Fair 71°
Tag:

Phishing

News
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know The latest trick to drain your checking account doesn’t require your debit card. Just your bank and routing numbers.  Fraudsters posing as prize promoters or special-offer reps convince victims to “verify” account details, then use that information to pull money out—often again and again. Here’s what to know to spot these schemes and protect your money. What They Are These scams hinge on a criminal getting your bank account and routing numbers, often from a check image, a cold call, a mailed postcard, or a too-good-to-be-true email. The criminal then initiates unauthorized autom…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Business
Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning
Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is urging the public to ignore and delete a new wave of phishing texts that masquerade as recall notices from Amazon and dangle instant refunds. According to the agency’s consumer-protection unit, the messages claim a “routine quality inspection” found a defect in a recent Amazon purchase. Buyers can secure a full refund — no return required — simply by tapping a supplied link. In reality, there is no refund. Clicking routes victims to look-alike sites designed to harvest Amazon credentials, credit-card numbers, or other personal data that can be resold or…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Business
Gmail Users Urged To Reset Passwords Now: Here's Why Gmail Users Urged To Reset Passwords Now: Here's Why
Gmail Users Urged To Reset Passwords Now: Here's Why It starts with an email that looks official, but isn’t. Google is warning all Gmail and Google Cloud users to change their passwords and boost account security after a surge in phishing and impersonation scams tied to a breach at Salesforce.  While Google’s own systems were not directly compromised, the third-party breach exposed information that hackers are now using in targeted attacks. The schemes include emails and phone calls designed to trick users into revealing their credentials.  Some attackers are posing as IT staff, pressing victims to hand over login codes.  Ot…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
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…

SHARE

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…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
Scam Targets Airlines As Hacking Group Expands Operations, FBI Warns Scam Targets Airlines As Hacking Group Expands Operations, FBI Warns
Scam Targets Airlines As Hacking Group Expands Operations, FBI Warns A cybercriminal group known for extorting people and companies across the world is now targeting the airline industry. The FBI has issued a warning about Scattered Spider, a hacking group that has  expanded its operations to include major US airlines and their vendors.  The group is known for using convincing impersonation tactics to access corporate networks, often bypassing multi-factor authentication by tricking IT staff into adding unauthorized devices. Scattered Spider impersonates employees or contractors to deceive help desks. "These techniques frequently involve methods …

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
News
Billions Of Google, Facebook, Apple Passwords Breached In Potentially Record Hack Billions Of Google, Facebook, Apple Passwords Breached In Potentially Record Hack
Billions Of Google, Facebook, Apple Passwords Breached In Potentially Record Hack A newly discovered trove of stolen login credentials may represent the largest data breach in history, with billions of usernames and passwords now circulating online. Researchers with Cybernews uncovered more than 16 billion records spread across 30 databases, many of them tied to malware known as infostealers. The findings, published Wednesday, June 18, reveal that the leaked data spans social media platforms, business services, VPNs, and developer tools. The leaked datasets provide access to nearly every online service, including major platforms like Apple, Facebook, Google, GitHub, and…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
ESPN Star Blasts AI Fakes Targeting Her Fans: 'Enough Is Enough' ESPN Star Blasts AI Fakes Targeting Her Fans: 'Enough Is Enough'
ESPN Star Blasts AI Fakes Targeting Her Fans: 'Enough Is Enough' Even ESPN's Erin Dolan isn’t safe from scammers. ESPN talking head Erin Dolan issued an advisory to her nearly 340,000 Instagram followers this week, cautioning that not everything may be as it seems when it comes to corresponding with her on social media.  The Penn State grad and girlfriend of Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm set the record straight after receiving disconcerting messages from fans about apparent phishing schemes. "Alright. Enough is enough," the ESPN sports betting analyst posted in an Instagram story on Wednesday, May 28.  "I have TikTok, Instagra…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Business
Don't Fall For It: Instagram CEO Says He Almost Became Victim Of Google Phishing Attack Don't Fall For It: Instagram CEO Says He Almost Became Victim Of Google Phishing Attack
Don't Fall For It: Instagram CEO Says He Almost Became Victim Of Google Phishing Attack The tech-savvy head of Instagram says he almost fell for an elaborate scam in which a new phishing attack was posing as Google. Adam Mosseri, the CEO of Instagram and Head of Product for Instagram at Facebook, said in a social media post on Threads that the scammer contacted him by phone, with a quick follow-up email. "They said my Google account was compromised and they sent me an email to confirm my identity," wrote Mosseri, a 42-year-old New York City native who graduated from NYU. "On the phone they asked me to change my password using my Gmail app and to *not* say my new…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says
Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says Most online users say they're worried about data breaches, but still skip basic ways to improve their cybersecurity, according to a new survey. The Acronis Data Privacy in 2025 Survey polled nearly 2,500 adults in the US and seven other countries, finding that many aren't doing enough to protect their personal data. The Swiss tech company found that while 64% of respondents listed data breaches as their top online privacy concern, only one-third back up their data daily or weekly. Fewer than half (46%) said they use security features like two-factor authentication. "Perhaps …

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
News
Fraudulent Texts Pretend To Be From USPS Fraudulent Texts Pretend To Be From USPS
Fraudulent Texts Pretend To Be From USPS A new scam is targeting people with fraudulent text messages pretending to be from the United States Postal Service (USPS) — and officials are urging caution. The US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is warning customers about a rise in phishing and smishing attacks, where fraudsters send fake texts and emails that appear to come from USPS. The messages often claim that a package is delayed or that a payment is due, directing recipients to click a link that steals personal information. Postal inspectors say these scams are becoming more advanced, but there are clear warning signs: Smishi…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
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…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Business
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know A new scam is making the rounds, with fraudsters posing as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents and sending text messages promising a substantial rebate.  The trap is a phishing attempt designed to steal your personal and financial information. What’s Happening? The fraudulent messages claim recipients are eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check, directing them to click on a fake link to “claim” their payment.  How The Scam Works You receive a text message appearing to be from the IRS, stating that you’re owed an Economic Impact Payment and must provide personal information …

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Business
Scam Alert: Phishing Text Messages On Rise, New Report Says Scam Alert: Phishing Text Messages On Rise, New Report Says
Scam Alert: Phishing Text Messages On Rise, New Report Says Cybersecurity experts have reported an increase in phishing scam text messages, according to a new report from CNET. Josh Yavor, the chief information security officer at cybersecurity company Tessian, told the news outlet he has seen a recent increase in scammers using text messages for phishing, where they attempt to steal peoples' personal information by pretending to be reputable organizations. CNET also said a report from enterprise security company Proofpoint found that incidents SMS phishing increased by 24 percent in the United States last year. The Federal Trade Commission reporte…

SHARE

by Nicole Valinote
News
Alert Issued For Scam USPS Package Delivery Postponed Texts Alert Issued For Scam USPS Package Delivery Postponed Texts
Alert Issued For Scam USPS Package Delivery Postponed Texts Law enforcement officials are cautioning of a new text message "smishing" scam that involves phony messages being sent from fraudsters posing as members of the US Postal Service (USPS). Alerts have been issued by state and federal officials following recent reports from consumers who have received messages claiming to be from USPS about a change in delivery shipment. The messages typically include a link that could potentially expose one to scammers looking to steal personal identifying information. Many who click the phony link have wound up being hacked or prompted to provide new informat…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Beware Of These Vaccine, Stimulus Scams, NY Attorney General Says COVID-19: Beware Of These Vaccine, Stimulus Scams, NY Attorney General Says
Covid-19: Beware Of These Vaccine, Stimulus Scams, NY Attorney General Says Opportunistic fraudsters have been taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic recently, prompting Attorney General Letitia James to issue a warning to New Yorkers. James said that New Yorkers should remain vigilant about scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically vaccine and stimulus check schemes that have become more prevalent as the country combats the spread of the virus. 
“As more New Yorkers become eligible for the vaccine that will help prevent the spread of the disease and a new round of stimulus payments are sent out to combat the economic fallout of the pandemic, scammers…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Scam Alert Issued For 'Update Your Contact Info' Fake DMV Emails, Texts Scam Alert Issued For 'Update Your Contact Info' Fake DMV Emails, Texts
Scam Alert Issued For 'Update Your Contact Info' Fake DMV Emails, Texts The New York State DMV is warning drivers it has seen an increase in scammers pretending to be the department in an attempt to commit identity theft.  These attempts often include logos, images, and content copied from the legitimate New York State DMV website (or another government site) to make their fraudulent communication appear realistic. Phishing can also be in the form of phone solicitations, fraudulent social media accounts, or websites.  "We encourage you to remain vigilant and to use caution to protect your data," the department said. "Remember that if the message does not feel…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
Lifestyle
Alert Issued For Netflix 'Update Your Payment' Email Scam Alert Issued For Netflix 'Update Your Payment' Email Scam
Alert Issued For Netflix 'Update Your Payment' Email Scam A phishing scam is taking on new life as many use streaming services more frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Forbes, the legitimate-looking email prompting users to update their Netflix payment information comes complete with Netflix logos and bypasses most email spam filters. The scam email, titled "Notice of Verification Failure", reportedly takes Netflix users that are fooled into clicking to a convincing CAPTCHA page, which also has Netflix branding.  From there, victims of the scam are taken to a Netflix lookalike page, where they are prompted to enter their Ne…

SHARE

by Christina Coulter
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Justice Department Issues Alert For These Scams COVID-19: Justice Department Issues Alert For These Scams
Covid-19: Justice Department Issues Alert For These Scams The United States Justice Department of Justice is warning the public to be wary of opportunistic fraudsters who have been fear-mongering in the wake of fears of coronavirus. Attorney General William Barr issued an alert warning of fraud schemes related to the COVID-19 outbreak, as he begins to investigate and prosecute scammers. According to Barr, he has directed United States attorneys to prioritize and investigate the prosecution of coronavirus-related fraud schemes. Each has been directed to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial d…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Scam Alert: Don't Fall For These Tax Season Schemes Scam Alert: Don't Fall For These Tax Season Schemes
Scam Alert: Don't Fall For These Tax Season Schemes As tax season heats up, officials are warning area residents to be wary of opportunistic fraudsters looking to scam them in new ways. Scammers have found new ways to defraud their victims, from mailbox phishing to new electronic means. The IRS stated that hackers attempted to claim more than $3 billion in false refunds last year using stolen information. “Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone, or email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals,” the IRS stated. “The …

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
267M Facebook Users Had Names, Phone Numbers Leaked On Dark Web 267M Facebook Users Had Names, Phone Numbers Leaked On Dark Web
267M Facebook Users Had Names, Phone Numbers Leaked On Dark Web Hundreds of millions of Facebook users’ data has reportedly been leaked to the dark web, according to a new report. Comparitech and security researcher Bob Diachenko reported that he found a database containing 267 million Facebook user IDs, phone numbers and names that were left exposed on the dark web for anyone to access without password protection or any other authentication. In total, 267,140,436 records were exposed. According to Diachenko, who examined the evidence, the data likely came from “an illegal scraping operation or Facebook API abuse by criminals in Vietnam.” Most of the …

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Warnings Issued For Text, TV 'Smishing' Scams Warnings Issued For Text, TV 'Smishing' Scams
Warnings Issued For Text, TV 'Smishing' Scams Officials are warning of new “smishing” scams that have been making the rounds. The Federal Trade Commission issued an alert cautioning consumers of new scams that have been using text messages, not the traditional emails. One such scam involves the fraudster offering to provide major savings on television services. The scams involve the victims sending back personal information, or infecting devices with malware. According to the Better Business Bureau, this new scheme is called “smishing” which stands for SMS fishing, as opposed to “phishing,” which involves email. “We’re kind of condit…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Alert Issued For Scam Targeting Amazon Prime Subscribers Alert Issued For Scam Targeting Amazon Prime Subscribers
Alert Issued For Scam Targeting Amazon Prime Subscribers Scammers targeting Amazon Prime customers have been targeting consumers with the holidays approaching. Area police departments have issued alerts cautioning Amazon Prime users that they’ve recently received reports from local residents who have been receiving phony calls from fraudsters stating that their accounts were having problems and memberships needed to be renewed. According to reports, some customers have been defrauded out of tens of thousands of dollars after being scammed as part of the scheme. “This is a social engineering phishing attempt to induce the target to hand over fina…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Alert Issued For Wire Fraud Scam Targeting Direct Deposit Info Alert Issued For Wire Fraud Scam Targeting Direct Deposit Info
Alert Issued For Wire Fraud Scam Targeting Direct Deposit Info A new phishing scam is targeting the HR departments of companies in an effort to reroute direct deposits. CNBC first reported that the new scam involves fraudsters rerouting direct deposit accounts, and once checks are made, the paycheck will instead go directly into the criminal’s account. According to KVC Health Systems, a child welfare nonprofit based out of the Midwest that was hit by the scam reported that the emails look legitimate and intentionally come from the company’s CEO, CFO or payroll director to increase the authenticity of the request. Reports state that the emails are diff…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Alert Issued For IRS 'Spoofing' Scam Alert Issued For IRS 'Spoofing' Scam
Alert Issued For IRS 'Spoofing' Scam It's tax time and with it comes a new warning that there's a twist to the usual IRS impersonation phone scam. Criminals are faking calls from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), an independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service, the IRS said in the warning issued Friday, March 30. Similar to other IRS impersonation scams, the scammer makes unsolicited calls to the victim, falsely claiming to be from the IRS. But in the new wrinkle, the con artists have found a way to "spoof" the phone number of the TAS office in New York or Houston. The scammers then request personal inf…

SHARE

by Daily Voice
News
Cybercriminals Targeting Online Payroll Accounts Of Employees, FBI Says Cybercriminals Targeting Online Payroll Accounts Of Employees, FBI Says
Cybercriminals Targeting Online Payroll Accounts Of Employees, FBI Says Cybercriminals are targeting online payroll accounts of employees in order to change bank account info and redirect direct deposits, according to the FBI. The federal government has received complaints reporting cybercriminals are targeting the online payroll accounts of employees in a variety of industries. Institutions most affected are education, healthcare and commercial airlines. Cybercriminals reportedly target employees through phishing emails designed to capture an employee’s login credentials, according to the FBI.  Once the cybercriminal has obtained an employee’s credentials, th…

SHARE

by Jon Craig
News
W-2 Form Tax Scam: Be On The Lookout, IRS Says W-2 Form Tax Scam: Be On The Lookout, IRS Says
W-2 Form Tax Scam: Be On The Lookout, IRS Says The Internal Revenue Service is warning employers and employees in the Hudson Valley of a Form W-2 phishing scam that cost hundreds of organizations and employees thousands of dollars last year. During the last two tax seasons, cybercriminals tricked payroll personnel or people with access to payroll information into disclosing sensitive information for entire workforces, according to the IRS. The scam affected all types of employers, from small and large businesses to public schools and universities, hospitals, tribal governments and charities. In total, more than 900 phishing reports were…

SHARE

by Zak Failla