✈️ Hundreds of flights a day are under attack: GPS spoofing is an electronic warfare tactic that sends fake signals to disrupt aircraft navigation. Pilots get false warnings (like “pull up”), clocks reset and flight paths go off course. The scariest part is we won’t see an equipment upgrade or fix until next year, at the earliest (paywall link). Scary.
Scam watch: 3 scams spreading like fire across the U.S.
Scammers are clever, but they’re not very creative. Most of their tricks are recycled versions of tricks that worked in the past. There are a few I’ve seen cropping up again because criminals know they work every time.
When these hit my timeline, I make sure to pass them on to you. I want you to be prepared and not a victim.
⚖️ Your day in court
Police in several cities are warning about this scam. You get a phone call that looks like it’s coming from law enforcement. The voice on the other end lays it on thick, claiming you’ve failed to appear for a court date, and — oh, boy — they’ve got a warrant out for you. Just pay over the phone and this mess will disappear … not.
- Always ask questions: Actual law enforcement officers won’t demand payments over the phone.
- Caller IDs can be faked: Spoofing is a common trick to make calls look real.
📦 The delivery text snare
You get a text that appears to be from the USPS. “Click here,” it says, adding, “Your package can’t be delivered until you update your address.” It’s crazy to me these scams continue to work. Folks, don’t believe ‘em, and warn your loved ones.
- No link? No problem: Official USPS communications won’t include unsolicited links.
- Check the details: Always keep track of what you ordered, where you ordered it from and how it should arrive.
- Guard your info: Never — and I mean NEVER — give out your personal data through a random text link.
⛽ Gas station skimmer alerts
An email in your inbox warns about gas station credit card skimmers. All you have to do is click a link for a list of affected locations. It’s a trap!
- Just delete: Treat unsolicited emails like uninvited guests. Don’t let them in.
- Inspect before you swipe: Always give a visual check to any payment terminal. Pay inside or move to the next pump if yours looks sketchy.
Stay informed, be skeptical and protect your personal info like it’s gold — because to you and these scammers, it is.
3 signs an Instagram, Facebook or Twitter account is fake
Spoofing social media accounts is one of the most common ways scammers try to trick victims. In this attack, cybercriminals will steal posts and pictures to create fake profiles to fool you. If you don’t know how to spot fake accounts, you could lose a ton of money to scams.
See this in a URL? Don't click!
Platforms such as Wix and Squarespace are hugely popular, as you can quickly design a website in a few clicks with no technical knowledge. Did you know that Google offers a free website creator? It’s not well known but is gaining popularity. It’s called Google Sites. The problem is criminals are using the platform to create spoofed sites, trying to rip you off.
That security email from Instagram is real - Here's how to tell
Companies usually alert you when something suspicious happens to your account. For example, when you log into Facebook from a location you typically don’t, you get a notification.
Similarly, when Instagram detects a new login from an unusual device or location, it can send you an email. This is seemingly the only method for contacting you, as it doesn’t have a dedicated messenger like Facebook. Tap or click here for details on a viral Facebook Messenger scam.
This phone scam fooled someone out of thousands of dollars
There are many ways for scammers to get their hands on your information and money. Text messages with malicious links are common, and some criminals use QR codes to harvest your data.
Others take a bit of a more hands-on approach, opting to call victims. These scammers can be persuasive, and it can be challenging to determine whether they are legitimate.
The one word you should never say to a telemarketer or scam caller
You might get dozens of spam calls weekly, but you might not know where the companies got your number. Thousands of data brokers peddle information, and it could be the source of your annoyance. That’s why we started our Opt-Out Tuesday series with instructions on removing data from sites like FreePhoneTracer. Tap or click here for details.
This terrifying phone scam uses a trusted phone number to trick you
Spam phone calls have been around for years and come at the most inopportune times, like when you’re sitting down for a family dinner. But they aren’t just annoying telemarketing calls these days. Now we have to worry about scammers trying to rip us off. Tap or click here for ways to silence spam calls without downloading any apps.
The top 10 most impersonated brands online - Read this to steer clear of phishing
Phishing scams have been around for years, but the thieves behind them constantly change techniques. Earlier this year, phishing scams targeted your bank accounts. Tap or click here for details on these dangerous financial scams.
New report: Half of every phishing attempt worldwide impersonates this brand
When you get an email from a well-known company, how sure are you that it is legitimate? Scammers are getting more clever with spoofing companies to send phishing attacks.
They hope you will click on a malicious link or attachment by impersonating actual companies. Unfortunately, one brand is used more than others worldwide as a lure.
New phishing scams targeting your bank account
Your personal information is precious to cybercriminals, but they also want to make some hard cash. When they are not selling malware or sensitive data on the Dark Web, many work on financial phishing scams.
While the tactics often vary, the end goal is to steal as much of your money as possible. And it’s not just one bank’s customers who are targeted. Over the last few months, many scams used fraudulent details for almost every bank in the U.S.
Think that’s your bank calling? It could be a scam
There shouldn’t be a reason for your bank to call you unless a critical issue needs correcting. Many might be reluctant to pick up the call, and for good reason. Scammers wiggle their way into different communication methods, and you can never be sure if the call is legitimate.
Sneaky new spyware is hiding in Microsoft help files - What to watch for
Phishing scams are some of the most prevalent schemes cybercriminals have up their sleeves these days. These attacks can come in many forms including phone calls, text messages and emails.
A current trend is spoofing high-profile companies to trick you into thinking you’re dealing with someone that you do business with. A recent example is when criminals sent emails pretending to be invites to Zoom meetings. Tap or click here for details on this sneaky trick.
Don’t fall for these malware-filled emails impersonating the IRS
Tax season is in full swing, but time is running out if you haven’t submitted them yet. It’s not just regular taxpayers who feel the deadline inching closer. Scammers are also looking to make a quick buck.
Cybercriminals are again impersonating agents from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), employing all the tricks in their malicious arsenal. In addition, scammers are sending out emails that could infect your device with malware.
Update your PC to patch 6 zero-day flaws, 90 vulnerabilities
The first major updates of the year from software developers pack a bit of a punch. Microsoft released a swath of vulnerability fixes in what has become known as Patch Tuesday. Tap or click here to find out why you are seeing more ads on Microsoft Edge.
Before you log in to Facebook or WhatsApp again, read this warning
There are plenty of ways cybercriminals steal your details. One of the most common methods is directing you to a fake website through text messages or phishing emails.
While the phishing email’s wording can differ, scammers regularly use legitimate brands to lure you in. By spoofing an email from a social media platform or service provider, they hope that you won’t notice minor differences from the real thing. Tap or click here for subtle clues that email is a clever phishing scam.
Don't be fooled! Fake Netflix apps are spreading malware
Everybody loves a good bargain, coupon or discount code. But it has once again become clear that you can’t trust everything you find online or receive in a text message.
There are plenty of fake apps and services that will do nothing but steal your details, and it’s getting worse. Criminals responsible are becoming craftier, spoofing real websites and services and loading them with malware. Tap or click here for details on spoofing.
Use a PC? This new Microsoft phishing scam is mighty convincing
Over the last few years, we have seen several phishing and cyberattacks that seemed ingenious. From masking their appearance to hiding in plain sight, criminals will always develop malware to be as untraceable as possible.
Google adds cross-app alerts to your iPhone - Here's how they work
Google is testing cross-app alerts on iPhone in preparation for a big launch next year. These security alerts will work to quickly and efficiently notify you of problems regardless of what Google app you’re using and without sending an email.
Watch out! Spoofed Apple phone call is making the rounds again
The COVID pandemic has opened a whole new world of opportunity for scammers. The dregs of society are using people’s fears of the virus against them and creating devious schemes to rip them off.
Phishing emails, text messages and phone calls pretending to be from health organizations or officials are all too common these days. Tap or click here for a recent example of scam calls targeting seniors.