Seeds from China Alert:

Some Wyoming households are receiving unsolicited packages of seeds. Do not plant them.  Do not open the sealed package.  Keep the seeds and contact the USDA at 307-432-7979 or bruce.a.shambaugh@usda.govfor instructions.  How did you get on this mysterious address list?  You could have made a purchase from a third party seller related to the seed scammers or it could be a data breach.  Be sure to monitor your credit cards.

FBI Alert:

‍The FBI has observed cyber criminals targeting computer network infrastructure after an operating system achieves end of life status. Continuing to use Windows 7 within an enterprise may provide cyber criminals access into computer systems. As time passes, Windows 7 becomes more vulnerable to exploitation due to lack of security updates and new vulnerabilities discovered. Microsoft and other industry professionals strongly recommend upgrading computer systems to an actively supported operating system. (CyberWyoming note: if you still have a Windows 7 PC and can’t replace it or upgrade it, unplug it from the internet to continue to use it.)

MS-ISAC Patch Now Alert:

The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) has published a patch now (update your software) alert for Google’s operating system, Apple products, and Team Viewer.  If you use these products, make sure the software updated.

Lafayette Colorado Attacked by Ransomware:

Lafayette officials said hacker’s disabled network services that shut down email, phones, online payments and reservation systems.  They paid $45,000 to get the data back and are rebuilding the computer systems.

Scambusters.org Facebook Fake-out:

Victims of a recent scam on Facebook were tricked into buying a pair of attractive law seats for a great price.  The seats turned out to be just a few inches high, for dolls.  Be sure to check the specifications of anything you are buying. 

Beware of Old Friends on Facebook:

Fraudsters are posing as long-lost friends on Facebook, start up a conversation, then after trust is built, try to get your cell phone number to text you about an offer.  The offer consists of paying an up-front fee to get information on a grant, prize or government money. Scammers ask for gift cards or wire transfers, which are clues that this is not your long-lost friend. (fraud.org) 

Beware of Copy and Paste Requests on Facebook:

If you come across a message in Facebook, even if it is from a friend, that urges you to copy and paste the message instead of using the Facebook ‘share’ function then beware.  You may be helping illegitimate marketers build lists of people to contact later with friend requests or other messages.  Please ignore any requests to ‘copy and paste’ information on Facebook. (fraud.org)

Social Security Administration Issues Warning About Phone Scams:

SSA officials will never call and threaten you about being arrested or ask you for personal information. They will not ask you for money in any form.  https://www.ssa.gov/antifraudfacts/

FTC Releases Video on Scams:

The video shows how scammers tell you to pay and the tactics they use to get you into an emotional state where you are vulnerable (you’ve won a prize, you owe a debt, or your family member is in an emergency). To watch the video, check out the Federal Trade Commission’s website at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/08/video-shows-how-scammers-tell-you-pay

Canon USA Corporate Websites Down Due to Ransomware Attack:

Some users’ still image and video image data stored in image.canon’s cloud photo platform were missing.  Investigation is still pending to see fi the missing data is related to the ransomware attack.  If you use canon’s cloud to store your photos, be sure to change your password when the websites come back up.

Data Breaches in the News:

Forsee Power, Canon’s cloud storage service, Summit Medical Associates (Atlanta), Pulse Secure VPN, UberEats, Beaumont Health (Michigan), theblacklist.click (a telemarketing call agency), Kentucky unemployment system, Zello, and Havenly (interior design).

Other ways to report a scam:

• Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: bbb.org/scamtracker/us/reportscam
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftccomplaintassistant.gov
• Report your scam to the FBI at https://www.ic3.gov/complaint
• Reported unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call Registration. Online at donotcall.gov/report.html or call 1-888-382-1222, option 3
• Office of the Inspector General: oig.ssa.gov
• AARP Fraud Watch Network (any age welcome) Helpline 877-908-3360
• IRS: report email scams impersonating the IRS to phishing@irs.gov
• Call the Wyoming Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for assistance with potential Medicare fraud, abuse, or errors at 1 800 856-4398

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