Fraud Alerts
Protect yourself and your finances.
Check back often to stay up to date on the latest fraud and scams so you can better protect yourself from financial fraud.
Chinese Embassy Scam Phone Calls
March 28, 2019
Fraudsters speak with a Chinese dialect and claim to be from the Chinese embassy or consulate. The victims are told that if they don't send money they could face deportation, loss of assets, or jail time. Many of the people who have reported this scam are of Asian descent and are from China.
Android™ Malware That Steals Facebook Login
January 18, 2018
53 apps found in the Google Play™ Store have been identified as malicious. Some of these apps have been in the Google Play™ Store since April 2017. They are disguised as utility apps, performance boosters and social media video downloaders. These apps will steal your Facebook login credentials while also aggressively displaying pop-up ads.
To keep your device safe, avoid downloading apps before verifying their authenticity and reading reviews. Keeping your device patched and up-to-date will help protect your device from these types of attacks.
Watch Out for Scam Callers Pretending to be Equifax
September 14, 2017
The Federal Trade Commission warns to be on alert for scammers pretending to be Equifax, calling to steal your personal information. Always be cautious of someone who calls you and ask for your personal information.
IRS Warns of Fake Tax Software Update Scheme
August 9, 2017
The IRS is warning of phishing emails that try to trick tax professionals into downloading software updates. But, in fact steer victims into divulging login credentials.
View More Details at the IRS Website
Spam Email: FTC Acting Chairman
June 20, 2017
Please be advised of reports of spam email currently underway that appears to be from the acting Chairman from the FTC. Do NOT click on any links within. The emails are not from the FTC.
View More Details at the FTC Website
Tech Support Scams Notice
May 17, 2017
The FTC is reminding people about Tech Support Scams and what to look for. The scammers try to convince you that your computer needs a repair and to give them money to "fix it".
View the Article at the FTC Website
Free Movies, Costly Malware Notice
April 12, 2017
The FTC is reminding people that downloading "free" movies will most likely come with the hidden cost of malware.
Read the Notice at the FTC Website
Spam Email: Your IRS Data Require Immediate Action
January 19, 2016
Be advised that we've been made aware of a spam alert that is using emails that appear to be related to the IRS. Do NOT click on any links within. The emails are not from the IRS.
Click here to view the email (JPG image).
IC3 Issues Alert on CryptoWall Ransomware
June 23, 2015
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has warned that U.S. individuals and businesses are still at risk of CryptoWall ransomware fraud. Scammers use ransomware - a type of malicious software - to infect a device and restrict access until a ransom fee is paid. Individuals and organizations are discouraged from paying the ransom, as this does not guarantee files will be released.
New Bank Transfer Cyber Fraud
April 3, 2015
There is a new malware that waits until the user is navigates to a bank website, then instantly creates a fake screen. This screen tells the user that the bank's site is having problems and to call a certain number. If users call that number, they get through to an English-speaking operator who already knows what bank the users think they are contacting. The operator then elicits the users' banking details and immediately starts a large wire transfer to take money out of the relevant account.
Fraudulent Websites Posing as Green Dot MoneyPak Customer Support
October 7, 2014
The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received numerous complaints reporting fraudulent websites posing as MoneyPak customer support. They found these website via search engines. MoneyPak is a non-reloadable, prepaid product offered by Green Dot.
Phishing Scam: Solidwall Bank
August 6, 2014
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has alerted about website spoofing and phishing from an entity titled "Solidwall Bank". The entity has spoofed the website of a legitimate bank in Somerville, Massachusetts. If you receive emails from "Solidwall Bank" please do not open them or follow any links in the email.
Read more at the website for the OCC.
Scams Targeting University Employees & Students
May 8, 2014
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is aware of various types of cyber-scams being targeted at universities, university employees and students. Please be cautious when you receive any email from someone you do not know.
Read more at the website for the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Easter Holiday Phishing and Malware Campaigns
April 15, 2014
As Easter approaches please be mindful of potential emails related to Easter that may contain malware or that could be phishing for personal information. Please be cautious when receiving the following:
- shipping notifications that may be phishing scams or may contain malware
- electronic greeting cards that may contain malware
- requests for charitable contributions that maybe phishing scams and may originate from illegitimate sources claiming to be charities
Read more at the website for the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT).
Telephone Scam - "Grandparent Scam"
April 14, 2014
The Internet Crime Complaint Center has received reports of a telephone scam. Fraudsters claim that a relative is in trouble in another country and that you need to wire money to help your relative. The fraudsters may also pose as an attorney, law enforcement or some other type of official.
When receiving this type of call, remain calm and resist the pressure to act quickly. Try to contact your relative first to make sure this is legitimate. Never wire money based on a request made by phone, email or text message.
Read the full alert from the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
IRS Phone Scam
March 21, 2014
The IRS is reporting that fraudsters are calling people across the county claiming to be from the IRS. They inform the victim that they must pay owed taxes to avoid arrest, deportation,loss of business or driver's license. They are asked to pay by pre-paid card or wire transfer.
More details are available at the IRS website.
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