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.
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Beware of BOI Filing Scams Targeting Small Businesses
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.
Caution: The “Pig Butchering” Phishing Expedition
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
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.
Don’t Take the Bait: The Rising Tide of Phishing Scams
This article discusses the rising threat of phishing scams, particularly through text messages. It provides a detailed guide on how to report phishing texts to Google and your mobile carrier. The article also offers additional tips for avoiding phishing scams, such as being skeptical of unsolicited messages and using a password manager. The key takeaway is to be cautious and not open messages unless you are certain of the sender’s identity.
Don’t Fall for the ‘One Ring’ Telephone Scam!
Delve into the ‘One Ring’ phone scam, a deceptive scheme that can lead to unexpected charges. This article provides insights into the scam’s modus operandi, offers preventive measures, and guides you on how to report such incidents. Stay informed and protect yourself from this pervasive issue.
Understanding WordPress’s xmlrpc.php File and Navigating Potential Misuse
This article dives into the potential misuse of WordPress’s xmlrpc.php file, a feature that allows for remote procedure calls. While it can be handy for various tasks, it can also be exploited for malicious purposes. The piece further discusses how to protect your site, including the option to disable the feature if not in use, and how to respond to possible “bug bounty” phishing requests related to this feature.
Anatomy of a Phone Text Phishing Attempt
Phishing - attempts to trick people into giving up sensitive information - has been on the rise for many. many years now. Even seasoned internet individuals can fall prey to the bad actors perpetrating this criminal activity. The Phish Here is an example of a text I...
Email Phishing Still at an All Time High
Practically everyone living on the planet Earth should understand what phishing is by now. But for those who might not, a Google search brought this up for me: "the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce...
Continued Email Phishing Attempts
What is Phishing? Phishing is defined as the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Phishing attempts continue at an...