SEELEY LAKE – “Are you available to complete a task?” was a simple question emailed to a local organization’s office manager this past week. The email appeared to be from the organization’s leader. Without thinking twice about the email, the manager responded to the first hook of a scammer’s request.
Scam artists defraud millions of people each year by using the internet to trick victims into sending money or giving out personal information. In this case the organization was asked to provide information for Google Play gift cards that they purchased. Had they followed through with the request they would have lost several hundred dollars.
The organization’s representative, who asked to remain anonymous, said all the information the scammer used was available on their website. After learning who was in charge of the organization, they posed as that person when emailing the office manager.
Following the initial question, the scammer requested a specific number of Google Play gift cards each for a certain amount. The email then asked the manager to get the card, scratch off the back and send photos of the codes on the back. They also instructed them to keep the cards until they were asked to dispose of them.
The organization’s representative said there were three major clues that this was a scam.
The first clue was the email was sent from an unfamiliar email address. While the email was signed with the correct name, the email address was a generic address from a different email provider than the one the person uses.
The second clue was this was not a normal request. It was also outside of the normal purchasing procedure for the organization.
The final clue was it had to do with money and the transfer of money. This should always be treated with caution whether requested from an organization or an individual.
According to the U.S. Government Services and Information, common examples of internet fraud include:
• Data breaches - When sensitive data (personal or financial information) is leaked from a secure location to an untrusted environment at a corporate or personal level
• Malware - This involves dangerous software that is designed to disable computers and computer systems.
• Phishing or spoofing - When a scammer uses fake email, text messages, or copycat websites to try to steal your identity or personal information, such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers, debit card PINs and account passwords
• Internet auction fraud - This involves the misrepresentation of a product advertised for sale on an internet auction site, or non-delivery of merchandise.
• Credit card fraud - When scammers fraudulently obtain money or property through the unauthorized use of a credit or debit card or card number
These are steps organizations and individuals can take to protect themselves from internet fraud and scams:
• Learn how to spot internet fraud - Find out the warning signs of common fraud schemes by visiting https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes
• Know the buyer or seller and make sure they are reputable
• Confirm any business, organization or individual’s requests by calling the legitimate number, found on their website or in your contact lists.
• Update your antivirus software and antispyware programs and keep your computer software up-to-date
• Use different passwords for multiple accounts that are unpredictable. Avoid using names, dates or common words.
• Never share passwords or personal information with anyone you don’t know or over unencrypted websites.
• Never click on a link or attachment in an email. Any links, attachments, or phone numbers that you click on may contain a virus that can harm your computer. Even if links in the email say the name of the company, don’t trust them. They may redirect to a fake website.
• Talk to children about internet and proper uses of it.
• Protect yourself against identify theft by not giving out personal information or account information and passwords.
If a victim of cyber crime or internet fraud, the National Cyber Security Alliance recommends first contacting local law enforcement and then filing a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
Victims of identity crime may receive additional help through the Federal Trade Commission hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4388). The FTC website identitytheft.gov provides resources for victims, businesses and law enforcement.
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