Credit Card Scam Caught in the Act:

A Jackson citizen reported a scam where a caller, posing as a credit card service representative, tried to trick them into sending sensitive financial information by claiming there was an issue with PCI compliance and a refund due. The scammer used numbers that appeared legitimate and spoke quickly to appear credible. The Citizen realized something was wrong after contacting their actual credit card processor, who confirmed there was no issue. The scammer’s goal was likely to steal information to reroute credit card deposits. CyberWyoming Note: This incident underscores the need for vigilance against such sophisticated scams. Always verify the identity of callers and contact your service provider directly using official contact information before sharing any sensitive information.

Urgent Delivery? Think Again:

A resident of Laramie received a scam text supposedly from the "USPS Postal team" informing them of an undelivered package due to incomplete address information. The message urged them to confirm their address through a suspicious link within 12 hours. The resident recognized the scam due to its urgent tone, lack of authenticity, and the fact that they were not expecting any packages. They promptly marked the message as junk, deleted it, and reported it. CyberWyoming Note: Be cautious of unexpected messages claiming urgent actions needed for deliveries. Verify directly with USPS through official channels if unsure. Do not reply or click on suspicious links.

Evanston Chamber of Commerce Issues Warning About Scam Email Impersonation:

The Evanston Chamber of Commerce has issued a warning regarding a scam email that appears to be spoofed from their address. The fraudulent message falsely claims to offer a "Distribution/Member List" with over 1,000 contacts and is signed by "Valeria – Business Executive," a non-existent position within the organization. Although this scam is concerning, the Chamber has taken the appropriate step by alerting recipients to disregard the fraudulent email. CyberWyoming Note: To protect yourself from email spoofing and scams, always verify the sender’s email domain to ensure it matches the official address of the organization. Watch for signs of irregularities such as unexpected attachments or unusual requests. If you receive a suspicious email, contact the organization directly using a trusted contact method to confirm its authenticity before taking any action.

Calls Seeking Credit Card Details for Medicaid Renewal Are Fake:

The Wyoming Department of Health is warning people about a Medicaid scam where callers ask for credit card details to renew coverage. They emphasize that Wyoming Medicaid never charges clients directly or asks for money for enrollment. Legitimate contact numbers for Medicaid applications and renewal are provided. Lee Grossman, a state Medicaid agent, stresses that the department never asks for banking or credit card information and advises against sharing such details with anyone claiming to represent Wyoming Medicaid. This scam targets low-income and medically needy individuals and families covered by the joint federal-state insurance program.
health.wyo.gov/calls-seeking-credit-card-details-for-medicaid-renewal-are-fake/

Tech support scams:

Tech support scams are still widespread and often involve a pop-up message with a loud sound, claiming your device is infected. The pop-up provides a number for fake tech support, leading to scammers gaining remote access to your device.

• Scam Tactics: They charge for fake services, install malware, or evolve into more complex fraud.
• What to Do: Contact your bank immediately if scammed, report it to the police, shut down your device if a pop-up won’t close, update your software, and seek help from trusted tech support if needed.

– Brought to you by AARP aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/text-alerts
For a deeper understanding, watch our June webinar where a couple shares their personal experience with tech support scams. They discuss the emotional impact, their fears, and offer practical advice to protect yourself. You can still register and view the recording here: cyberwyoming.org/programs/seniors/

Cyber Tricks: The Faux Update Ruse:

In the digital age, cybercriminals are increasingly using deceptive tactics, such as fake Google Chrome update pop-ups, to trick users into downloading malware. These scams typically involve compromised websites displaying convincing, yet fake, update notifications urging users to click an "Update" button. Once clicked, users are redirected to a site that downloads harmful software, potentially giving hackers access to personal data. To protect against such scams, users should regularly update browsers through official channels, avoid risky websites, be cautious with suspicious emails, and utilize security tools like firewalls and website scanners. Staying vigilant and verifying update prompts through legitimate sources is crucial to safeguarding personal information and devices. – Brought to you by National Cyber Security Society

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 Oracle products, Cisco Secure Email Gateway, and Google Chrome. If you use any of these products, make sure the software (or firmware) is updated.

Data Breaches in the News:

MNGI Digestive Health, Fractal ID's, CCM Health, A-Line Staffing Solutions, and Azure. Note: If you have an account with any 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.

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Other ways to report a scam:

• Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: bbb.org/scamtracker/us/reportscam
• Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection
  • Email ag.consumer@wyo.gov
  • Complaint form attorneygeneral.wyo.gov/law-office-division/consumer-protection-and-antitrust-unit/consumer-complaints

• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Get steps to help at www.IdentityTheft.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
• If you believe someone is using your Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
• 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