• Protect Yourself from the Latest Scams: Cyber Security Expert Reveals Top Threats

  • Feb 19 2025
  • Length: 4 mins
  • Podcast

Protect Yourself from the Latest Scams: Cyber Security Expert Reveals Top Threats

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  • Summary

  • Hey there, folks It's Scotty here, your go-to expert on all things scams, cyber, and hacking. Let's dive right into the latest scams that have been making headlines.

    You know, just a few days ago, a 27-year-old out-of-state man was arrested in Manitowoc County for fraudulent activity. The scammer, posing as "Richard Jenkins with the Montgomery Law Firm," convinced a victim to withdraw money from the bank to help someone avoid legal issues. The scammer even coached the victim on what to say to the bank teller and arranged a meeting with a fake bond agent. This is the third scam with similar information reported to the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office in just two days[5].

    But that's not all. There are several other scams you should be aware of. Have you heard of "quishing"? It's a newer scam that involves the deceptive use of QR codes. Scammers send you a package with a QR code that, when scanned, directs you to a fraudulent website asking for your personal information or prompts you to download malicious malware. For example, you might receive a package with a "gift" and a QR code to discover the sender's identity. Don't scan it It's a trap[1].

    And if you're planning a trip this spring, beware of toll road and express lane scams. Fraudsters impersonate legitimate entities like the Minnesota Department of Transportation, sending you texts or emails claiming you have an invoice or violation that needs immediate attention. They'll ask you to click on a link and input your personal information, including your debit or credit card number. Remember, MnDOT will never ask for personal information via text or email[1].

    Then there are the fake refund and unpaid bill scams. Scammers pose as well-known companies, claiming you're entitled to a refund or that you have an unpaid bill. They'll direct you to a website to claim your refund or settle the payment, but it's all a ruse to get your financial information[1].

    Business email compromise (BEC) schemes are also on the rise. Fraudsters spoof legitimate email addresses or socially engineer their way into obtaining employee credentials to send emails asking for gift cards or wire transfers. In 2023, the FBI tracked $2.9 billion in reported losses due to BEC scams[4].

    And let's not forget about check fraud. It's an old scam that's making a comeback. Fraudsters are stealing checks from the mail or using mailbox keys to access cluster boxes. They're also cashing bad checks and posting their exploits on social media, making it a viral trend[4].

    Lastly, impersonation fraud is a big one. Scammers are posing as FBI agents, customer support providers, and tech support specialists to trick victims into sending money or giving them control of their computers. In 2023, the FTC received nearly 360,000 reports about imposter scams, resulting in reported losses of $2.7 billion[4].

    So, what can you do to protect yourself? Always verify QR codes and links before clicking on them. Block any numbers or email addresses that send you scam messages. Never input your personal or financial information on unfamiliar websites. Educate yourself on your state's tolling system and payment methods used by companies you buy products and services from. And most importantly, stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement.

    Stay safe out there, folks It's Scotty, signing off.
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