Your computer is disabled: A Sheridan citizen saw a large message on his screen “Pirated Windows Software detected on this Computer.” The message stated that the computer was disabled and provided a phone number to call Microsoft to fix the issue. However, it’s a fake alert that will lock your browser. Sometimes the message states to call Microsoft and other times to call Apple. If you call the number, they will ask you to install a program that will give them remote access to your computer. They will steal data, including passwords, credit cards, financial details, and then they will trick you into paying for support services. CyberWyoming note: If this happens to you, use another computer or phone to look up how to remove the malware from your computer. Your computer needs to be cleaned before you can continue to use it. – Brought to you by Malwaretips (they provide steps on how to clean your computer of this malware)

AARP Knows Rewards! A Nevada resident received several emails, supposedly from AARP, Walgreens, Harbor Freight, offering prizes for taking part in marketing surveys and loyalty programs. Everything in the emails, from the body to the unsubscribe link, will take the unwitting consumer to the same scam website. CyberWyoming note: The scam websites have been reported, but consumers are still receiving these scam emails. Beware of any email offering you a prize, reward, or cash. It’s best to delete the emails and do not click on any links, including the unsubscribe link.

Payment Alerts: A Laramie citizen received a text message that a payment was made on a credit card. The text said to call a number if the citizen does not recognize the payment. However, the text is a scam. It does not identify the bank and the spelling is British English (recognise rather than recognize). All legitimate bank texts will tell you to call the number on the back of the card, not a random phone number in a text message. CyberWyoming note: These text messages have been occurring more often. Never reply or call the number in a text. Instead, check all your bank accounts to see if there have been any unidentified charges. 

The perfect vacation can be ruined by scammers: It’s vacation season, and the scammers are planning to ruin your trip. They create travel websites that seem like Expedia or Kayak, but they are fake. If you use them to book, not only will you lose your money, but they will also have your credit card number. They may also pose as a travel agent or hotel and call to verify your reservation or payment. But all they really want is your credit card number. They may offer you a free vacation, but you have to pay for taxes or fees upfront. Again, all they want is your credit card, and then they disappear. CyberWyoming note: We’ll provide details of more vacation scams next week. And remember to always check the spelling of any website you access – just because it’s listed on a Google search doesn’t mean it’s not fake. – Brought to you by Cybercrime Support Network.

Can you spot spear-phishing? Spear-phishing is when scammer uses personal or confidential information they have learned about a potential victim or organization, usually from social media, to fool someone into performing a harmful action. Here’s an example: “Chuck in IT said I should email you to get my password reset for my database account.” Although spear phishing attacks make up only 0.1% of all email scams, they are responsible for 66% of all breaches. That’s right – those breaches where companies unwittingly allow someone to get your name, social security number, Medicaid number, address, and all sorts of other personal information. That information is then sold on the dark web for a lot of money and is used to scam people. Check to see if your company has training available to make sure workers learn how to spot spearfishing. If they don’t, suggest it’s time they act. – Brought to you by KnowBe4

What’s the fuss about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Foreign Actors? According to KnowBe4, China’s army is focusing on “cognitive warfare,” where they will use AI to influence leaders and citizens of other countries to shape their decisions. (China probably isn’t alone with this objective.) While China is openly planning to become the world’s leading AI power by 2030 and has already collected a massive amount of data on U.S. government officials and ordinary citizens (note TikTok in the news and data breaches attributed to Chinese foreign actors), AI is the next step that can be used to influence your perceptions and public opinion about China and its interests. CyberWyoming note: AI will be a topic of conversation at Cyber Cheyenne on August 17 at Laramie County Community College. If you are interested in learning more, register to attend at cybercheyenne.com.

6/11 MS-ISAC and CISA Patch Now Alert: The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) or the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has published a patch now (update your software) alert for Google Chrome, Google Android OS, Mozilla products. If you use these products, make sure the software (or firmware) is updated.

6/11 Data Breaches in the News: Honda, Telegram, WordPress, Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce.  Note: If you have an account with one of these companies, be sure to change your password and consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts through the three credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.

Please report scams you may experience 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

Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection 307-777-6397, 800-438-5799 or ag.consumer@wyo.gov

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ 

Report your scam to the FBI at ic3.gov/Home/FileComplaint 

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

Victim Support: The AARP Fraud Watch Network and Volunteers of America (VOA) created a new, free program to provide emotional support for people impacted by a scam or fraud, called ReST. Visit aarp.org/fraudsupport to learn more about the free program and register.