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.
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!
🚨 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! 🔒👇
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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