Have you received a voicemail from an unknown caller reminding you about a $52,000 (could be a different amount) loan that you did not apply for? Scammers make these calls to try to throw you off balance. They are hoping you’ll respond first and think later. You may already know how to spot phone scams, […]
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Did you receive an email from what looks like a trusted brand, such as Costco or AAA? Does the email promise a free gift if you fill out a short survey and pay a small shipping fee? The email may claim there are only a few free gifts left to create a sense of urgency. […]
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Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know. Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. They might use a real name, like the FTC, Social Security Administration, IRS, Medicare, or make up a name that sounds official. Some pretend to be from a business you know, like a utility […]
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You may get an unexpected message on WhatsApp, Telegram, text, or social media. It states if you do these little tasks online, you can make some quick cash. Sounds simple and the message says you will get paid right away. This could be a scam. “Task” scams begin with an unexpected message that offers you […]
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Scammers are impersonating Amazon again. They will send text messages claiming they have found a problem with one of the items you have purchased. They will offer a refund if you click a link … This is a scam! How the scam works: You may receive an unexpected text that looks like it is from […]
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If you are contacted by someone unexpectedly and they tell you to buy gold bars and give them to someone (anyone) to “protect your money,” this is a scam! Stop right away! Do not do what they are telling you to do. Below are how these scams work and how to avoid them. There are […]
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Did you receive an unexpected text message that contains a multi-factor authentication (MFA) code and there appears to be a customer support number for you to call if you did not request the code? These MFA codes are usually only sent to you when you are logging into an account. Receiving this message might make […]
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Can you spot an investment scam if it comes from an actual friend’s page on social media? Is someone you know suddenly posting screenshots of bank accounts and claiming they will teach you to make money quick with little to no risk? This is likely an investment scam. A friend may announce that they have […]
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You may have heard in the news: JOANN Fabric & Craft stores are closing and will be holding big clearance sales before they shut their doors. Visit a physical store in person to grab some good deals. The real JOANN sales are only happening at their physical location. This has not stopped scammers from setting […]
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The FBI Internet Crime Report for 2024 listed the top crime type as phishing/spoofing with 193,407 reported complaints. Smishing attacks (a text-based phishing scam) are commonly used by fraudsters to steal data and financial information. Have you ever received a text from an unknown number that reads “Hello” or “How are you”? Scammers send thousands […]
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Cybercriminals frequently target people who are looking for opportunities. In this week’s scam, you might receive a text message or email with what looks like real job listings from a cybercriminal posing as a recruiter. The message even includes flexible hours, positions, benefits, and salary. If you reply, the cybercriminal asks you for further information, […]
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In this week’s scam, cybercriminals are using Google search results to try to trick you into calling a phone number that they control. If you search for an organization on Google, scammers can manipulate the search results to display a fake phone number for the organization. Don’t take a chance of losing your investments on […]
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We’ve all heard about phishing scams – those deceptive emails that try to lure us into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information. But what about smishing? This lesser-known cousin of phishing uses SMS (text messages) to target unsuspecting victims, and it’s on the rise. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into […]
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A Dell portal containing customer information related to purchases was breached. A threat actor claimed to have stolen information for approximately 49 million customers. Dell states that the following information was accessed by the threat actor during the breach: Name Physical address Dell hardware and order information, including service tag, item description, date of order, and […]
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Is there a legit reason for someone to send you to a Bitcoin ATM? The short answer is NO. Will someone from the government send you to a Bitcoin ATM? NEVER. Scammers succeed because they’re good at what they do — which is lying. So, if someone calls and says you have to act now […]
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As a community bank, we are committed to helping our customers understand and avoid financial scams. One such scam that has been on the rise is the Money Mule Scam. A money mule is someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money on behalf of someone else. Criminals recruit money mules to help launder proceeds […]
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In this recent scam, cybercriminals are trying to trick you into downloading software that they can use to access your computer. They start by sending you a fake email that appears to come from your bank. The email says that there is an issue with your account and that their team needs to investigate. Of […]
Read MoreThe holiday season brings an air of excitement, with online shopping emerging as the go-to destination for extraordinary deals and exquisite gifts. Yet, amidst this festive fervor, there’s an unsettling reality: the proliferation of online shopping fraud and scams. In recent years, online shopping fraud has become increasingly prevalent. Deceptive tactics target the enthusiasm of […]
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Now more than ever, cybercriminals are using a tactic known as pretexting to catch you off guard. Pretexting is when a cybercriminal impersonates a real person and asks you for help with a fake scenario. They often carry on a conversation with you and use public information to convince you that they are who they […]
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Recently, a ring of cybercriminals used a smishing attack in order to steal credit card information. A smishing attack is a type of phishing attack through SMS messaging. The cybercriminals used this stolen bank information to purchase cryptocurrency that they then exchanged for cash. Read the below information to learn more about this scam and […]
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Recently, the US-based Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) recently shut down due to failure to meet its financial obligations. This collapse has caused a public panic, and unfortunately, cybercriminals take advantage of high-profile news stories to catch your attention and manipulate your emotions. In the coming weeks, we expect to see cybercriminals referencing the collapse of […]
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Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim. The criminals who carry out romance scams are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, […]
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Facebook pages are typically used by organizations and public figures to connect with their community. Anyone can make a Facebook page, even cybercriminals. Using social media, cybercriminals spoof brands and organizations to trick people into trusting them. In this recent scam, cybercriminals use real Facebook pages to impersonate Facebook itself. The scam starts with a […]
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Organizations often use email to send their employees invoices that they need to pay. Now, cybercriminals are taking advantage of this process by using fraudulent funds transfer (FFT) scams. In FFT scams, cybercriminals try to manipulate you into transferring your organization’s funds to their bank accounts. To start an FFT scam, cybercriminals use social engineering […]
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What is a QR Code? Have you ever seen a poster that had a jumbled-looking, square-shaped barcode printed on it? These unique squiggles make up a QR code. A QR code (Quick Response code) is an interactive link that you can scan with your smartphone. The link could take you to a website, start a […]
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Cryptocurrency exchanges are platforms that allow you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. When you buy cryptocurrency, it’s stored in a digital wallet. Most cryptocurrency exchanges require that you use an additional authentication method, such as a recovery phrase, to access your wallet. Cybercriminals use social engineering to try to bypass this added […]
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Murphy-Wall State Bank & Trust Company has recently had several customers receive texts saying their Visa Cards have been temporarily locked. This is a SCAM with a generic message which is trying to get you to click on a link in order to unlock your card. This scam could also include your online banking access. […]
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Zelle is a popular mobile payment application that allows users to send payments to one another. Like most financial institutions, Zelle alerts users of possible fraud to stop suspicious account activity from happening. However, not all fraud alerts are legitimate. Cybercriminals can impersonate Zelle and send fake fraud alerts to scam you. In a new […]
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While making a phone call may seem harmless, you should always consider who’s on the other end of the line. Cybercriminals can use callback phishing scams to trick you into calling them directly. Once you’re on the phone, cybercriminals will ask you to share sensitive information or grant them access to your device. In one […]
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Can you tell if an email is safe to open? You might already be savvy on catching red flags like typos, poor grammar, an urgent demeanor, or even a spoofed domain…but how can you truly decipher the safety of an email? The cybersecurity experts of the KnowB4 Security Team have lined out some of […]
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Happy Valentine’s Day! As Cupid shoots his arrows at those of us about to fall unsuspectingly in love, scammers are also taking a shot at catching us off-guard with our purses and wallets. Did you know that romance scam losses hit a record high last year? You’ve probably heard of these tactics by […]
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Are you a savvy online shopper? We’re living in the 2020’s, and these days more people are taking advantage of online shopping. However, don’t be taken advantage of by cyber thieves. If you regularly use your debit card for online purchases, have payment information saved on online shopping accounts, or use autofill to […]
Read MoreWhen federal rental assistance gets distributed to towns and cities around the nation, scammers are also ready and waiting to hijack this opportunity and prey on consumers in need, by pretending to be someone they’re not. Here’s how to recognize and possibly stop a rental assistance scam: If you receive an email, text, call […]
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Have you heard about the latest trend in cybercrime? The use of cybercriminal-controlled call centers to trick people into providing bank or credit card information is on the rise. The tactic of trying to use real people in fake call centers is a way of convincing the unsuspected that a scam is legitimate. […]
Read More Cybercriminals are finding new ways to bypass the spam filters that flag suspicious-looking emails. The KnowBe4 Security Team at KnowBe4.com has alerted us about this scam, in which the bad guys are using shortened LinkedIn URLs to sneak into your inbox. When someone creates a LinkedIn post containing a URL, the URL will […]
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Have you heard about the recent phishing scam, where the perpetrators tell users they have violated copyright laws and must take immediate action to protect their account? They’re making allegations that content the user posted, such as Instagram photos or YouTube videos are violating copyright laws. Users are then threated to immediately click a […]
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Don’t fall for the latest phony blackmail attempt launched by scam artists in a recent large-scale cyber security attack. According to the KnowBe4 Security Team in a report found on KnowBe4.com, these suspicious emails are written in a strangely casual tone and seem to outline the bad guy’s entire blackmail process. The scammer uses […]
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There is now legal action pressing against domains that use tactics of impersonating the brand using homoglyphs. Wondering what a homoglyph is? The KnowBe4 Security Team at KnowBe4.com explained this situation in a recent release. A homoglyph is a letter or character that closely resembles another letter or character, and cybercriminals love to use […]
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Cyber threats have been around for several years now, but they continue to spring up in new and intimidating ways. The security team at KnowBe4.com has released an alert to social media users to be aware of classic Facebook phishing, In the latest Facebook-themed phishing attack, there are a number of red flags […]
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Have you ever tried logging into your account, but get an error message saying, “wrong password?” The odds are, you’ll try to type in the same password again, and again if you keep getting the same message. According to KnowBe4.com, there are cybercriminals out there taking advantage of this common behavior with a new […]
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While the latest round of stimulus deposits are now becoming available from the U.S. Treasury, as part of President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, scammers have already been taking advantage of unsuspecting Americans, and some of them are hitting close to home. Beware of scammers calling you about your deposit through the latest […]
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You’ve got mail!…or is this mail out to get you and your private information? Can you detect the warning signs of the shipping company scam currently circulating? According to the KnowBe4 Security Team at KnowBe4.com, cybercriminals are now taking to shipping-themed phishing attacks. Here’s how they do it: While opening your email, watch […]
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For many months, organizations across the globe have been working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a new phishing attack, the bad guys target your feelings of stress or excitement about returning to the office. The phishing email resembles something that your human resources department might send about returning to the […]
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Scammers are at it again and targeting PayPal users with a new SMS Phishing or Smishing activity. They try to trick unsuspecting consumers with a text message stating “PayPal: We’ve permanently limited your account, please click link below to verify.” If you click on the link provided, you are taken to a PayPal look-alike […]
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Financial Assistance Scams on the Rise As the global pandemic carries on, individuals and families worldwide are faced to struggle with the financial impact left in the wake of the virus. Meanwhile, scammers are launching phishing attacks claiming to offer assistance to those in need. According to KnowBe4.com, phishing emails are being sent out […]
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Have you ever received a call you thought was from someone you recognized on your Caller ID, but it turns out the person on the other end of the line was a stranger or even an automated attendant? You are not alone! “Spoofing” is the technical name for when a caller deliberately disguises their […]
Read More According to the Illinois Department of Unemployment Security (IDES), fraudulent unemployment claims are on the rise. Many of you know someone who has been a victim of this scheme, or have been a victim yourself. The scammers use stolen names and social security numbers to file fraudulent unemployment claims. You may be notified by […]
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The COVID19 pandemic has led to many creative phishing attacks such as phony offers for free testing, claims that you have come in contact with an infected person, and even accusations that you have violated health and safety protocols. Scammers have come up with yet another Coronavirus-themed attack. This time, they are taking advantage of […]
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Check out the following information from the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) on how Scammers are taking advantage of your generosity by using false “charities”. Wildfires raging out West. The hurricane season. Civil unrest. And all of this happening during a global pandemic that has claimed its own devastating share of deaths and cost people their […]
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From the Office of the Department of Justice, phone scams targeting the elderly are on the rise. See the article below directly from their news release. The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has received multiple reports that individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice are calling members of the […]
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There has recently been an increase in reports of scammers calling, emailing, or texting unsuspecting individuals demanding payments by gift card. They could be posing as an IRS representative, collecting back taxes or fines; tech support asking for money to fix your computer, or even a family member in an emergency with urgent need for […]
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The coronavirus pandemic continues to impact organizations across the globe. This hardship gives cybercriminals the perfect bait: a promise of financial relief. Currently, cybercriminals are impersonating the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) with a very convincing phishing email. While this specific scam targets organizations in the US, this tactic could be used in any […]
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We live in an app-based world. From laptops to smart TVs, applications are used nearly everywhere. Learning which apps are safe can be tricky as cybercriminals continue to find new ways to exploit your trust. The latest scam involves third-party apps that request unusual permissions. Users are easily fooled into downloading these third-party apps because […]
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***NOTICE TO RESIDENTIAL LOAN CUSTOMERS*** Recently a Company named US HOME GUARD LLC had been sending letters to our residential loan customers regarding Home Warranty Sales. The advertisements appear that Murphy-Wall State Bank and Trust is either sending the ad, in cooperation with the company, or supporting the company. We can assure you this is […]
Read MoreBe on the lookout for a new sophisticated phishing extortion scam. In this scam, the bad guys claim to be from your local state police and say they have some incriminating information about you. Since they are retiring, they generously offer to delete the evidence in exchange for 2000 bitcoin. It even includes a phone […]
Read MoreAlert! Internet criminals are sending a new phishing attack where they use a fake OneNote Audio Note as bait so they can trick you into giving up your Microsoft login information. The scam comes in the form of an email with the subject “New Audio Note Received”. It claims you have a new audio message […]
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If you’ve ever used social media to make a complaint about a company, you’d know that many organizations are quick to respond to this public expression. But have you ever stopped to question whether the account responding to your concern is really someone from the company? Recently, fraudsters have taken to social media platforms to […]
Read MoreAccording to recent reports, phishing attacks that use brand impersonation are at an all-time high. Cyber criminals are posing as familiar companies so they can trick you and get access to your account in order to steal sensitive data or target additional employees. Here’s how it typically happens: Attackers send you a standard-looking email […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are currently using fake legal threats to scare you into downloading their malicious attachments. These email scams typically inform you that your organization is going to be sued. You’re instructed to review the attached file for details and to respond within a few days or further action will be taken against you. […]
Read MoreIf you’re looking to stream or download blockbuster movies when they’re still in theaters, you probably shouldn’t. Why not? Well, first and foremost, this is called piracy and it is illegal. Secondly, any “free downloads” you do find will likely be a scam. Recently, a popular search engine result for Avengers: Endgame claims to offer […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are known to use holidays to try to get you to click on a dangerous link or download a malicious attachment. Whether you’re traveling this Memorial Day weekend, or staying home to take advantage of online shopping deals, be cautious when performing any types of online transactions. Be suspicious of any out-of-the-ordinary […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are developing malicious applications with the hopes of making their way into your mobile device’s app store –and sometimes they’re successful. Recently, over 100,000 people across the globe downloaded applications containing spyware from a reputable app store. According to researchers, this spyware steals personal information like your call logs, contacts, photo and […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are starting their tax scams early this season! All employees should look out for urgent emails and phone calls supposedly coming from the IRS or tax-related companies in the next few months. For all employees, if you receive a phone call from the IRS claiming you owe back taxes and must pay, […]
Read MoreExtortion scams are back and they are getting more and more dangerous. This time, the bad guys are sending out emails, claiming they have a video of you watching an inappropriate website and then prompting you to download that video and see it for yourself. But if you do, your computer gets infected with ransomware! […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are taking advantage of mobile shoppers this holiday season! By using mobile apps, they can trick you into giving your personal information or installing malware onto your smartphone. This can give them access to your credit card information or lock your smartphone with ransomware, forcing you to pay a fee to unlock […]
Read MoreIt may be the start of the Holiday Season but don’t think that means the bad guys are on vacation! Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the busiest online shopping days and the bad guys are out to get rich with your money. After all, ‘tis the season for scams and phishing. So how do […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are finding new ways to scam you on social media using your favorite celebrities. By using Twitter’s promoted tweet functionality, the bad guys are trying to trick you into thinking celebrities are “giving away” e-currency, such as bitcoin. The names of well-known celebrities will always show a blue checkmark next to their […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are changing their tactics and you need to be aware! They are now creating phishing sites that resemble the sign-in pages of popular companies. They will try anything to get you to authenticate on their fake site. Some phishing sites will even try to fool you by appearing in your: Pop-ups Ads […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are becoming even more deceptive with extortion scams. Now, they send you an email that appears to be coming from your own email and claim to have infected your computer with a backdoor. A backdoor allows the bad guys to take control of your computer. Next, they accuse you of watching mature […]
Read MoreDon’t be fooled! The bad guys are on social media and you need to be alert. Their latest trick involves misinformation and panic. It all starts when you receive a message from a Facebook “friend”. This friend claims they received another friend request from you. Then, they go on to explain that you’ve been hacked […]
Read MoreVishing scams are on the rise. Be aware of the common signs of a vishing attack to avoid becoming a victim. The latest attack goes like this: You receive a call from “Apple Care” claiming your iCloud information has been part of a data breach. The scammer asks you to log in to your computer […]
Read MoreThe bad guys have a new phone scam, and it’s vicious.They call you and claim to be from the local sheriff’s office. Then, they inform you of a warrant that’s been issued for your arrest. As a way to “help” you out, they agree not to arrest you if you pay a fine. Don’t be […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are getting creative with a new hybrid attack that involves CEO Fraud and gift card scams. There is a massive campaign underway where they impersonate an executive and urgently ask for gift cards to be bought for customers. Once the gift cards are physically bought from a store, the “boss” asks you […]
Read MoreStay alert! The bad guys are now using CEO fraud and Business Email Compromise attacks more than ever. These attacks take place when the bad guys impersonate executives within your organization via email and ask you to transfer them a large sum of money. They’re trying to manipulate you – don’t fall for it! Instead, […]
Read MoreBe extra cautious! The bad guys are using foreign characters to create phishing websites that spoof popular brands (Example: micròsoft.com instead of microsoft.com). Then, they use these websites to trick you into providing your personal information. The latest phishing website scam is a contest for you to win “free tickets” from well-known airlines. They ask […]
Read More In our digitally connected world, the bad guys aren’t limiting their scams to just your email account – they’re attacking you via social media, too! Social media plays a vital role in staying in touch with friends, family, and even local businesses. But with convenience comes vulnerability. Lurking among genuine connections can be fake profiles, […]
Read MoreBe on alert! The bad guys have a new way of stealing your login credentials. They target you by sending you an invite via email to open a SharePoint document. The link takes you to an actual SharePoint page where you will see a OneDrive prompt. The prompt will have an “Access Document” link in […]
Read MoreThe bad guys have hit a new low – they are using extortion to take advantage of you. Extortion is a serious internet crime that can lead to devastating consequences for victims. The latest twist on extortion occurs when someone threatens to distribute compromising content of yours if you do not satisfy their demands, which […]
Read MoreThe bad guys know you like free stuff, but this time it’s going to cost you! They lure you to a fake website for a “free” gift card in exchange for seemingly harmless information. Once on the site, you are asked a series of questions. If you make it through all of the questions, you’ll […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are getting increasingly creative with CEO fraud and accounting scams. They are now impersonating executives within your organization and asking for financial reports, or asking employees in payroll to make changes to a bank account, or the email address in control of making edits to the bank account. These changes allow the […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are trying to trick you on your mobile device! Users are three times more likely to click on a suspicious link on their mobile device than on a desktop, and the bad guys are taking advantage of this. They will send you malicious links through email, social media (Facebook messenger), and text […]
Read MoreYou lose if you reuse! The bad guys are using your breached passwords to access your online accounts. Even if a data breach happened years ago, the bad guys will attempt to use your breached passwords across all of your online accounts to see if they will still work – scary! New research says more […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are using a new hybrid cyber attack to steal your private banking information. They place a Banking Trojan on your computer (most likely through email), and once you try to visit your bank’s website, it will redirect you to a malicious, look-alike page – this site is NOT your actual bank! From […]
Read MoreBe careful on social media! The bad guys have a new way of tricking you into giving them your personal information, and it’s called “angler phishing”. When you make a public complaint on a company’s social media page (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), the bad guys pretend to be a part of the company’s customer service team […]
Read MoreBe on the look out! The bad guys are using a new attachment type and it could reach your inbox. The attachments are Excel Web Query files and have an .IQY extension. If opened, they will attempt to steal your data! Remember, do not open attachments unless you have asked for it, or have verified with the […]
Read MoreThis week, news broke about two celebrity suicides: Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. The bad guys are going to exploit these deaths in a number of ways, so be careful with anything related to this sad news: emails, attachments, social media (especially Facebook), texts on your phone, anything. There will be a number of scams related to this, so […]
Read MoreHeads up! The bad guys are now trying to trick you into buying fake event tickets well above face-value. It’s happening right now with the World Cup, but can happen with any popular event. Here’s how it works: They get you by offering last-minute ticket deals on a phony website, and then steal your credit […]
Read MoreThe bad guys are at it, again! This time, they’re impersonating your co-worker and asking for you to send them their pay stubs. Don’t send this information! Leaking pay stubs can easily lead to identity theft and/or financial fraud. Individuals working in payroll are at high risk for this attack, but we all need to […]
Read MoreBe on the lookout for a new, Apple-flavored phishing email Scam of the Week. New European data privacy regulation is going into effect this week. It’s called General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and bad guys are using it as bait in a variety of ways. This scam looks like it is from Apple and claims […]
Read MoreKnowBe4 Scam of the Week: Watch Out For Gmail Confidential Emails The bad guys have a new way to phish users, and you need to be on alert for this one! Gmail now allows a different way to send emails called Confidential Mode, and the bad guys are using it to send you malicious links. […]
Read MoreThere is yet another email scam you need to watch out for. New European data privacy regulation is going into effect on May 25th. It’s called General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and bad guys are using it as bait by claiming you’re not compliant and in violation of this new regulation. Do not click on […]
Read MoreThere is a new email scam you need to watch out for. Bad guys are sending emails that have an archive file as an attachment. They often look like a voicemail message you have missed. Assume these attachment files are guilty until proven innocent! Do NOT click on the zip file to listen to the […]
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