Scams

Although we have our own in-house web development, we are always getting requests from people who want to sell their web or marketing services to us.   But, something new popped up in my mailbox this week. In what appears to be a legitimate invoice mailed to my business address, a phony directory company called ‘Domain Networks’ requests up to $289 for ‘listing maintenance’.  It really is an impressive looking invoice - that really isn't an invoice.

The FBI has issued a warning to Americans that they should exercise caution when scanning QR codes with their smartphones because cybercriminals tamper with the codes to steal login and financial information.

A QR code—the square barcode that people can scan with their smartphone cameras—can provide quick and convenient access to a website or to a direct payment to an intended recipient.

Symantec, a California-based security firm, has issued a new warning to iPhone users after finding that cybercriminals are actively seeking to exploit Apple IDs through malicious SMS messages, which are designed to trick recipients into revealing their Apple ID credentials. It’s also used by hackers to access other sensitive information or to install malicious software on your iPhone.

And the evil in the world just keeps chugging along.  Case in point: 

In the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the IRS has warned in a Oct 15th statement that fraudsters have been exploiting the generosity of individuals looking to help disaster victims by soliciting donations through fake charitable organizations.  These scams are designed not only to steal donations but also to harvest personal and financial data from unsuspecting Americans, which opens the door to identity theft.