When a Text Hits Too Close to Home:

A Sheridan resident received a concerning scam text message from a 307 area code that read: "Hi [name], Kathy from WHB here. Is there anything you want clarified about the previous message about your home at [address]. Please let me know, I'd like to assist you." Alarmed by the use of their actual address and phone numbers—both their own and their husband's—they called to check the legitimacy of the message. Both individuals had been receiving these texts. CyberWyoming Note: This type of scam is common in real estate fraud and is likely using information obtained from the NPD data breach, though such scams have existed even before that incident. If the resident or their husband had responded, the scammers might have attempted to gather more personal information and possibly requested a 'finder's fee' or similar. To protect yourself from scams like the one described, avoid responding to unsolicited messages that use personal information, and always verify the sender's legitimacy through direct and official channels before sharing any details.

Easy Money? Think Again!:

A Laramie resident received a scam text from an unknown 515-area code (Iowa) number, offering a job as a "professional reviewer." The message promised free training and the chance to earn over $100 a day by working just 1-2 hours. It urged the recipient to contact them via WhatsApp, with a note that applicants must be 25 years or older. CyberWyoming Note: Avoid responding to unsolicited job offers, especially those asking for personal details or redirecting you to messaging platforms, as they are often phishing scams designed to steal your information. Often employment scams will require a fee for training or a background check, then never deliver on the job. If a job requires you to pay anything upfront, then it is scam.

Blue Federal Credit Union’s Scam Warning:

Blue Federal Credit Union has issued an important reminder to its customers about staying vigilant against scams and fraudulent activities. The credit union emphasizes that they will never ask for sensitive personal information, including:

• Online Banking Username or Password
• Blue Card Number
• Personal Identification Number (PIN)
• Online Banking Passcodes

If you suspect any fraudulent activity, Blue Federal Credit Union encourages you to:

• Call them at 1-800-368-9328
• Visit their security center online at bluefcu.com/security-center
• Visit your nearest branch

Warning from the Wyoming Nonprofit Network: Beware of Potential Spam:

We've been alerted that Data Group Leads is sending emails offering a "Wyoming Nonprofit Network 2024 Contact List" for purchase. Please be aware that we never sell or distribute our membership or contact list. Our website features organizational directories with names, addresses, websites, mission statements, and logos, but no email addresses are included.

Scammed by Sweet Talk:

Erika DeMask, a Lombard resident, lost nearly $1 million in a "pig butchering" scam, a long-term fraud where scammers build trust with their victims before exploiting them financially. Over several months, DeMask was deceived by a scammer who posed as a love interest and persuaded her to send large sums of money under various pretexts. Despite her attempts to verify the legitimacy of her transactions, her bank, Fifth Third, did not flag the suspicious activity. The FBI and Secret Service were involved but could not recover her losses. DeMask has since sold her home and belongings, facing significant financial hardship. This case highlights the importance of being cautious with online relationships and monitoring financial transactions closely. – Brought to you by Secure The Village & ABC 7 Eyewitness News abc7chicago.com/post/lombard-woman-loses-1-million-life-savings-pig-butchering-scam-forced-sell-home-belongings/15267382/

When Disaster Strikes, So Do The Scammers:

After natural disasters, scammers often target affected areas, posing as contractors offering quick, cheap repairs. These fraudsters may ask for payment upfront or attempt to gain access to insurance payouts. Many provide substandard work or take the money and disappear. Older homeowners are frequently targeted due to their perceived vulnerability. To avoid being scammed, it's important to research contractors, compare estimates, verify references, and never pay more than a third of the cost upfront. Taking these precautions can help protect homeowners from fraudulent schemes after extreme weather events. – Brought to you by AARP Fraud Network aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/sms-text-alerts/

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 Google Chrome and Apple products. If you use these products, make sure the software (or firmware) is updated.

Data Breaches in the News:

Fortinet, Slim CD, T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, HPM Insurance, Avis Car Rental, Vista Higher Learning, Infosys McCamish, Capgemini, Access Sports Medicine & Orthopedics, and Goodwin Living. 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