Malware is the shortened term for “malicious software.” Malware is all about making money off you illicitly. Although malware cannot damage the physical hardware of systems or network equipment (with one known exception—see the Google Android section below), it can steal, encrypt, or delete your data, alter or hijack core computer functions, and spy on […]
Here’s how it works: Scammers are using auto-dialers to call cell phone numbers across the country. Scammers let the phone ring once — just enough for a missed call message to pop up. The scammers hope you’ll call back, either because you believe a legitimate call was cut off, or you will be curious about […]
Be aware for Money Mules. Scammers may try to use you to move stolen money. If you help them, you could be what law enforcement calls a money mule. Scammers send money to you, sometimes by check, then ask you to send some of it to someone else. They often want you to purchase gift […]
Pharming crimeware misdirects users to fraudulent sites or proxy servers, typically through DNS hijacking or poisoning. The fraudster can either change the hosts file on a consumer’s computer or typically, the criminal can somehow get into an ISP’s server and change the web site’s IP address so that when you type in a web site […]
This version of phishing targets specific individuals, organizations, or busineses. Many times, the email is crafted in such a way that the victim really believe it is being sent from someone they know within their organization. The email leads the unknowing recipient to a bogus website full of malware or asks the victim to send […]
Please be on the lookout for fraudulent texts appearing to be from your financial institution. Here’s how the scam works: Fraudsters send account alerts to members via text message – appearing to come from the credit union – warning them of suspicious debit card activity. For those members who respond to the text, the fraudsters […]
