SCAM ALERT- Inspect Those Party Invitations

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has just issued a warning about scammers using email and text party invitations in a phishing scam. Scammers take advantage of new ways to steal your money and your identity. They also take advantage of special events such as high school and college graduation as well as disasters and high-profile news events.

The FTC has been getting complaints about citizens receiving unexpected party invitations. The emails and texts do not use common procedures found with invitation services such as Evite or Paperless Post. Instead, the phishing messages ask for email login credentials or a special pass code to open them. Requiring credentials is not normal for invitation services. Also, the phishing message may use the name of someone that you know as the host.

The phishing message might try to steal (or reset) your account information. It may also take over your email account and send the scam to your contacts.

Take the following steps to protect yourself from phishing scams,

·         Keep security software updated. Set your computer to update its software automatically. Also, keep your phone software up to date.

·         Use multi-factor authentication. MFA will make it more difficult for a scammer to enter your accounts if they obtain your username and password.

·         Act quickly. If a scammer acquires your email account information, change your password to a new strong password right away. And the FTC recommends that you go to www.identitytheft.gov for guidance on other steps to take to protect your identity.

Also, forward phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at www.reportphishing@apwg.org. Report phishing texts to SPAM (7726). Also report the phishing attempt to the FTC at www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov.   

 

 

 

 

 

Federal Trade Commission:

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/05/asked-enter-your-email-address-and-password-open-party-invite-thats-scam

 

 

National Cybersecurity Alliance:

https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/phishing

 

TRAVEL CRIME PREVENTION- Take Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Property

 

With the summer months fast approaching, doing some travel often becomes a priority. Here are some tips to help you keep your property secure while you are away.

 

Physical Security

At Home: Things you can do to make sure that a burglar does not steal anything from your home while you are away include,

·         Don’t announce that you will be away on social media before you go or while you are away. You don’t want a burglar to know no one will be at home.

·         Have your mail and newspaper held so that they do not pile up in your mailbox or on your front door, a clear sign to burglars that no one is around.

·         Let a trusted neighbor or two know that you will be away and ask them to keep an eye on your house.

·         Lock up your valuables in a safe or locking file cabinet and put away small electronics like laptops, tablet computers, and portable game players.

·         Leave some lights on or put some lights on timers so that it looks like you are at home at night.

·         As you go out the door, LOCK YOUR HOUSE!!!

 

On the road: Make a habit of doing the following actions while you are on your trip,

·         If you are driving

o   Always lock your car doors and close the windows.

o   Park in well-lit areas and close to buildings.

o   Never pick up hitchhikers.

o   Fill the gas tank before dark.

·         At your hotel

o   Lock your room, even if you are in the room.

o   Store valuables in the room safe or in the hotel safe.

o   Don’t tell strangers the name of your hotel.

o   Guard your room keys when you are in restaurants, the pool, or clubs.

 

Cybersecurity

While you are away you will take your cellphone and you may take a laptop or tablet computer and possibly other electronic devices. Here are some tips to keep your electronic devices safe and their contents safe.

·         Bring only what you need, the fewer the better.

·         Be sure your devices have the latest software and security updates before you leave.

·         Backup any data on your device before you leave.

·         Continue using strong Multifactor Authentication (MFA) on your online accounts.

·         Turn on “Find My Device” features to help you find your device should you misplace it.

·         Check privacy and location settings. Turn off location tracking for apps that you do not need on your trip.

·         Only turn on location services when absolutely necessary.

·         Be careful using public wi-fi. Do not access sensitive accounts such as your checking or credit card account. If you need to access those accounts use a VPN.

·         Keep your devices secure and with you.

·         Turn off auto-connect to avoid connecting to shady networks.

 

For more about security while you travel check out,

 

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/7128

 

National Cybersecurity Alliance:

https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/vacation-and-travel-security-tips?utm_content=376913179&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-71354375