We have provided some information and tips on how you can protect yourself from phony emails and phishing scams. In this article, we will be focusing on the latest scam published by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Tech Support Scams. Based on a Public Service Announcement published in July, this particular scam is on the rise. IC3’s 2022 Internet Crime Report shows this type of scandal had a 27% increase over 2021 and totaled in over $1B in losses.
How do you know if you’re being targeted:
The scammers will initiate contact with their victim through a phone call, text message, email, or popup window posing to be support from a company. They hook their victims by telling them they are eligible for a refund and that they need to gain access to their computer so they can guide them through the transfer. They will urge their victim to log into their bank account, and then take over control. During this process they will intentionally transfer more money than what was said to be refunded and play on their victims’ emotions by telling them they could lose their job if they do not receive the funds back. They will instruct their victim to send the money via cash disclosed in a magazine or to a pharmacy or retail business which will accept packages like this.
How do you protect yourself against the threat, below are some tips provided from IC3:
- Never download software at the request of an unknown individual who contacts you
- Never allow an unknown individual authorization to access or control your machine remotely
- Do not click on unsolicited popups, links, text messages or even attachments.
- Never send cash via mail or shipping companies
What do you do if you’ve fallen victim, or suspect you’ve been targeted:
If you suspect you have been a victim of this attack, you should report this activity to the FBI Internet Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. You will need to include as much information as possible, and this should include.
- The name of the person or company that contacted you
- Methods of communication used, in include websites, emails, and phone numbers
- The address where the cash was shipped and the recipient name
The source of this information was gathered from the FBI’s IC3 website and can be reviewed in more detail at https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2023/PSA230718.
Compass Community Credit Union is dedicated to protecting our members and the safety of your information. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 707-443-8662.
