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:
National Cybersecurity Alliance:
https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/phishing
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