Laughable Microsoft 365 Invoice:

A Laramie resident received a suspicious email from "Kurtis Morell" with the subject "Thank you for your Order!" and an attachment that appeared to be a fake Microsoft 365 invoice. The email, which included a strange invoice number and a non-official sender address, is clearly a scam. The resident humorously noted the irony of receiving an “order” confirmation for Microsoft 365 from a dubious source, highlighting the need for vigilance against such fraudulent attempts. CyberWyoming Note: Always verify the authenticity of unexpected emails and attachments, especially when they involve financial transactions or sensitive information, to avoid falling victim to scams.

PayPal Ploys Strike Again:

A Wyoming resident received two fake PayPal invoices via email, each containing suspicious PDF attachments with convincing PayPal logos. The invoices summarized a payment, with one for $295 and the other for over $700. The emails, which originated from a Gmail address rather than an official PayPal domain, were promptly identified as scams. The resident did not make any payments and reported them immediately. CyberWyoming Note: Always verify the authenticity of emails requesting payments or personal information, especially if they contain unexpected attachments. Be cautious of suspicious emails claiming to be from reputable companies, and always check the sender’s address. Refrain from clicking on any links or downloading attachments from unknown sources to avoid falling victim to phishing scams.

NPD Breach Update:

National Public Data (NPD) has confirmed a breach that exposed Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. This breach, involving hacking attempts and data leaks dating back several months, is now prompting NPD to advise consumers to place fraud alerts with credit bureaus and monitor their financial accounts. James E. Lee of the Identity Theft Resource Center emphasized that such data leaks are not new, noting that Social Security numbers already circulate online. “The steps you need to take today are the steps you needed to be taking for years,” Lee said.

To protect yourself:

• Freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized accounts.
• Enabling two-factor authentication for added security.
• Monitoring the dark web for potential misuse of your information.

NPD has since enhanced its security and is cooperating with law enforcement.
– Brought to you by Secure The Village & The Washington Post
‍www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/08/15/social-security-hack-leak-ssn-freeze-credit-npd

Scammers Strike Seniors for $3.4 Billion:

The FBI released a report revealing that scammers defrauded older Americans of over $3.4 billion in 2023, marking an 11% increase in losses compared to the previous year. Tactics are becoming more sophisticated, with criminals employing schemes like tech support scams and investment fraud. One rising method involves convincing victims to move their money to a new account, secretly controlled by scammers, under the guise of protecting it from hackers. Additionally, scammers are using live couriers to collect cash or assets from victims, claiming their accounts have been compromised. These schemes often lead to devastating financial losses, with some victims losing their entire life savings. Many cases go unreported, making the actual losses likely higher than reported. – Brought to you by AARP & Associated Press
‍www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/older-americans-scam-victims.html

Colonial Savings Issues Scam Warning:

Colonial Savings, F.A., a retail banking company, warns customers about scammers targeting mortgage holders through fake emails, calls, texts, or letters offering lower payments, interest rate reductions, or skipped payments, known as Loan Modification scams. These scams may seem legitimate by using real addresses and logos.

To protect yourself:

• Always verify the sender by checking the email or phone number. If in doubt, contact Colonial directly.
• Colonial will never ask for unusual payments like gift cards or prepaid debit cards. Confirm payment requests through their official channels.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers and protect your personal information.

If you suspect a scam, contact Colonial's customer service at 800-937-6002.

Pig Butchering 101:

A BBC reporter, Joe Tidy, delved into the world of "pig butchering" scams after being targeted himself. In these schemes, scammers, who refer to their victims as "pigs," build false relationships to lure victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency ventures. Tidy was approached on Instagram by fraudsters posing as a 36-year-old woman seeking romance. Over two months, he investigated the psychological tactics used by these scammers, who swindled at least $3 billion last year, typically targeting individuals aged 30 to 60. – Brought to you by Secure The Village & BBC www.bbc.com/news/videos/ckdgdkrd2n2o

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 our software) alert for Adobe products, Ivanti products, Microsoft products. If you use any of these products, make sure the software (or firmware) is updated.

Data Breaches in the News:

National Public Data, Specialty Networks Inc., FlightAware, and Enroll Confidently. 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