www.wyocan.org
www.cyberwyoming.org/alliance
307-314-2188, PO Box 2332, Laramie, WY 82073
Beware of Account Deletion Messages:
A local Wyoming business recently received a message on Facebook claiming that their account was at risk of deletion. The message urged the user to click on a link to request a review. However, if clicked, this link grants hackers’ full access to the user’s Facebook account. This phishing scam has been spreading rapidly, affecting numerous business accounts on Facebook. CyberWyoming Note: If you are worried that your account is going to be deleted, contact the social media platform via their customer support chat, email, or phone number. Helpful tip: put 2FA on your social media accounts to guard against account takeover.
Your Loyalty Pays Off – Claim Your Gift Today!:
A Wyoming resident received an email appearing to be from AAA, claiming they had enough points for a free reward due to their loyal membership. The email promised a free car emergency kit, but if the recipient clicks the link, it redirects them to a fraudulent website. CyberWyoming Note: If you are worried about if a link is fraudulent hover over it to see if it goes where you think it should. Checkphish.ai will also allow you to verify the country where the link is directed.
Fake Amazon One Medical Email:
A Wyoming resident received an email claiming to be from Amazon One Medical, announcing a new 24/7 telehealth service. The email contained several misspellings and was sent from a Yahoo account. Upon closer inspection, the link in the email was revealed to be fraudulent. CyberWyoming Note: Always double-check the sender's email address (legit companies like Amazon don't use Yahoo accounts), look for spelling errors, and avoid clicking on suspicious links. If an email seems off, go directly to the official website instead of following embedded links.
California Man Jailed for $30,000 Scam:
A California man has been sentenced to jail after scamming an elderly couple in Larimer County, Colorado out of $30,000. The couple accidentally clicked on a fraudulent link and a pop up on their computer prompted them to call “Microsoft Support Services” to resolve a fake technical issue. Citing a bank account problem, the couple was instructed to pay the scammer $30,000 to fix it. When the scammer later demanded an additional $70,000, the couple contacted the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and set up the scammer when he came to collect. Authorities successfully apprehended the scammer, who was charged with multiple felonies, plea bargained to one felony, sentenced to 30 days in jail and 3 years of supervised probation, and was also ordered to return the couple’s $30,000. CyberWyoming Note: If you get scammed, report it to law enforcement. By reporting scams, you can play a vital role in bringing these criminals to justice and protecting others from similar fraud. Never trust pop-ups or unsolicited calls claiming to be tech support, especially if they request money. Instead, go to the company’s official website or call a verified support number.
Pinterest Tracks Users for Ads Without Consent:
Recent findings from the privacy watchdog Noyb (none of your business) revealed that Pinterest has been sharing data with third parties without the consent of Pinterest users. When users create a Pinterest account, the “ads personalization” is turned on by default and Pinterest doesn’t instruct users how they can turn it off. Users can, however, disable tracking for ads in Pinterest's settings through the link below. – Brought to you by Malwarebytes
malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/10/pinterest-tracks-users-without-consent-alleges-complaint
UnitedHealth Reveals Data Breach Impacting 100 Million Individuals:
UnitedHealth recently released how many people were affected by their data breach in February. In February UnitedHealth got attacked with ransomware buy the Russian hacking group ALPHV/BlackCat. UnitedHealth paid $22 million to the hackers. They have been continuously updating their user on the breach. Recently it was found that 100 million individuals had their private health information stolen. There is no evidence that this data has been deleted after they paid the ransom. UnitedHealth has informed people that they think were affected by this beach. – Brought to you by TechCrunch
techcrunch.com/2024/10/24/unitedhealth-change-healthcare-hacked-millions-health-records-ransomware/
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. If you use this product, make sure the software (or firmware) is updated.
Data Breaches in the News:
Cisco, UnitedHealth, MoneyGram, Hot Topic, and Nidec. 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.
Other ways to report a scam:
- Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: bbb.org/scamtracker/us/reportscam
- Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection
- 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
