Phishing, Scams and Spoofs Archives

Phishing, Scams and Spoofs

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! 🔒👇

WooCommerce plugin version check (Your domain) SCAM

by Charles Oropallo | Oct 23, 2024 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs, WooCommerce, WordPress

A new phishing scam is targeting website administrators by impersonating WordPress, tricking them into visiting update-plugins.org, a fake site made to look like WordPress.org. This scam, active since October 22, 2024, aims to steal credentials by urging users to log in and “secure” their WooCommerce plugin. CharlesWorks and WordPress will never send such emails requesting credentials. To protect yourself, always verify email links, enable image blocking in your email client, and use multi-factor authentication. Learn more about identifying phishing attempts. Stay vigilant to keep your online assets secure.

Beware of BOI Filing Scams Targeting Small Businesses

by Charles Oropallo | Oct 14, 2024 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs

Small businesses, including mine, are being targeted by scammers claiming you need to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports for a fee. I recently received a suspicious text message directing me to a fraudulent website that mimicked the legitimate FinCEN process. It’s crucial to know that the real BOI filing is free and only done through https://fincen.gov, not through any .com or .ai sites.

Solitary Facebook Admin for Your Business or Organization Danger

by Charles Oropallo | Sep 13, 2024 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs, Technical Help

When managing a Facebook page for your business or organization, having only one administrator can lead to significant risks. If the sole admin is locked out, loses access, or their account is hacked, the entire page can be compromised. This makes it difficult to recover control, update information, or remove harmful content. To avoid these pitfalls, it’s crucial to add multiple admins who can step in if issues arise. Being proactive about page security ensures your business’s social media presence remains secure and functional, minimizing downtime and protecting your brand from potential harm.

CleanTalk: The Best Security and AntiSpam Plugin Used by CharlesWorks

by Charles Oropallo | May 30, 2024 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs, Spam, Technical Help, WordPress

CleanTalk is an indispensable security and anti-spam plugin for CharlesWorks. It offers ease of use, effective spam protection, and comprehensive security features. The exceptional support from CleanTalk’s team ensures our sites remain secure. As trusted partners, we proudly promote CleanTalk through our affiliate program, benefiting both our clients and our business. Discover why CleanTalk is a trusted tool in our web development arsenal.

Caution: The “Pig Butchering” Phishing Expedition

by Charles Oropallo | Feb 26, 2024 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs, Spam

In the article “Caution: The ‘Pig Butchering’ Phishing Expedition,” I delve into a sophisticated scam I recently discovered through John Oliver’s HBO show. “Pig Butchering” is a phishing scam that merges romance and investment fraud, often involving cryptocurrency. Scammers meticulously build trust over time, aiming to exploit it for financial gain. I emphasize the importance of watching John Oliver’s segment on this topic, as it provides crucial insights into the scam’s workings and its widespread impact. The article outlines practical steps to avoid falling victim to “Pig Butchering,” including skepticism towards unsolicited messages, the importance of research, and never sharing personal or financial information online. Awareness and caution are highlighted as the best defenses against such scams.

Avoiding New Phishing Pitfalls: A Personal Encounter

by Charles Oropallo | Dec 2, 2023 | Phishing, Scams and Spoofs

In my recent article, I delve into an encounter with a new phishing pitfall, involving a cunning WordPress-related email scam. I highlight the email’s deceptive elements, such as its urgent tone and seemingly legitimate links. Through my experience, I emphasize the importance of vigilance and knowledge in identifying and avoiding such scams. The article provides practical tips for spotting red flags in suspicious emails and reinforces the need to verify information before taking any action. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of online threats and the continuous need for cybersecurity awareness.

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