BluePay has identified a phishing attempt attempting to solicit the usernames and passwords of BluePay customers.

The email claims to be from the customerservice@bluepay.com and contains verbiage encouraging the recipient to click a link to a malicious website.

Your awareness is essential for protection against these malicious attempts, so please:

• Ensure your virus definitions are up-to-date.
• Contact Customer Service if you receive a suspicious message before you follow any of its instructions.
• Check the validity of embedded URLs before clicking on them; most e-mail software, including Outlook, many versions of Thunderbird, and webmail, allows you to mouse over a URL and view where the link is really directed. Do not click on unknown or suspicious URLs.
• Be wary of messages with suspicious or awkward language.
• Delete messages you confirmed to be phishing attempts.
• Do not open emails or email attachments from people or groups you are unfamiliar with or who do not typically send email messages to you.

Recent phishing messages which may have been sent to BluePay customers:

Dear BluePay Customer,

Georgie,
If you need any further assistance please don't hesitate to contact me.

Impact on User:

If you are the recipient of a phishing e-mail attempt, delete the message immediately. Do not click on the links included in the message. If you clicked the link and/or entered information contact Customer Service immediately.

Support Contact:

If you have questions, please contact Customer Service at 866-739-8324.

SpamScams.net

Another fake email has started making the rounds. It's a phishing scam disguised as originating from DHL -- it is not from DHL.

If the links are not working, please move message to "Inbox" folder.

DHL PACK STATION

Deutsche Post DHL 2013 DHL International GmbH. All rights reserved.

SpamScams.net

More Than 280,000 Complaints of Online Criminal Activity Reported in 2012

Fairmont, WV — Today the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) released the 2012 Internet Crime Report—a summary of reported fraudulent activity, including data and statistics. In 2012, the IC3 received and processed 289,874 complaints, averaging more than 24,000 complaints per month. Unverified losses reported to IC3 rose 8.3 percent over the previous year.

A new section in this year’s report includes charts for each of the 50 states, detailing demographic, complaint and dollar loss data. The section allows for easy comparisons and convenient reference. Additional content includes frequently reported Internet crimes, case highlights, and graphs that explain the lifecycle of a complaint. The most common complaints received in 2012 included FBI impersonation e-mail scams, various intimidation crimes, and scams that used computer "scareware" to extort money from Internet users. The report gives detailed information about these and other commonly perpetrated scams in 2012. The IC3 works to educate the public and law enforcement about fraud trends.

"The 2012 Internet Crime Report reveals both the volume and the scope of Internet crime, as well as the efforts of IC3 and law enforcement to combat these crimes," said NW3C Director Don Brackman. "As technology continues to advance, so will our efforts to stay one step ahead of cyber criminals."

Richard A. McFeely, executive assistant director of the FBI's Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch, said: "Criminals are increasingly migrating their fraudulent activities from the physical world to the Internet. Computer users who suspect or become victims of online fraud schemes—including suspicious e-mails, fraudulent Web sites and Internet crimes—should report them to the IC3. The IC3 analyzes and makes connections among these reports and packages them for potential action by law enforcement."

IC3 is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). Since its start in 2000, IC3 has become a mainstay for victims reporting Internet crime and a way for law enforcement to be notified of such crimes. IC3's service to the law enforcement community includes federal, state, tribal, local, and international agencies that are combating Internet crime.

SpamScams.net

The Internet Crime Complaint Center has received numerous reports of phishing attacks targeting various telecommunication companies' customers. Individuals receive automated telephone calls that claim to be from the victim's telecommunication carrier. Victims are directed to a phishing site to receive a credit, discount, or prize ranging from $300 to $500.

The phishing site is a replica of one of the telecommunication carrier's sites and requests the victims' log-in credentials and the last four digits of their Social Security numbers. Once victims enter their information, they are redirected to the telecommunication carrier’s actual website. The subject then makes changes to the customer's account.

The IC3 urges the public to be cautious of unsolicited telephone calls, e-mails and text messages, especially those promising some type of compensation for supplying account information. If you receive such an offer, verify it with the business associated with your account before supplying any information. Use the information supplied on your account statement to contact the business.

SpamScams.net

This report, which is based upon information from law enforcement and complaints submitted to the IC3, details recent cyber crime trends and new twists to previously-existing cyber scams.

SEXTORTION SCAM

The IC3 has received numerous +complaints over the last couple of years regarding an online sextortion scam capitalizing on social media websites and technology. Contact between the subject and victim is initiated via social media websites and/or online dating websites. Once rapport has been established, victims are asked to engage in video chat where they are enticed to expose themselves in sexually compromising situations, while their images are secretly recorded. Subjects then threaten to make the videos available to all the victims’ social networking friends and other online contacts unless funds, ranging in the amounts of $50 to $300, are wired to various destinations overseas.

INCREASE IN ONLINE FRAUDULENT GUN SALES

Criminals capitalize on current events highlighted by the media, especially when the topic draws a significant amount of attention. The IC3 often sees evidence of this via complaints. One topic in particular that has continued to receive national attention is gun legislation reform. As a result, gun sales have skyrocketed. Consumers are not only purchasing firearms in stores, but online as well. The IC3 has seen an uptick in the number of complaints recently filed reporting fraudulent advertisements for firearms. Criminals entice victims into purchasing the firearms by using photos and descriptions hijacked from online firearm ads and advertise the firearms for below market value. The majority of the type of firearm that victims were attempting to purchase was a long gun.

In order to convince the buyer the transaction is legitimate, the criminal sometimes provides the victim a copy of a military photo ID via email, which they claim is theirs. Criminals also appear to know the procedures of transferring firearms by arranging for the firearm to be delivered to the victim’s local Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL). Many of the complainants fell for the scam, losing hundreds to over a thousand dollars in each transaction.

UNAUTHORIZED BANK ACCOUNT ACCESS IN THE PAYDAY LOAN SCAM

The payday loan scam involving threats and TDoS attacks was highlighted in the February 21, 2012 Public Service Announcement titled "New Variation On Telephone Collection Scam Related To Delinquent PayDay Loans” and in the January 7, 2013 IC3 Scam Alerts.

Based on IC3 complaint information, it appears the tactics used by the subjects continue to evolve. Information revealed subjects are now making unauthorized deposits for payday loans into victims’ bank accounts. The proceeds range from $200 to $300. After the initial deposit, victims reported unauthorized withdrawals every two weeks in increments between $60 and $90. The withdrawals are applied to accrued interest only, making it impossible to pay the loan in full. Victims reported all efforts to return the unwanted loan proceeds or pay the loan in full were unsuccessful. Some reported closing their bank account and holding the loan proceeds to prevent further fraud to their account. It has yet to be determined how the subjects are obtaining the victims’ bank account information, because some of the victims claim they have never applied for a payday loan.

FAKE EMAILS FROM HSBC WITH ATTACHED PAYMENT_ADVICE.ZIP CONTAINS TROJAN

MX Lab featured the following article on March 27, 2013

MX Lab, started to intercept a new trojan distribution campaign by email with the subject "Payment Advice – Advice Ref:[B32454525694]". Please note that the numbers used in the subject and mail from may vary.

The email is sent from the spoofed address "payment.advice@hsbc.com.hk" and has the following body:

The attached ZIP file has the name Payment_Advice.zip and contains the 96 kB large file Payment_Advice.exe.

The trojan is known as W32/Trojan.IWRE-9169, PWS.Win32.Fareit.AMN (A), W32/Yakes.B!tr, Trojan.Agent.RVGen5.

At the time of writing, 11 of the 46 AV engines did detect the trojan at Virus Total. Virus Total and SHA256:

ea92af5486f6b8039b0f2193666ea8604d54d5cc9e7f37f7396a8b6f2baa3260.

For more information regarding online scams visit our Press Room page for the most current Public Service Announcements. http://www.ic3.gov/media/default.aspx

SpamScams.net

The following email from PayPal is fake. DO NOT click the link in the email -- it's a phishing scheme to steal your identity.

Email Subject:
Please update your information

Email Text:
Dear Customer,

Sincerely,
PayPal

SpamScams.net

Beware of possible fraud associated with the Boston Marathon explosions.

The FBI reminds the public there is the potential for fraud in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has received indications that individuals may be using e-mail and social networking sites to facilitate fraudulent activities.

The FBI is aware of a spam e-mail with the subject line "Boston Marathon Explosion” and similarly themed messages being circulated to lure potential victims to malicious software and exploits. Spam e-mails and Web sites to which they are linked use a wide variety of deceptions to trick a user into taking actions that put the user's computer at risk for infection. Common techniques include links to compromised Web sites and pop-up messages prompting users to download software to view pictures, videos or other files.

Social media is another avenue criminals use to solicit donations. The FBI is aware that an account on a popular social media service using the Boston Marathon name and official logo was created soon after the explosions. Communications from the account represented that $1 would be donated to the Boston Marathon victims for every communication other users sent to the account. Though the account was suspended by the social media service, others may use similar methods to commit fraud.

The FBI is also aware of numerous questionable domains registered within hours of the Boston Marathon explosions. Though the intentions of the registrants are unknown, domains have emerged following other disasters for fraudulent purposes.

Individuals should always exercise reasonable caution and vigilance when using e-mail and social networking Web sites. Based on experiences from previous times of tragedy, it is reasonable to believe that criminals will continue to exploit such events to solicit fraudulent donations, to obtain victims' personally identifiable information (PII), and to further other illegal activities.

Individuals can limit exposure to cyber criminals by taking the following preventative actions when using email and social networking Web sites:

• Do not agree to download software to view content. Messages may contain pictures, videos, and other attachments designed to infect your computer with malware.
• Do not follow a link you receive via e-mail to go to a website. Links appearing as legitimate sites (example: fbi.gov), could be hyperlinked to direct victims to another website when clicked. These sites may be designed to infect your computer with malware or solicit personal information.
• Verify the existence and legitimacy of organizations by conducting research and visiting official websites. Be skeptical of charity names similar to but not exactly the same as reputable charities.
• Do not allow others to make donations on your behalf. Donation-themed messages may also contain links to websites designed to solicit personal information, which can be routed to a cyber criminal.
• Make donations securely by using a debit/credit card or write a check made out to the specific charity. Be wary of making donations via money transfer services; legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations using this method of payment.

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud by someone soliciting funds on behalf of disaster victims or want to report suspicious e-mail solicitations or fraudulent Web sites, please file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, http://www.ic3.gov/

Intelligence Note Prepared by the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

SpamScams.net

Received this phishing scam email this morning disguised as being delivered from DHL. As always, do not click any links in suspicious emails.

Here is the actual text from the email.

DHL Ship Shipment Notification

On April 18, 2013 a shipment label was printed for delivery.
The shipment number of this package is 76887831.

To get additional info about this shipment use any of these options:

1) Click the following URL in your browser:
Get Shipment Info

2) Enter the shipment number on tracking page:
Tracking Page

For further assistance, please call DHL Customer Service.
For International Customer Service, please use official DHL site.

Disclaimer:
This message was created by DHL Ship, a product of DHL, at the request of the sender. No authentication of email address has been performed.

SpamScams.net

"Phishing" involves the use of fraudulent emails and copy-cat websites to trick you into revealing valuable personal information -- such as account numbers for banking, securities, mortgage, or credit accounts, your social security numbers, and the login IDs and passwords you use when accessing online financial services providers. The fraudsters who collect this information then use it to steal your money or your identity or both.

When fraudsters go on "phishing" expeditions, they lure their targets into a false sense of security by hijacking the familiar, trusted logos of established, legitimate companies. A typical phishing scam starts with a fraudster sending out millions of emails that appear to come from a high-profile financial services provider or a respected Internet auction house.

The email will usually ask you to provide valuable information about yourself or to "verify" information that you previously provided when you established your online account. To maximize the chances that a recipient will respond, the fraudster might employ any or all of the following tactics:

• Names of Real Companies -- Rather than create from scratch a phony company, the fraudster might use a legitimate company's name and incorporate the look and feel of its website (including the color scheme and graphics) into the phishy email.
• "From" an Actual Employee -- The "from" line or the text of the message (or both) might contain the names of real people who actually work for the company. That way, if you contacted the company to confirm whether "Jane Doe" truly is "VP of Client Services," you’d get a positive response and feel assured.
• URLs that "Look Right" -- The email might include a convenient link to a seemingly legitimate website where you can enter the information the fraudster wants to steal. But in reality the website will be a quickly cobbled copy-cat -- a "spoofed" website that looks for all the world like the real thing. In some cases, the link might lead to select pages of a legitimate website -- such as the real company's actual privacy policy or legal disclaimer.
• Urgent Messages -- Many fraudsters use fear to trigger a response, and phishers are no different. In common phishing scams, the emails warn that failure to respond will result in your no longer having access to your account. Other emails might claim that the company has detected suspicious activity in your account or that it is implementing new privacy software or identity theft solutions.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing

The best way you can protect yourself from phony phishers is to understand what legitimate financial service providers and respectable online auction houses will and will not do. Most importantly, legitimate entities will not ask you to provide or verify sensitive information through a non-secure means, such as email.

Follow these five simple steps to protect yourself from phishers:

1. Pick Up the Phone to Verify -- Do not respond to any emails that request personal or financial information, especially ones that use pressure tactics or prey on fear. If you have reason to believe that a financial institution actually does need personal information from you, pick up the phone and call the company yourself -- using the number in your rolodex, not the one the email provides!
2. Do Your Own Typing -- Rather than merely clicking on the link provided in the email, type the URL into your web browser yourself (or use a bookmark you previously created). Even though a URL in an email may look like the real deal, fraudsters can mask the true destination.
3. Beef Up Your Security -- Personal firewalls and security software packages (with anti-virus, anti-spam, and spyware detection features) are a must-have for those who engage in online financial transactions. Make sure your computer has the latest security patches, and make sure that you conduct your financial transactions only on a secure web page using encryption. You can tell if a page is secure in a couple of ways. Look for a closed padlock in the status bar, and see that the URL starts with "https" instead of just "http."
Security Tip: Some phishers make spoofed websites which appear to have padlocks. To double-check, click on the padlock icon on the status bar to see the security certificate for the site. Following the "Issued to" in the pop-up window you should see the name matching the site you think you’re on. If the name differs, you are probably on a spoofed site.
4. Read Your Statements -- Don't toss aside your monthly account statements! Read them thoroughly as soon as they arrive to make sure that all transactions shown are ones that you actually made, and check to see whether all of the transactions that you thought you made appear as well. Be sure that the company has current contact information for you, including your mailing address and email address.
5. Spot the Sharks -- Visit the website of the Anti-Phishing Working Group at www.antiphishing.org for a list of current phishing attacks and the latest news in the fight to prevent phishing. There you’ll find more information about phishing and links to helpful resources.

What to Do if You Run into Trouble

Always act quickly when you come face to face with a potential fraud, especially if you've lost money or believe your identity has been stolen.

• Phishy Emails -- If a phishing scam rolls into your email box, be sure to tell the company right away. You can also report the scam to the FBI's Internet Fraud Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. If the email purports to come from a brokerage firm or mutual fund company, be sure to pass along that tip to the SEC's Enforcement Division by forwarding the email to enforcement@sec.gov.
• Identity Theft -- If you think that your personal information has been stolen, visit the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Resource Center at www.consumer.gov/idtheft/index.html for information on how to file a complaint and control the damage.
• Securities Scams -- Before you do business with any investment-related firm or individual, do your own independent research to check out their background and confirm whether they are legitimate. For step-by-step tips and links to helpful websites, please read Check Out Brokers and Advisers and SIPC Exposes Phony "Look-Alike" Web Site. Report investment-related scams to the SEC using our online Complaint Center.

SpamScams.net

Hi, Greetings of the Day!

Are you looking for a reliable, creative and experience team for the Mobile Application and Mobile Website designing and development???

We are writing you this mail for developing a healthy Business Relation with your organization. We are an IT company with over 4 years of working experience in the Android Mobile Application Development and Mobile Websites segment.

We are experts with enterprises level personal and customize app. We have a team of dedicated Android ,IPhone, Ipad Professionals and Mobile Website Developers for developing the Android, IPhone, IPad apps and mobile web-apps, who design high quality products for our clients. Our development team has developed more than 500 mobile apps and Mobile websites from different domains.

Our expertise is in following areas:

1. Android Based Application
2. IPhone Based Applications
3. Ipad Applications
4. Mobile Websites
5. Enterprises level of Application
6. GPS/Location based Applications
7. Field Force Management Application
8. Student/School Management Applications
9. Restaurant Ordering Applications
10. Accounting ,Dating And Spy Applications

We follow ethical practices as we work with CMM level 5 companies as their outsourcing partners.

We are looking forward to build a long term mutually beneficial relation with you, so a quick response from your side will be highly appreciated.

Please revert for Mobile app or mobile website designing and development with the most competitive rate and the best quality delivery.

Work with us and you would see the difference

Thanks & Regards,
Nancy
Business Development Manager

SpamScams.net

A new extortion technique is being deployed by cyber criminals using the Citadel malware platform to deliver Reveton ransomware. The latest version of the ransomware uses the name of the Internet Crime Complaint Center to frighten victims into sending money to the perpetrators. In addition to instilling a fear of prosecution, this version of the malware also claims that the user's computer activity is being recorded using audio, video, and other devices.

As described in prior alerts on this malware, it lures the victim to a drive-by download website, at which time the ransomware is installed on the user's computer. Once installed, the computer freezes and a screen is displayed warning the user they have violated United States Federal Law. The message further declares that a law enforcement agency has determined that a computer using the victim's IP address has accessed child pornography and other illegal content.

To unlock the computer, the user is instructed to pay a fine using prepaid money card services. The geographic location of the user's PC determines what payment services are offered. In addition to the ransomware, the Citadel malware continues to operate on the compromised computer and can be used to commit online banking and credit card fraud.

This is not a legitimate communication from the IC3, but rather is an attempt to extort money from the victim. If you have received this or something similar do not follow payment instruction.

It is suggested that you:

• File a complaint at www.IC3.gov;
• Keep operating systems and legitimate antivirus and antispyware software updated; and
• Contact a reputable computer expert to assist with removing the malware.

SpamScams.net

This report, which is based upon information from law enforcement and complaints submitted to the IC3, details recent cyber crime trends and new twists to previously-existing cyber scams.

Top Nine Fraud Attacks impacting eCommerce

A payment management company recently reported on the top fraud attacks most impactful to eCommerce. These attacks were identified by frequency of attack and revenue loss.

In ranked order, the top nine fraud attacks identified were:

9. Triangulation Schemes
8. Phishing/Pharming/Whaling
7. Botnets
6. Re-shipping
5. Affiliate Fraud
4. Identity Theft
3. Friendly Fraud
2. Account Takeover
1. Clean Fraud

Fraud Targeting Direct Sales Companies

Several legitimate direct sales companies have seen a large surge in fake orders being places with their consultants. The consultants are contacted through the legitimate “find a consultant” link located on the various sales Websites. In each instance, the suspects are placing large orders and agreeing to pay by check. The consultant receives the check for a much larger amount than the total cost for the products. The consultants are instructed to cash the check and send the difference back to the buyer via wire transfer. The IC3 has received several complaints filed by consultants from companies affected by this scam.

For more information regarding online scams visit our Press Room page for the most current Public Service Announcements. http://www.ic3.gov/media/default.aspx

SpamScams.net

The FBI continues to remind shoppers to be wary of Internet fraud during the holiday shopping season. Scammers use many techniques to deceive potential victims, including creating fraudulent auction sales, reshipping merchandise purchased with a stolen credit card, selling fraudulent or stolen gift cards through auction sites at a discounted price and using phishing e-mails to advertise brand-name merchandise for bargain prices or e-mails to promote the sale of merchandise that is counterfeit.

In advance of the holiday season, the FBI, in partnership with the Merchant Risk Council (MRC), would like shoppers to be informed of the common scams that affect consumers and E-commerce. The MRC is an organization that works to increase networking and information sharing among merchants to better enable members to successfully fight online fraud.

Holiday Shopping Scams To Avoid

Purchasing any new product or gift card on an auction or classified advertisement site where the price is significantly lower than any sale prices in retail outlets

Many of these sellers, especially for gift cards and tickets, have purchased these items with a stolen credit card. Most likely, the gift card or ticket will be deactivated by the time the recipient uses the card or ticket.

Never provide credit card numbers, bank account information, personally identifiable information or wire money to a person who advertises items on these sites at a too good to be true price. Many times, fraudsters will post a popular item to obtain this information, and the goods will never be mailed, but your card or identity will be used fraudulently later. If you make a purchase from these sites, we encourage you to check a seller’s ratings and feedback to ensure he or she is reputable.

Phishing and scam e-mails, text messages or phone calls

Many times, e-mails, texts or phone calls will look or sound like they are coming from a well-known retailer, stating a need to “verify” the full credit card number you used for a purchase or ask you to click a link to update personal account information. If you receive an e-mail that asks you to click a link to verify information, delete it. Type the retailer’s or financial institution’s website into a browser to log into your account. If the fraudster is insistent, ask him or her to read you the card number first or ask to call back. If it is a legitimate call, the company representative will have no problem with your calling back through the customer service line.

"One Day Only" websites featuring the sale of a "hot item"

During the holiday season, there will be an increase in websites created to sell specific items in high demand. Typically, the cardholders never receive the product, but the credit card information they entered is used for fraudulent purchases. It is important to only make purchases with companies and sellers who have a history and can be identified when searching reviews and ratings.

Postings of popular items for free or drastically reduced prices

There are many gift card offers on social media sites claiming to be from major retailers. These offers are typically used to gain access to consumers’ social media accounts either to log in to other accounts you may have tied to this account or to post illegitimate offers on your behalf. Purchasing an item at a reduced rate based on a posting from someone you do not know can often lead to a credit card compromise or the purchase of a counterfeit item.

"Work from home" offers, to act as a private reshipper, often fronting the shipping costs on behalf of the fraudster

Offers to work from home to reship items to another country or another person often means the goods were purchased with stolen credit cards. Having these goods shipped to your home and sending them to another person could have legal implications. Also, many times the money promised for completing this service is never paid. These scams can sound legitimate at first, so be leery of anyone offering a lot of money for a simple task.

Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Consumers are urged to be very skeptical of people offering a great deal outside of any established retail business.

Important Holiday Shopping Tips

Here are nine tips you can use to avoid becoming a victim of cyber fraud during the holiday season.

• Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.
• Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
• Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders. Always run a virus scan on attachment before opening.
• Avoid filling out forms contained in e-mail messages that ask for personal information.
• Always compare the link in the e-mail to the web address link you are directed to and determine if they match.
• Log on directly to the official Web site for the business identified in the e-mail, instead of "linking" to it from an unsolicited e-mail. If the e-mail appears to be from your bank, credit card issuer, or other company you deal with frequently, your statements or official correspondence from the business will provide the proper contact information.
• Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the e-mail to verify that the e-mail is genuine.
• If you are requested to act quickly or there is an emergency, it may be a scam. Fraudsters create a sense of urgency to get you to act impulsively.
• If you receive a request for personal information from a business or financial institution, always look up the main contact information for the requesting company on an independent source (phone book, trusted internet directory, legitimate billing statement, etc.) and use that contact information to verify the legitimacy of the request.
• Remember if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

To receive the latest information about cyber scams, go to the FBI website and sign up for e-mail alerts by clicking on the red envelope labeled "get FBI updates". If you have received a scam e-mail, please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov. For more information on e-scams, visit the FBI’s New E-Scams and Warnings webpage at http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/e-scams.

SpamScams.net

A Complaint Has Been Filed Against You With The Better Business Bureau.

Warning: Fake emails, purportedly from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) using customer_reviews@newyork.bbb.org, are being received. The email contains the following information along with a ZIP compressed attachment. DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHED FILE.

Owner/Manager

30 East 33rd St., 12th Floor
New York, NY 10016
212.533.6200

SpamScams.net

Hurricane Sandy. Justice Department Officials Raise Awareness of Disaster Fraud Hotline.

Washington – The Department of Justice, the FBI and the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) remind the public there is a potential for disaster fraud in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Suspected fraudulent activity pertaining to relief efforts associated with the recent series of tornadoes in the Midwest and South should be reported to the NCDF hotline at 866-720-5721. The hotline is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the purpose of reporting suspected scams being perpetrated by criminals in the aftermath of disasters.

NCDF was originally established in 2005 by the Department of Justice to investigate, prosecute and deter fraud associated with federal disaster relief programs following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud related to any natural or man-made disaster. More than 20 federal agencies – including the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General and the FBI – participate in the NCDF, allowing the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.

In the wake of natural disasters, many individuals feel moved to contribute to victim assistance programs and organizations across the country. The Department of Justice and the FBI remind the public to apply a critical eye and do due diligence before giving to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of hurricane victims. Solicitations can originate as emails, websites, door-to-door collections, mailings, telephone calls and similar methods.

Before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, including the following:

• Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming emails, including by clicking links contained within those messages, because they may contain computer viruses.
• Be cautious of individuals representing themselves as victims or officials asking for donations via email or social networking sites.
• Beware of organizations with copycat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
• Rather than following a purported link to a website, verify the existence and legitimacy of non-profit organizations by using Internet-based resources.
• Be cautious of emails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files, because those files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
• To ensure that contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make donations directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
• Do not be pressured into making contributions; reputable charities do not use coercive tactics.
• Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions. Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
• Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by debit or credit card, or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
• Legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services.
• Most legitimate charities maintain websites ending in .org rather than .com.

In addition to raising public awareness, the NCDF is the intake center for all disaster relief fraud. Therefore, if you observe that someone has submitted a fraudulent claim for disaster relief, or observe any other suspected fraudulent activities pertaining to the receipt of government funds as part of disaster relief or clean up, please contact the NCDF.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud by a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of hurricane victims, or if you discover fraudulent disaster relief claims submitted by a person or organization, contact the NCDF by phone at (866) 720-5721, fax at (225) 334-4707 or email at disaster@leo.gov.

You can also report suspicious e-mail solicitations or fraudulent websites to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

SpamScams.net

http://www.net-security.org/secworld.php?id=13656

SpamScams.net

http://www.darkreading.com/vulnerability-management/167901026/security/attacks-breaches/240007496/new-tdss-tdl4-malware-infects-46-of-fortune-500.html

Dark Reading posted the following article on September 18, 2012. Click through to read more.

SpamScams.net

The IC3 has received thousands of complaints regarding pay day loan scams over the last three years and continues to see new variations of the scam.

The scam involves victims who are relentlessly contacted, via the telephone, at their residences and places of employment. The subjects claim the victims are delinquent on a payday loan and must repay the loan to avoid legal consequences. The subjects use coercion techniques such as harassment, threats, and claims that they were representatives of government agencies and law firms. Only some of the victims have reported previously applying for a payday loan, others said they have never made such an application.

The subjects seem to have accurate information on the victims, including social security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, employer information, bank account numbers, names and telephone numbers of relatives and friends.

The subjects refuse to provide any details of the alleged payday loans and become abusive when questioned. Victims are threatened with legal actions, arrests and, in some cases, physical violence if they refuse to pay. Some have been told there was an outstanding warrant for their arrest. Many reported that subjects have also harassed their relatives, friends, and employers. In a couple of instances, the subjects came to the victims' places of employment and residences claiming to be process servers.

Over the last couple of months, the scam has evolved from just receiving telephone calls to also receiving official-looking emails purportedly from the United States Attorney. The emails reference the FBI, court proceedings, and serious allegations. Allegations include violation of federal banking regulations such as collateral check fraud, theft by deception, and fraudulently conducting electronic fund transfers. Recipients were instructed to contact the subject within 48 hours of receiving the email.

To educate consumers and reduce the number of victims of this scam, the IC3 has posted two Public Service Announcements (PSA) warning consumers. The first PSA was posted in December 2010 and the most recent was posted in February 2012. Both PSAs are available at http://www.ic3.gov/media/2012/120221.aspx and http://www.ic3.gov/media/2010/101201.aspx.

SpamScams.net

The IC3 has recently received reports regarding a scam that baits individuals into intimate online conversations and then extorting them for financial gain.

The scam was initiated after the victims met someone online, such as on a dating site, and were asked to connect via a specific online social network. Shortly after, the conversations became sexual in nature. Later, victims received text messages, either containing their names, asking if it was them or containing a statement that indicated their names were posted on a particular website.

The victims were provided a link to a page on the website that claimed they were a "cheater." Photos of the victims and their telephone numbers were also posted. There was an option to view and buy the posted conversations for $9. Victims were also given the option to have their names and conversations removed for $99. Some were even told that once the payment was made, the information would be removed within an hour and the website would not allow anyone to post anything pertaining to the victims' names again. However, reports do not indicate that the information was ever removed.

SpamScams.net

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SpamScams.net