Gift Card Scam: Pastor or Pretender?:

A Laramie resident reported receiving a scam text from someone impersonating their pastor by name. The text asked them to buy $600 worth of Apple gift cards, in three $200 denominations, and send pictures of the card codes after peeling off the packaging. The scammer promised to reimburse them with cash or check. Luckily, they did not fall for the scam and realized it wasn't really their pastor after further communication. Several other members of their church received similar scam messages. The texts followed a pattern, urging the victim to buy the cards and send the codes for a quick pick-up later. CyberWyoming Note: Always verify requests for money or gift cards by directly contacting the person through a trusted method, such as a phone call, to ensure the request is legitimate. Be cautious of urgent or overly specific requests, especially involving gift cards, as these are common tactics used in scams. It's also helpful to have a "cyber buddy," someone you can trust to check suspicious messages or incidents, particularly for older individuals who may be more vulnerable to these types of scams.

Phishing Frenzy:

A Big Horn resident reported numerous scam attempts via text, email, and calls. These included fake subscription renewals (e.g., music memberships, McAfee Antivirus, PayPal), fake payment invoices (including Geek Squad), misleading health insurance texts, and deceptive offers like a "Keto on a Budget Guide." Scammers also sent generic "thank you" messages from fabricated names (e.g., Bradford Zimmerman) and anonymous invoices with no business names. Alarmed by the high volume of scams, the resident reported the incidents and remains alert. CyberWyoming Note: Always verify unexpected payment or subscription messages by contacting the company directly using official contact information, and never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.

Delivery Duds:

A Laramie citizen received a scam text from a sender claiming to be the USPS, originating from a 212 area code. The message stated that a package was received at their delivery center but could not be delivered due to a missing address. The recipient was instructed to update their information through a provided link by a specific upcoming date. CyberWyoming Note: Always be cautious of urgent texts, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and verify information through official channels to protect yourself from scams.

Twitter (X) Privacy Concerns and User Exodus:

Starting November 15th, X (formerly Twitter) implemented new Terms of Service allowing all user content to be used for training its artificial intelligence models, including its generative AI service, Grok. While users can currently opt out in the settings, this change has sparked significant privacy concerns, prompting some to delete posts or accounts entirely. This shift highlights growing concerns about corporate control of online platforms and user privacy, with many abandoning X for platforms perceived as safer and more community-focused. – Brought to you by CNBC News
nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/x-sees-largest-user-exodus-musk-takeover-rcna179793

Don't Let Scammers Steal Your Generosity This Season:

As the "Season of Giving" approaches, many Americans donate to charities, but this also attracts scammers targeting generous individuals. In 2023, Americans donated a record $374.4 billion to charity, with a significant portion given in the final months of the year. However, scammers take advantage of this generosity by posing as legitimate charities, especially during crises like war or natural disasters.

To protect yourself:

• Research charities through trusted sites to verify their legitimacy.
• Be cautious of charity names and websites that resemble well-known organizations.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links in unsolicited emails or texts that could install malware.
• Never provide personal information like Social Security numbers or bank details to solicitors.
• Use a credit card for donations to ensure easier tracking and protection against fraud.

Legitimate charities do not ask for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, and they won’t pressure you to donate on the spot. – Brought to you by AARP
aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/text-alerts.html

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 Palo Alto PAN-OS and Apple products. If you use these products, make sure the software (or firmware) is updated.

Data Breaches in the News:

Capital Bank N.A., Bull Publishing Company, athenahealth, Inc., L.P, Abrasive-Tool Corporation, LLC., MG Stover & Co, Discover Financial Services, Bojangles Restaurants, Inc., Mark Cerrone, Inc., and DanceBUG Inc. 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
  • 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

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