ALERT: Scam 911 Threat

ALERT:  Scam 911 Threat

 

Currently, residents of Ohio are being ‘beta tested‘ by CyberCriminals for an email scam.

Once they’re done with Ohio, you know it’s going to quickly spread throughout the U.S. and Canada, so here’s your heads-up.

Alert Your Friends, Family, Neighbors, and Colleagues About This Scam…

People are receiving phone calls and emails from a fake 911 emergency number.  The message states, that unless you call the Attorney General’s Office, at the supplied phone number (which is fake) and pay a fine, or be arrested shortly.

*  DO NOT phone the ‘Attorney General’s Office’ number that they supply.  

 

*  DO NOT click on any supplied links in the emails.

 

*  DO NOT comply with the demands for money through the phone or email messages,

even if it appears legitimate.

 

911 does not send phone or email messages like this.

Now, scams that trick people into paying money isn’t new.  However, the ‘sophistication’ of this scam would be impressive, if it wan’t so evil.

For the phone calls, ‘911’ actually appears in caller ID.  For the emails, ‘911 Emergency’ actually appears as the sending address.

Both are fake.

The Office of the Attorney General in Ohio has received complaints since the beginning of March, regarding these scam phone calls/emails.

How To Protect Yourself From Phone Scams:

This information applies to emails as well.

1. Be skeptical of the phone number that appears on caller ID.  It could be spoofed, or fake.
2. When in doubt, hang up or don’t answer a call.
3. Don’t respond to suspicious calls.  Even if the call prompts you to dial a certain number to avoid arrest, or asks you to press a button to “opt out” – Don’t do it.  This could cause you to receive even more phone calls, because it signals to the sender that yours is a legitimate phone number.
4. Never provide money or personal information to someone who calls you unexpectedly and demands payment, even if it appears to be an emergency call or a call from the government.
5. Don’t trust someone who says you have to pay off a debt or fine by using a prepaid card or wire transfer.  These are preferred methods of payment for Criminals, because once the money is sent, it is difficult to trace or recover.

 

Got Cyber-Bugs?

Call:  1-204-800-3166

For Cyber-Extermination!