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Image Source: SOS Daily News
Image Source: SOS Daily News

FBI Warns: Ransomware Victims Threatened By Attacker Phone Calls

The FBI recently released a warning about ransomware victims being threatened by phone calls from their attackers. These attack groups want their ransom demand paid and are willing to escalate their threat tactics to do it. One of the best answers for victims of such an attack is having data backup systems that restore data and entirely avoid paying a ransom.

 

 

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Image Source: KnowBe4
Image Source: KnowBe4

Be Wary of Survey Scams

Online surveys are too often scams designed to steal personal or financial information, warns Phil Muncaster at ESET. Muncaster explains that these surveys are usually distributed via phishing or by ads on websites, impersonating trusted brands and offering phony rewards.

 

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Image Source: Federal Trade Commission
Image Source: Federal Trade Commission

Did Your Dating App Match Just Ask You For Money?

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you or your friends might be thinking about love. But not everyone is — some are just looking to get into your pockets. Read on so you can spot and report scammers before they trick someone you care about out of money.

 

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Image Source: KnowBe4
Image Source: KnowBe4

9 Cognitive Biases Hackers Exploit the Most

Cybersecurity is not just a technological challenge, but increasingly a social and behavioral one. People, no matter their tech savviness, are often duped by social engineering scams, like CEO fraud, because of their familiarity and immediacy factors.

 

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Image Source: Federal Trade Commission
Image Source: Federal Trade Commission

Will The FTC Call Or Write You? Will They Demand Money?

Scammers trying to rip you off will often impersonate organizations or government agencies you know. Some even pretend to be from the Federal Trade Commission. But how can you know if it’s the FTC or if it’s a scammer impersonating the FTC?

 

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Image Source: KnowBe4
Image Source: KnowBe4

Should You Click On Unsubscribe?

Some common questions we get are “Should I click on an unwanted email’s ’Unsubscribe’ link? Will that lead to more or less unwanted email?”

 

 

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Image Source: SOS Daily News
Image Source: SOS Daily News

IRS Warns Of An Exponential Increase In Tax Related Scams

Tax scams are starting a bit earlier this year. The IRS is already issuing warnings to taxpayers to be on the lookout for tax scams. The specific ones they are concerned with are SMS/text messaging (smishing) scams.

 

 

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Image Source: Federal Trade Commission
Image Source: Federal Trade Commission

So What’s The Deal With “Home Warranties”?

When big things in your home break — like your dishwasher or air conditioning system — they can cost lots of money to fix. Some people buy “home warranties” (which are really service contracts) to help cover these costs. But what exactly is a so-called home warranty?

 

 

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Image Source: Cyber Security Hub
Image Source: Cyber Security Hub

Are Smart Devices Cyber Secure?

Smart devices can be an attractive target for malicious actors but are they secure enough to withstand attacks against them?

 

 

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Image Source: nzherald.co.nz
Image Source: nzherald.co.nz

Can Your Electric Car Be Hacked?

Any devices connected to the internet – including connected electric vehicles (EVs), internal combustion engine cars (ICE) or EV chargers – can, and are, being hacked.

 

 

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Image Source: SOS Daily News
Image Source: SOS Daily News

Tips to Avoid Social Media Cybercrime

We love social media these days. Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, LinkedIn, and many others can lead to lots of sharing and fun, but also carry significant risks. This is particularly true now that cybercriminals are collating data and using it against us for targeting phishing attacks.

 

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Image Source: SOS Daily News
Image Source: SOS Daily News

WhatsApp Users Targets Yet Again With Free Offers, Fake Websites, Malicious Links, And More

In yet another WhatsApp hacking scam, Android mobile users are being targeted by fake messages from scammers. It’s what the messages can do that’s the problem, and WhatsApp users are being warned to be on the lookout.

 

 

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Image Source: Federal Trade Commission
Image Source: Federal Trade Commission

Home Repair Scams

Someone knocks on your door or calls you. They say they can fix your leaky roof, put in new windows, or install the latest energy-efficient solar panels. They might find you after a flood, windstorm, or other natural disaster. They pressure you to act quickly and might ask you to pay in cash or offer to get you financing.

 

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Image Source: SOS Daily News
Image Source: SOS Daily News

Scammers Strive To Support You, Technically

Since at least October of 2022 the FBI has noticed an uptick in scams related to technical support. The scammers will pretend to be a company that is offering a technical support service that now wants to refund some money to you for a past service.

 

 

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Image Source: SOS Daily News
Image Source: SOS Daily News

Money Mule Scams Are More Common Than You Would Expect

A money mule scam is when someone sends money to you and asks you to send a portion of it to someone else. They often ask you to use gift cards or wire transfers. The money they are providing you is likely stolen. Drug and human trafficking are also common sources of the money, and they're lying about the reason they need you to send it.

 

 

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