KnowBe4 Discovers New COVID-19 Phishing Scam Warning People They’ve Been Infected
March 31, 2020
Tampa Bay, FL – KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, today announced it has discovered a new type of phishing scam warning people that they’ve come into contact with a friend/colleague/family member who has been infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19). The email instructs them to download a malicious attachment and proceed immediately to the hospital.
TDCI warns of possible COVID-19-Related Investment Schemes
March 30, 2020
Nashville, TN – Amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) Securities Division is alerting investors to be on guard against an anticipated surge of fraudulent investment schemes.
TDCI’s Securities Division Outlines What to Expect and Offers Guidance on How to Protect Yourself against COVID-19-Related Investment Schemes.
Coronavirus Insurance Scams Popping Up
March 27, 2020
Washington, D.C. – Fake coronavirus (COVID-19) health coverage and other insurance schemes are beginning to surface as scammers continue exploiting the pandemic for personal profit at consumer expense, warns the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud.
Coronavirus Insurance Scams
Coronavirus Phishing Explodes as United States Reels From Pandemic
March 24, 2020
Tampa Bay, FL – KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, today announced its researchers are seeing an influx of coronavirus (COVID-19) related phishing scams.
TDCI Urges Consumers to Be Aware of Common Holiday Scams
December 4, 2017
Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs Shares Tips to Help Tennesseans Protect Personal Info, Finances
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance – TDCINashville, TN – With the hustle and bustle of the holidays well underway, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs is warning consumers to be wary of holiday-themed scams during this season of giving.
Scams
Because scammers use the holidays to prey upon the good nature of others, Tennesseans are urged to guard their personal information carefully and stay informed of the latest schemes and swindles.
TDCI reminds consumers that “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” remains one of the best guidelines when it comes to avoiding scams.
TDCI offers the following additional precautions to help Tennesseans fight back against scam artists:
Be suspicious of anyone requiring you to send money with prepaid money cards.
Be suspicious of apps, online advertisements, or websites offering prices that seem suspiciously lower than retail prices at trusted retailers.
Consider paying with a credit card that offers fraud protection when possible.
Only shop on secure websites. Look for https in the address (the extra “s” is for “secure”) and for a lock symbol.
When it comes to charitable giving, remember:
Don’t assume that charity recommendations on social media platforms or blogs have already been vetted. Research the charity yourself.
Find out what percentage of your donation will go to the charity and whether you will be charged any fees for making a donation through a fundraising platform website.
Check to see if the charity is registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Be cautious when looking to give to charities that pop up soon after a tragedy or natural disaster.
Websites posing as charities can sometimes look identical to the real organization. These fraudulent websites will often ask for personal or financial information over an unsecure connection or may download harmful malware into your computer. Look for a padlock symbol or “https” before the web address indicating that it is secure.
Avoid being pressured to make an immediate donation. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to get more information.
If you didn’t initiate contact, avoid giving personal or financial information over the phone.
Never write out a check or give cash to an individual solicitor. Write out checks to the name of the organization or use a credit card.
[320right]Many holiday scams involve phishing.
Phishing is the act of tricking consumers into revealing information or performing actions they wouldn’t normally do online using phony email or social media posts.
Cyberscammers tailor their emails and social messages with holiday themes in the hopes of tricking recipients into revealing personal information.
The Division of Consumer Affairs encourages consumers to be familiar with these common holiday scams:
UPS phishing scams: A phony notice from UPS says you have a package and need to fill out an attached form to get it delivered. The form may ask for personal or financial details that will go straight into the hands of the cyberscammer.
Banking phishing scams: Cybercriminals craft emails to look like notices sent by actual banks in hopes of scamming busy and distracted consumers into providing their online banking usernames and passwords.
SMS phishing scams: Scammers send fake messages via a text alert to a phone, notifying an unsuspecting consumer that his bank account has been compromised. The cybercriminals then direct the consumer to call a phone number to get it re-activated—and collects the user’s personal information including Social Security number, address, and account details.
E-card scams: While sending electronic cards can be convenient and fun, beware if you must share additional information to open the card, or if the sender’s name is not apparent.
Holiday job scams: Retailers and delivery services need extra help at the holidays, but beware of solicitations that require you to share personal information online or pay for a job lead. Apply in person or go to retailers’ main websites to find out who is hiring.
Letters from Santa scams: Several trusted companies offer charming and personalized letters from Santa, but scammers mimic them to get personal information from unsuspecting parents. Check with www.bbb.org to find out which ones are legitimate.
Family emergency scams: Be cautious if you get a call or email from a family member or friend claiming to be in an accident, arrested, or hospitalized while traveling in another country. Never send money unless you confirm with another family member that it’s true.
If you have been contacted by or fallen victim to a charity scam, report it to the Division of Charitable Solicitations, Fantasy Sports and Gaming at the Secretary of State’s Office; the Federal Trade Commission; your local police department or law enforcement agency; and your bank or credit card company if applicable.
If you are aware of any false, misleading or deceptive fundraising activity, please notify the Division of Charitable Solicitations, Fantasy Sports and Gaming immediately at (615) 741-2555 and ask to speak with an investigator. In addition to speaking with an investigator, please submit a complaint form.
For more scam-fighting resources, visit the TDCI Division of Consumer Affairs website. You can also check what scams are being reported in your area, the state, and across the country by accessing the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
About the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
TDCI protects the interests of consumers while providing fair, efficient oversight and a level field of competition for a broad array of industries and professionals doing business in Tennessee. Our divisions include the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Insurance, Securities, Consumer Affairs, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Regulatory Boards, Tennessee Emergency Communications Board, Tennessee Corrections Institute, and TennCare Oversight.
Consumer Affairs Releases Top 10 Imposter Scams of 2015 – See more at: https://www.tn.gov/news/23731#sthash.xTBBacj3.dpuf
January 30, 2016
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs wants to warn consumers about the most commonly reported imposter scams from 2015.
“Scammers often target consumers via email or phone calls,” TDCI Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini said. “They use deceptive tactics to manipulate people into sending money or revealing sensitive data like Social Security numbers or banking information. Tennesseans should familiarize themselves with these tactics to avoid becoming a scam victim.”
Internal Revenue Service says Avoid Summertime Tax Scams
July 12, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Ah, summertime! Warm days, rest and recreation and…tax scams. Thieves don’t stop victimizing unsuspecting taxpayers with their scams after April 15th. Identity theft, phone and phishing scams happen year-round.
Those three top the IRS’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ list of tax scams this year. Here’s some important information you should know about these common tax scams.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOt7U23n5lc[/youtube] [Read more]
Beware of Bogus IRS Emails
February 20, 2014
Washington, D.C. – The IRS gets thousands of reports every year from people who get emails that appear to be from the IRS. Scammers often use the IRS name or logo to make the message appear authentic hoping you’ll respond to it.
In reality, it’s a scam known as “phishing,” attempting to trick you into giving out your personal and financial information. The criminals then use this information to commit identity theft or steal your money. [Read more]
