Scambusters.org Solar Stimulus Scam Warning:

Watch out for fraudsters with unfounded claims on how much solar panels will save you. If a high pressure sales person contacts you, this may be a clue that it is a scam.  If you are interested in solar panels, the FTC provides guidance at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0532-solar-power-your-home.

Scambusters.org Free Roof Inspection Scam Warning:

Beware senior citizens of door-to-door scammers who offer free roof inspections. They often get on your roof, damage it themselves, take photos, and then demand a deposit for work to be done and inflate the price of fixing the damage.  Be sure to refuse any door-to-door free roof surveys.  Contact your insurance agency or a local, reputable Wyoming roofing company if you are concerned about your roof.

Scambusters.org Scammers Claiming to Provide Student Loan Forgiveness:

With the increased unemployment rate, those with student loans are being targeted for fake student loan forgiveness.  Scammers are contacting borrowers asking for an upfront fee to have the debt removed and claim that their loan has been forgiven under a lawsuit settlement and the lawsuit settlement is real, but the loan forgiveness is not.  

Deep Fake Alert from Scambusters.org:

As the elections draw closer, so will the prevalence of doctored videos (deep fakes). Watch for unnatural facial movements and facial features that aren’t quite right and make sure you get your information from a reputable source.  

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 Mozilla’s Firefox browser and Google’s Chrome browser products.  If you use these products, make sure the software updated.  

FTC and REAL Census Workers:

With Census workers soon going door to door, the FTC has advice about how to tell a real census worker from the scammers.  Census takers must always show a photo ID with the US Department of Commerce seal and an expiration date.  Census workers will be wearing masks and following social distancing guidelines. Census takers will NEVER ask you for your full social security number, bank account/credit card numbers, money or donations, citizenship status, or anything on behalf of apolitical party.  If you suspect fraud, call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative

Data Breaches in the News:

Freepik.com, Flaticon.com, South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Cooke County Texas Sheriff’s Office, Carnival Corporation, Valley Health Systems (W. Virginia, Ohio, & Kentucky), and Brookfield Residential.

‍

• Please report your scam to phishing@cyberwyoming.org to alert your friends and neighbors.

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