam Targets Drivers With Texts Meant To Click Quickly
Rapidly Spreading Scam Targets Drivers With Texts Meant To Click Quickly A new scam is hitting phones with alarming claims tied to enforcement deadlines, and officials say it's designed to scare drivers into clicking fast. The messages are fraudulent and part of a growing trend known as smishing, or SMS-based phishing attacks, authorities say. The texts note an alleged traffic infraction and cite a specific deadline by which payment must be made to avoid license suspension, fines, or even criminal charges.  Some messages reference obscure motor vehicle codes or list a set of escalating penalties. A link is provided to submit payment through what appears to…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Amazon Issues Alert For Prime Day Scam Amazon Issues Alert For Prime Day Scam
Amazon Issues Alert For Prime Day Scam Prime members are being urged to stay vigilant following a new scam warning by Amazon as its annual Prime Day event gets underway. Prime Day is often used by scammers as cover for phishing attempts and impersonation fraud. It runs from Tuesday, July 8, through Friday, July 11. The company says fraudsters are increasingly targeting shoppers with fake emails, texts, and phone calls that appear to come from Amazon.  The goal: to trick users into handing over personal or financial information. In many cases, the messages create a false sense of urgency, such as a problem with an ord…

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by Joe Lombardi
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Data Breach Exposed 57K Healthcare System Patients' Info, Lawsuits Say Data Breach Exposed 57K Healthcare System Patients' Info, Lawsuits Say
Data Breach Exposed 57K Healthcare System Patients' Info, Lawsuits Say Cooper Health System is facing a wave of legal woes after revealing a data breach that may have exposed the personal and medical information of more than 57,000 people, according to legal filings and the health care system itself. Two lawsuits, one in federal court and one in New Jersey Superior Court, were filed this week by patients who say the breach was the result of Cooper's “negligence” and “failure to protect sensitive data.” According to a notice posted by Cooper on May 23, the hospital learned that an unauthorized actor had accessed private data on or around May 14, 2024. Coop…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Fake Facebook Ads Promote Bogus ‘Tariff Relief’ Offers, FBI Warns Fake Facebook Ads Promote Bogus ‘Tariff Relief’ Offers, FBI Warns
Fake Facebook Ads Promote Bogus ‘Tariff Relief’ Offers, FBI Warns Scammers are once again turning hot-button headlines into bait — this time with bogus offers of “tariff relief” payments showing up in Facebook and Instagram ads. The fraudulent posts have promised $750 in “tariff relief credit” or as much as $5,600 in “tariff relief benefits.”  But the promised payouts don’t exist. Instead, these ads are believed to be attempts to gather personal information or steer unsuspecting users into marketing calls where they could be targeted by spammers. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, confirmed that it removed the ads after being alerte…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Data Breach Exposed Driver's Licenses, Credit Cards Of Hertz Customers Data Breach Exposed Driver's Licenses, Credit Cards Of Hertz Customers
Data Breach Exposed Driver's Licenses, Credit Cards Of Hertz Customers Customers of car rental company Hertz may have had their personal information stolen after a data breach exposed driver's license numbers, credit card details, and other sensitive records. Hertz confirmed the breach involved data stored by Cleo Communications, a vendor used by Hertz for file transfers. Hackers exploited security flaws in Cleo's system in October and December 2024, according to the company. Hertz verified on Monday, Feb. 10, that an "unauthorized third party" accessed customer data. The company completed its investigation on Wednesday, April 2, and began notifying affec…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Don't Fall For This EZ-Pass Text Scam Don't Fall For This EZ-Pass Text Scam
Don't Fall For This Ez-pass Text Scam Fraudulent text messages pretending to be from E-ZPass are alarming users with false claims of unpaid tolls and directing them to a deceptive payment website.  Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid clicking any links contained in these messages. These fake texts are often sent from an international number and request the consumer to reply with "Y" to receive a link to a counterfeit payment portal in an attempt to steal personal information and funds from unsuspecting individuals. This smishing tactic is designed to steal personal information and funds fro…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
23andMe Files For Bankruptcy As Customers Urged To Delete Their Genetic Data 23andMe Files For Bankruptcy As Customers Urged To Delete Their Genetic Data
23andMe Files For Bankruptcy As Customers Urged To Delete Their Genetic Data Embattled genetic testing company 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the latest blow after a massive data breach exposed the personal information of millions of customers. 23andMe CEO and co-founder Anne Wojcicki resigned on Sunday, Mar. 23, so she could bid for the company independently. Joseph Selsavage, the company’s chief financial and accounting officer, is now serving as interim CEO, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Wojcicki confirmed the move in a social media post on Monday, Mar. 24. "While I am disappointed that we have come to…

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by Chris Spiker
News
New Scam Involving Fraudulent Texts Impersonates IRS New Scam Involving Fraudulent Texts Impersonates IRS
New Scam Involving Fraudulent Texts Impersonates IRS A new scam involves unsolicited text messages impersonating the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the agency says. The fraudulent messages falsely claim recipients are eligible for a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment and instruct them to click a deceptive link to "claim" the funds. How The Scam Works Victims receive a text message that appears to be from the IRS, stating they are owed an Economic Impact Payment. The message urges them to provide personal information to process the supposed payment. Scammers promise the money will be deposited into a bank account or mailed as a check within 1-2…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says The FBI has issued a warning about cybercriminals exploiting victims to distribute malware and steal personal information. ​ Fraudulent free online file converter tools offer services like converting or merging files—such as transforming a .doc file to a .pdf or combining multiple images into a single document. While they perform the advertised tasks, they may also install hidden malware on users' computers.  This malware can grant criminals access to sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, banking details, cryptocurrency information, email addresses, and passwords.  …

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns
Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued an urgent warning about a widespread text message scam designed to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. Known as “smishing” (SMS phishing), the scam involves fraudulent texts impersonating toll and package delivery services to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive data. According to cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42, cybercriminals have registered over 10,000 fraudulent domains as part of this operation, targeting at least 11 states and one Canadian province. Key…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
$3.25M USAA Data Breach Settlement: Here's How To Learn If You Could Get Payout $3.25M USAA Data Breach Settlement: Here's How To Learn If You Could Get Payout
$3.25M Usaa Data Breach Settlement: Here's How To Learn If You Could Get Payout Those affected by a major data breach could get a part of a  settlement worth $3.25 million. If your personal information was compromised, you may be eligible for a payout, but you need to act fast to secure your claim before the deadline. The United Services Automobile Association (USAA), a financial services company dedicated to serving military members, veterans, and their families, has agreed to the nationwide class action lawsuit settlement.  This follows allegations that the company failed to adequately protect personal information during a data breach that occurred in May …

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm on a sophisticated new imposter scheme designed to steal your money and personal information.  These scams are becoming increasingly convincing, but learning to spot the red flags can help you stay protected. How the Scam Works Initial Contact: Scammers pose as representatives from well-known companies, such as Amazon or a tech support service. They’ll claim there’s a routine issue, like suspicious charges on your account, a computer virus, or an account breach. Escalation: The scammers lie, saying your name is tied to serious …

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by Joe Lombardi