Phishing, Scams and Spoofs Archives

Email Account Hacked? What to Do Immediately

by Charles Oropallo | Jul 15, 2026 | Email, Google, Phishing, Scams and Spoofs, Spam, Technical Help

A dangerous email can truly come from someone you know. I recently traced one through Gmail’s authenticated servers and found strong evidence of account misuse. This article explains how I read the headers, why authentication does not guarantee safety, and what victims should do immediately. It also covers passwords, connected applications, forwarding rules, devices, two-step verification, contact warnings, and recovery steps anyone can follow before attackers cause more damage.

CharlesWorks Exposes the Fake Audits and Website SEO Spam Emails and Scams in Your Junk Folder

by Charles Oropallo | Jul 1, 2026 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spam, Technical Help

Website seo spam emails happen every single day. You open your inbox, and there it is: a vague, slightly ominous email claiming someone "checked your website" and found errors, bugs, or "opportunities to improve online visibility." For those of us who have been...

‘I Checked Your Website”: Why These Website Audit Scam Emails Usually Lead Nowhere Good

by Charles Oropallo | Jun 11, 2026 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spam, Technical Help

Scammers often send vague emails claiming they inspected your website and found problems. Usually, they provide no domain name, evidence, company details, or specific findings. Instead, they hope curiosity or fear will persuade you to respond, share access, or provide payment information. This article explains the warning signs, common tactics, and serious risks behind fake website audit offers, while showing how legitimate web professionals earn trust through transparency, proof, experience, and honest communication with customers.

Sextortion Phishing Emails: Why They Scare People And What To Do

by Charles Oropallo | Jun 1, 2026 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs

Sextortion phishing emails use fear, shame, and urgency to trick people into paying scammers. These messages often claim the sender hacked your computer, watched you on adult websites, and recorded you through your camera. In most cases, the scammer has no video and no access. They may only have your email address, or possibly an old password from a past data breach. This article explains how these scams work, why they scare people, and what steps you should take if you receive one.

Avoid being Scammed this Tax Season

by Charles Oropallo | Mar 20, 2026 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs

Here is more info about how to avoid being scammed this tax season. I feel like I've written dozens of these. Unfortunately, scamming is a huge industry at this point. There doesn't seem to be any end in sight. So I will keep putting out the messages like this one and...

About Your Website Form Output: Spam and Security Concerns

by Charles Oropallo | Dec 1, 2025 | Email, Phishing, Scams and Spoofs, Spam

Spam form submissions can be annoying, but they’re also a common part of running a website. I explain why they happen, what they mean, and how you can handle them without hurting your site’s security or email reputation.

Why I Froze My Credit—And Why You Might Want To, Too

by Charles Oropallo | Apr 5, 2025 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs

Think You’re Too Smart to Fall for a Scam? So Did I. Right after work one Friday, I got a call from “Bank of America” about a loan I never applied for. When the caller rattled off my Social Security number, I knew something was seriously wrong. I’ve written about phishing scams for years—yet this one nearly got me. In my latest article, I share exactly what happened, how I responded, and why I immediately froze my credit with all three major bureaus. I also explain why freezing your credit is one of the smartest, easiest things you can do to protect yourself and your family. Don’t wait until you’re a target. Read the full story—and grab a free checklist to help you stay safe.

Unverified Emails Matter and How to Fix Them

by Charles Oropallo | Mar 31, 2025 | Email, Phishing, Scams and Spoofs, Spam, Technical Help

Are your website emails disappearing or landing in spam? You might be dealing with unverified emails—and it could be costing you business. Many important messages, like contact form submissions and update notifications, never reach the inbox because modern email servers are stricter than ever. With filters powered by artificial intelligence and constant security updates, even legitimate emails can get flagged as suspicious. This article breaks down why it happens, what it looks like (with real examples from Outlook), and how you can fix it. You’ll learn about SPF, DKIM, and DMARC—three critical DNS settings that help your website’s emails look trustworthy to all mail servers. Whether you manage your own website or rely on a hosting provider, this guide will show you what to check and how to stay out of the junk folder. Don’t let your site’s messages get lost—read the full article to protect your email delivery.

Beware of Smishing Scams Targeting EZPass Users

by Charles Oropallo | Mar 4, 2025 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs

Scammers are targeting EZPass users with fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid tolls. This deceptive tactic, known as smishing, tricks people into clicking malicious links and sharing personal or financial information. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) warns that EZDriveMA never sends invoices or payment requests via text. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click the link—delete it immediately and verify your account through the official website. Want to learn how to stay safe and report these scams? Read our full article now to protect yourself from falling victim to this growing cyber threat!

Beware of Facebook Phishing Scams Targeting Your Page

by Charles Oropallo | Feb 27, 2025 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs

🚨 Don’t Fall for This Facebook Phishing Scam! 🚨 Scammers are impersonating Facebook, sending fake warnings that your page is about to be deleted for “trademark infringement.” They include a shady link, urging you to appeal before it’s too late. Don’t click it! This is a phishing attempt designed to steal your login credentials. Even if your page seems fine, falling for this scam could lock you out of your account. Learn how to spot the warning signs, report the scam, and protect your Facebook page from hackers. Read on to stay safe from this growing threat! 🔒👇