HOLIDAY SCAM– Fake Shipping Notification

Christmas is coming and we are all anxious to have packages arrive to our loved ones before the big day. But scammers continue to take advantage of our concern by sending phishing emails and texts, as the Better Business Bureau recently warned the public (https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/16460-scam-alert-shipping-trick-fools-holiday-shoppers).  

We are all susceptible to receiving phishing messages. This morning I receive the following email in my inbox:

 

 

 

While this one is easy to spot as a scam, if you were hoping that a package that you had sent through the U.S. Postal Service would arrive at its destination on time you might jump to clicking on the suggested link to “enter your correct address and pay the new shipping costs (1.60 USD) …”

By taking a breath and checking out the email, you can easily find the fishy parts of it. First, the from email address is from a “freshesk.com” with words like “support” and “newaccount” embedded in the email address. This is not an address from “usps.com.”

At the bottom, is an email address listed from a “hotmail.com” account. “Official” messages from Hotmail accounts should be considered suspicious on their face.

And finally, on hovering the cursor over the “COMPLETE DELIVERY” link reveals another dodgy web address.

The logic of the email is suspect if you take a few moments to think about it. The Postal Service does not send emails or text messages for individual parcels sent through their system. If you send a package via Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, or Retail Ground, USPS Tracking is included. The package is assigned a tracking number which you can use to track its progress through the USPS web site.

The suggestion that an additional charge is needed to correct the address delivery probably is an attempt to collect your credit card information for spurious charges later on.

As with most phishing emails and texts, this email hopes that it looks authoritative and official enough that you will act without thinking. While most of us probably understand, being aware that this scam is going around will help you to prevent this scam from harming you. And passing this information to your friends and family will help them to protect themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

USPS:

https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Scams-Scheme-Alerts

 

USPS information on tracking a package:

https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input?_gl=1*xbwkgj*_ga*MTczMDc2Njg2MS4xNjM4NzM4Nzcx*_ga_3NXP3C8S9V*MTYzOTk1MTU3MS41LjEuMTYzOTk1MzI4NC4w

https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm

AARP Fraud Watch Network:

https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/package.html?intcmp=AE-FWN-LIB3-POS7

 

 

DRUNK DRIVING – An Inside Look

Local law enforcement agencies always encourage citizens to not drink and drive. They do not want to see the damage and carnage that can occur if a drunk driver takes to the streets.

The same is true for Canadian police agencies. Recently the Burnaby RCMP unit (Burnaby is east of Vancouver B.C.) released a dash cam video from a vehicle driven by a drunk driver, showing the damage to other vehicles, signs, and one fire hydrant as it occurred. It also shows the driver running a red light and a stop sign. According to the CBC, while no one was hurt or killed, property damage amounted to $35,000 in Canadian dollars. That is $27,382 in U.S. dollars!

You do not want to be responsible for property damage like occurred on the night this driver was on the road. So, if you are partying over this holiday period, make arrangements for someone to help you by being your designated driver and taking you home.

Check out the video below embedded in this CBC article,

 

CBC:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/impaired-driving-dangers-1.6280972

 

WINTER DRIVING – Tips for Safe Winter Driving

With the first snows of the winter in our mountain passes, drivers will need to take care if they are driving over any of our mountain passes. And while the short-term weather forecast does not predict an accumulation of snow in the lowlands, temperatures have lowered into the 30’s.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has some winter driving tips for you if you do plan to drive over the passes during this winter season,

·         Be sure to check pass conditions online before heading out at https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses.

·         Drive for the conditions: slow down, leave extra space between you and the vehicles in front of you, give yourself more time and space to stop.

·         Be sure to have traction tires and chains with you.

·         Do not use cruise control.

·         Slow down when approaching intersections, offramps, bridges, or shady areas.

·         Behind a snowplow, slow down and give it a little extra room.

 

For more information about winter driving, checkout the following WSDOT web pages,

 

Washington State Department of Transportation:

https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/winterdrivingtips

https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses

PACKAGE THEFT – Everett PD Sees Change in Tactics

Earlier this week, KIRO TV reported that the Everett Police Department (EPD) is seeing a change in how porch pirates operate.

Often in the past, porch pirates would take a package on a porch as soon as they see it. Most recently though, EPD has noticed that pirates are taking longer to pick up packages. They may survey a neighborhood for packages then return an hour later to pick them up. Doing this may give them a better sense if people are watching. Criminals don’t want to get caught. Being more cautious may help them not be noticed by the neighbors.

Another way that Everett PD has seen porch pirates try to keep from arousing suspicions is by masquerading as delivery drivers.

KIRO TV says that Everett PD has stepped up patrols to catch porch pirates. This includes using dummy packages that can help the police department capture suspects.

Also, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office has asked for help from the people who have had packages stolen from their porches. Please fill out an online report at https://www.mycrimereport.us/.

 

 

KIRO TV:

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/video-police-say-porch-pirates-are-waiting-patiently-looking-packages/55680b35-cec3-407d-bfb6-d6ef58fb612f/

 

Everett Police Department:

https://everettwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15845/Package-Theft-Prevention

 

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=266606635492775&set=a.226070289546410

Seattle PI:

https://www.seattlepi.com/local/seattlenews/article/seattle-ranks-fourth-in-us-for-package-thefts-2021-16653781.php

 

 

SNOHOMISH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE – Asks for Help to Catch Porch Pirates

On Friday, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office asked for help from the public to catch reported porch pirates.

In its posting, on Facebook and Twitter, the Sheriff’s Office noted that it had received several reports of package thefts during the week. The Sheriff’s Office said that it is actively investigating the reports and has suspects who it is investigating.

The Sheriff’s Office requested that anyone who has had a package stolen fill out an online report at https://www.mycrimereport.us/. And, if you have video of the theft to call the non-emergency number, (425) 407-3999, to report the theft. Please let the call taker know that you have video of the incident.

Package theft has become an increasing problem as we have relied on online shopping more over the years due to its convenience and particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The holiday season is a time of year when package theft prevention receives emphasis, but package theft has become a year-round problem.

While there has been no magic technique to prevent package theft, there are things you can do to reduce the chances of your package being stolen from your front porch. Here is a reminder of actions you can take,

• Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your package after delivery.
• Track the package’s progress online. Then you know when it is delivered.
• Ask to have the package placed on the back porch or out of sight on the front porch.
• Have the package delivered to a nearby UPS or FedEx package store or where you work. Amazon also has lockers at select locations where you can have it delivered.
• Install a camera that covers your front porch. Make it visible to discourage potential package thieves. A warning sign may also help.
• Consider a device to protect your packages such as a locking box.
• Request a signature on delivery. That way the delivery driver hands you the package after they have received a signature. If you are not at home, they will return on another day, or you can pick up the package at their delivery facility.
• Participate in Neighborhood Watch. Encourage your neighbors who stay at home to watch out for suspicious activity such as vehicle following UPS, FedEx, Amazon, or Postal Service delivery vehicles.

 

The fact that the Sheriff’s Office is seeking video shows that it is an important tool that detectives can use to investigate package theft. Letting the Sheriff’s Office know if you are victimized can help them apprehend the suspects.

 

 

 

 

 

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=266606635492775&set=a.226070289546410

Seattle PI:

https://www.seattlepi.com/local/seattlenews/article/seattle-ranks-fourth-in-us-for-package-thefts-2021-16653781.php

 

 

SNOHOMISH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE – Contributing to Community Services Fair

On Wednesday, December 1^st, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Neighborhoods deputies and social workers along with the Volunteers of America and representatives from the Job Corps held a Community Services Fair in the parking lot of the Safeway at 128^th St SW and 4^th Ave W.

Volunteers of America offered rental assistance. Job Corps representatives offered vocational training to people ages 16 to 24. Office of Neighborhood deputies and social workers were available to give assistance to homeless people.

Volunteers of America operate the 211-referral service for all of Washington State. The North Sound Region includes Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan counties. The North Region provides enhanced services for Homeless Coordinated Entry, Community Resource Advocates, Mass Fatality Planning, and Emergency Rental Assistance. Other services that 211 can help you with include Disabilities, Domestic Violence, Education, Employment, Financial Aid, Food, Health Care, Personal/Household Items, Shelter/Housing, and Transportation. Call 211 for confidential help.

The Job Corps is a federal vocational tuition free training program for young people 16 to 24 that that also provides housing, meals, basic medical care, hands-on training, and preparation for a career. The Job Corps started in 1964. The nearest Job Corps Center is located in Sedro-Woolley.  

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office’s Office of Neighborhoods Homeless Outreach consists of teams of deputies and social workers who connect with homeless and vulnerable populations to help individuals break the cycle of homelessness, mental health issues, and/or chemical dependency. The teams develop long term relationships with individuals in order to offer help with navigating social and health services. The goal is to lessen the likelihood of re-offending, contact with law enforcement, or incarceration.

For more information about the services check out the links below:

 

Volunteers of America/211:

https://wa211.org/

 

Job Corps:

https://www.jobcorps.gov/

Adams and Associates- https://adamsaai.com/job_corps/cascades-washington/

 

Office of Neighborhoods:

https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/311/Office-of-Neighborhoods

 

 

 

 

HOLIDAY SCAMS – BBB’s 12 Scams of Christmas

Scammers want your money or your personal information. The Christmas holiday season gives them plenty of opportunity to collect both. Recently, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) published the 12 top holiday scams that it has observed. A short summary of each follows. For more information about each, check out the link to the BBB posting below.

1.      Misleading Social Media Ads. The BBB reports that this is the most reported scam on its Scam Tracker service. Scammers have been using social media to pose as a small business with items for sale or an offer of a free trial. People complain that they pay for items that they never receive. Or they get charged for a “free trial” that they never signed up for. Other complaints include receiving counterfeit products or products different from what they ordered.  BBB recommends checking out businesses before doing business with them. You can look up businesses at www.BBB.org or do a web search on the business name (business name with the word scam or complaints).

2.      Gift Exchanges. The latest version of this scam is about exchanging bottles of wine. Another version suggests purchasing $10 gifts online. And there is a version that encourages you to add your email address to a list where participants pick a name and send money to strangers to “pay it forward.” The gift exchange scams are a good way to collect your personal information as well as the personal information of your family and friends. And, the BBB points out, they are illegal pyramid schemes.

3.      Holiday Apps. Holiday apps offer experiences such as live video chats with Santa for children, lighting a menorah, watching Santa feed live reindeer, tracking Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, or sending holiday wish lists to Santa. Scammers can set up apps to collect your personal information or make offers to take your money. Review app privacy policies. Free apps can contain more advertising than apps that require a fee. Also, be wary of free apps since they can contain malware.

4.      Alerts About Compromised Accounts. Scammers often send text messages, emails, or make phone calls posing as a bank, Amazon, Paypal, etc. claiming that they have detected suspicious activity on your account. You are encouraged to contact the business by clicking on a link or calling an included number. DO NOT click on the included link or call the phone number. If you want to check out the claim, call the business by looking up their number with a web search, on a bill or statement, or on the back of its credit/debit card.

5.      Free Gift Cards. Scammers send phishing emails claiming that you are eligible for free gift cards or have been selected to receive free gift cards. All you have to do is to give them some of your personal information. The scammers often impersonate legitimate businesses such as Starbucks. They also use pop-up ads and text messages. The best approach is to ignore unsolicited emails or text such as this.

6.      Temporary Holiday Jobs. Many businesses are looking for holiday workers. However, scammers use the lure of a temporary holiday job to collect personal information or to steal your money. Be wary of any job offer that seems too good to be true, or that charges you to apply for the job.

7.      Look-alike Websites. Scammers often impersonate legitimate businesses and governmental agencies. They can build a website that looks just like a real company’s website or send a phishing email that looks like it is from an authentic business. When navigating to a company’s website, be sure to check out the web address to be sure it is authentic. Before clicking on any links in an email, hover your cursor over the link to see the real web address of the link.

8.      Fake Charities. The holidays are a prime time for scammers to impersonate charities as we all think about giving to those in need. The BBB recommends avoiding quick decisions to give to any charity. It also recommends that you check out a charity before giving. You can look up charities at the BBB’s www.give.org website or the Washington State Secretary of State’s Corporations and Charities Division’s website-  https://ccfs.sos.wa.gov/#/.

9.      Fake Shipping Notifications. With the high traffic of packages being shipped in this holiday season, scammers are sending out phishing emails and text messages claiming that there is a problem with your shipment and to clear it up you need to click on the link. Instead of clicking on the link in the email or text message, go directly to the web site of the shipper.

10.  Pop Up Holiday Virtual Events. Many holiday markets or craft fairs have migrated online. Scammers create fake events or impersonate real events with fake web pages, social media posts, and emails. They may charge admission for what is normally a free event. Check any web addresses for their legitimacy. If you see an event that used to be free charging admission, ask the real-life organizer if they are really charging a fee.

11.  Top Holiday Wishlist Items. With the current supply chain problems, highly popular gifts will be more difficult to find. Scammers take advantage of the situation by claiming they have scarce gifts and even may claim to charge a price that is too good to be true.

12.  Puppy Scams. Puppies were popular during the pandemic. And puppy scams were just a popular with fraudsters. Be sure that you can see the prospective pet in person before buying.

 

 

 

 

Better Business Bureau:

https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23497-the-naughty-list-bbbs-12-scams-of-christmas

https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/26193-bbb-study-online-shopping-scams-flourish-on-social-media-during-pandemic

https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/21097-scam-alert-tracking-code-trick-costs-online-shoppers

 

Seattle Times:

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/tis-the-season-of-giving-heres-how-to-avoid-charity-scams-in-washington-state/

 

Washington State Secretary of State:

https://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/