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Press 1 to Verify Google Listing:

A Laramie citizen received an automated call to verify the Google Listing for their business. To verify, the citizen was to press 1. However, they had already received a postcard from Google stating their listing had been verified, so this phone call was a scam. CyberWyoming note: There have been multiple reports of this scam – if you think this might be legitimate, don’t press 1. Hang up and call Google directly.

Medicare Needs More Personal Information:

A Laramie citizen received a call from Medicare, asking for more personal information. The citizen hung up on them as they knew neither Medicare nor Social Security calls you at home out of the blue. They always send you a letter. For more information on how these two agencies will contact you and how to get on the do-not-call list, see medicarefaq.com/faqs/get-on-the-medicare-do-not-call-list/.

It's Time to Have a Family Codeword:

Artificial intelligence apps can take a few seconds of someone’s voice and clone it to make you think the desperate phone call from your child or grandchild is legitimate. Scammers are taking snips of voices from social media and using that same social media to figure out who and where are the family members who might send money for bail or some other emergency. It’s easy enough to have a secret code word or phrase that you can request – if the voice on the other end of the phone can’t give you the code word, then it’s likely a fake. And remind your social-media family members not to post their secret code word online! – Brought to you by AARP

Spying on iPhones:

Another spyware program for iPhones has been detected called Reign. It’s been sold to governments to spy on opponents and journalists, not only in their countries but also in the United States. It is installed by sending invisible calendar invites to unsuspecting victims. Once installed, the spyware can listen to phone calls, take photographs, track location, and even clean up after itself. CyberWyoming note: This is a good reminder for all of us to take privacy seriously. Thankfully privacy researchers are watching out for all of us. – Brought to you by Apple Insider (for more details see appleinsider.com/articles/23/04/11/another-pegasus-like-spyware-tool-called-reign-was-used-to-spy-on-iphones)

Sponsored Ads on Google Could be Malvertising:

Since 2022, a campaign to scam seniors has been conducted via Google search through sponsored ads. Ads for cooking and recipes seem to be the most popular. Here’s how it works: a search for a recipe for Chicken Kiev will show many links, but the ones at the top are usually ads. If the ad leads you to something like Chicken[]Kiev[]Recipes[.]Weebly.[]com, it’s probably a scam. Be very cautious with any site on Weebly[.]com, as this is a platform that is popular with scammers. -Brought to you by Malwarebytes

The plot thickens:

A couple of weeks ago, the Hacker’s Brief reported that a Sam.gov account was hacked, and the business accounts were transferred to a stranger. Later, the company found a statement on the Sam.gov site that the scam alert had been sent in error. A similar issue happened when a Wyoming government agency inadvertently sent out an email with a suspicious link. CyberWyoming called the government agency who was unaware that their testing of a new system had sent out that email. CyberWyoming note: if you receive an email, text, or call from a company or agency that seems strange, check their website, or call them to confirm.

Annoying Overlays:

As well as computers, Android phones have been hit with overlays – small boxes on the screen that usually have a scary error message or warning about malware. If one of these popups appear on your phone or computer, never click on a link, visit a web address, or call a number in the box. Instead, make a note of the information on the popup screen and then restart your device. If you think the warning is legitimate, research how to respond to the error on another device. -Brought to you by Scambusters

MS-ISAC and CISA Patch Now Alert:

The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) or the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has published a patch now (update your software) alert for Adobe Acrobat and Reader, Google Chrome, Fortinet. If you use these products, make sure the software (or firmware) is updated.

Data Breaches in the News:

NCR. CyberWyoming note: If you have an account with one of these companies, be sure to change your password and consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts through the three credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.

Please report scams you may experience to phishing@cyberwyoming.org to alert your friends and neighbors.

Other ways to report a scam:

• Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: bbb.org/scamtracker/us/reportscam
• Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection 307-777-6397, 800-438-5799 or ag.consumer@wyo.gov
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Report your scam to the FBI at www.ic3.gov/complaint
• Reported unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call Registration. Online at donotcall.gov/report.html or call 1-888-382-1222, option 3
• Office of the Inspector General: oig.ssa.gov
• AARP Fraud Watch Network (any age welcome) Helpline 877-908-3360
• IRS: report email scams impersonating the IRS to phishing@irs.gov
• Call the Wyoming Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for assistance with potential Medicare fraud, abuse, or errors at 1 800 856-4398
• Victim Support: The AARP Fraud Watch Network and Volunteers of America (VOA) created a new, free program to provide emotional support for people impacted by a scam or fraud, called ReST. Visit www.aarp.org/fraudsupport to learn more about the free program and register