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Beware Disaster Related Fraud and Scams

by Robin Slade

The Boston and Texas tragedies remind us that when disaster strikes, we are not always prepared to deal with the magnitude of the chaotic wake that follows such events in our communities ... Continue Reading

Digital Identities: I Have One For Sale

by Heidi Bleau

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The term digital identity is so suiting to who we really are online. Think about the accounts you log in to on a regular basis, the activities you perform each day, the way you communicate with others…most of our lives are digital. In a research study by Harris Polls (commissioned by RSA) on digital identities, the most popular online accounts for consumers are email, financial and banking, and entertainment/shopping. And on average, they access these online accounts from two different digital devices. But what does a digital identity really mean?

I like to think of myself as an average consumer/online user so let’s take a look at what I consider to be my digital identity – and perhaps make you think a little more about yours. … Continue Reading

Fake Scanner Emails Infect Office Computers

by Better Business Bureau

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Scammers are taking advantage of the standard emails sent by most office scanners. They have replicated the messages of famous printer brands but attach malware to the emails instead of documents.

How the Scam Works:

You are at work, and you receive a message from what you think is your office printer/scanner. It appears that someone sent you a copy of a scanned document. The name doesn’t ring a bell, but you open the attachment anyway.

When you click on the file, you find that it isn’t a scanned copy of the latest office report. It’s really a link to a third-party website that will download a virus to your computer. These viruses phish for personal and banking information on your machine. … Continue Reading

Unknown Credit Card Charges: Fraud or Legit?

by Robert Siciliano

Credit card background, shallow DOF

Recently, my mother-in-law discovered that a pretty significant piece of jewelry had gone missing. There had been a number of construction workers in the house for a few weeks and when she went to get her jewelry, it was gone. After searching like a crazy person under/in/on top of everything, she called the police.

When the police arrived they asked a bunch of questions, did an onsite investigation and calmly and collectively stated to her: “You misplaced it. It probably hasn’t been stolen. You will find it in a few days.” … Continue Reading

More from our blog

Scam
Losing By “Winning” – Scam Foreign Lotteries

I was at my local Post Office where a very eye-catching brochure caught my attention. Turns out, it’s a very informative brochure with tips compiled by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in partnership with AARP. The brochure is well done both visually and substantively. The brochure’s theme pops out due to great graphics, the bold purple cover and the words blazoned on the cover. The cover says “If You Have To Send $250 To Claim Your Prize Odds Are It’s A Scam — Don’t Risk It”. … Continue Reading

Sad Girl on Computer
Were You Unwittingly in the “Zombie” Army that Attacked the Internet?

The powerful attack on the Internet last week raised many questions — who did it? how did it happen? and could it happen again? Some of those answers are still unknown and could be for awhile. But what is known is that the Internet attack involved millions and millions of computers around the world. And we’re learning that not all of the computers involved are those of companies — some of the computers used, as well as other devices, are ones in people’s homes.

Nicole Perlroth outlined these disturbing facts in a recent New York Times article (see, “Devices Like Cable Boxes Figured in Internet Attack”; page B1, March 30th). … Continue Reading

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FRAUD ALERT: Fake Employment Agency Fools Job Hunters with Scam Calls

The BBB is dedicated to fostering honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers in the U.S. and Canada, instilling consumer confidence and contributing to a trustworthy marketplace for all. … Continue Reading

FraudAvengers: on a mission

Mission Statement: The FraudAvengers are on a mission to help you lessen your exposure to fraud.

As fraud prevention experts, we'll show you simple steps to remove the crooks' target from your back and to deny their goals—stealing your identity, your money and your sense of well-being.

Join our army of anti-fraud activists and help defeat fraud in America.