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, scammers are always on the lookout for new ways to trick you, and they've been getting pretty creative lately. Take the brushing scam, for instance. This one's been popping up in Wisconsin, where scammers send you free stuff you didn't order, like knockoff jewelry or electronics, just to boost their online ratings. But here's the catch: they might post fake reviews under your name or include a QR code that leads to a phishing site. So, if you get something unexpected in the mail, don't click on anything or respond - it's likely a scam[1].
And then there's tax return identity theft. Scammers are using your info to file tax returns in your name, but they're redirecting the refund to themselves. To protect yourself, file your taxes early, use a secure Wi-Fi connection, and consider getting an identity protection pin number from the IRS and your state's department of revenue[1].
But it's not all bad news. Law enforcement has been cracking down on scammers. Just the other day, a 35-year-old man named Anthony Bumpus was arrested in Licking County, Ohio, for scamming a woman out of $24,000. He posed as the Federal Trade Commission, telling her that her identity was being used on the dark web and that she needed to "secure her assets" by handing over cash[2].
And in Grand Rapids, a 20-year-old man named RaShawn Carter was arrested for scamming elderly victims out of thousands of dollars. He claimed that their grandsons had been arrested and needed bail money, but it was all just a ruse[5].
Now, let's talk about some other scams that are making the rounds. SMS scams are big right now, with scammers posing as the IRS or UPS to get you to click on malicious links or send money. And with the rise of AI, scammers are using it to create more convincing phishing emails and text messages. They're even using deepfake videos to trick you into thinking they're someone else[3][4].
So, what can you do to stay safe? First, never click on links from unknown senders, and don't respond to suspicious messages. If a message seems urgent or asks for personal info, it's likely a scam. Trust your instincts, and if you're unsure, forward the message to a trusted source, like your IT department. And remember, companies won't reach out to you via text or email for urgent matters[3].
Stay vigilant, folks, and stay safe online. That's all for now. Stay tech-savvy, and I'll catch you on the flip side.
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3 min