HOT Cybersecurity Scam Alerts

06/20/2025

Come on out and listen to JD Segovia cybersecurity awareness discussion.

Free Cyber security awareness course.
June 21, 10 AM to 11:30 AM
presented by John Segovia

 This course is designed to help you recognize common scam such as phishing emails, fraudulent phone calls, and fake websites. The course will also cover safe online shopping, social media privacy, password protection and how to avoid identity theft. With real life, examples hands-on demonstrations, impractical tips. Participants will leave this course better equipped to spot. Red flags protect their personal information and enjoy the benefits of technology with a peace of mind.

02/15/2025

🚨 Cyber Scam Alert: Protect Yourself from AI Voice Scams! 🚨
Cybercriminals are using AI-generated voice cloning to impersonate loved ones, banks, or even your boss! These scams are especially targeting Central Texas residents with urgent requests for money or sensitive information.

🔎 How It Works:
✅ Scammers gather voice samples from social media or calls.
✅ AI clones the voice to make fake urgent calls.
✅ Victims send money or share private details, believing it's real.

💡 Stay Safe:
🔹 Verify before you act – Call the person back on a trusted number.
🔹 Use a safe word – A unique phrase only you and your family know.
🔹 Limit personal info online – Keep voice recordings private.

⚠️ If You’re Targeted: Report it to the FTC and local law enforcement immediately!

02/15/2025

Can you spot a Phising e-mail? Test your skills with the Google E-Mail Phishing Quiz

https://phishingquiz.withgoogle.com/

Post your results! Who can score a 100%

Can you spot when you're being phished?

02/15/2025

I was lucky enough to receive a classic job offer via text from an unknown number. I did engage, simply to have a little fun and waste some of their time. I plan to post updates as I string them along.

Red Flags:
1. Unknown number offering me work
2. Getting paid daily
3. Required to shift conversation to WhatsApp

Do not play along as I am. These people will "overpay" you with a fake check. Ask you to wire back the difference, then the check they paid you with gets returned. They win and you lose. Once you wire the money, it is unrecoverable.

The check will NOT clear. They understand that the check will bounce around in the banking system for 7-10 days before being rejected. They will resort to high pressure tactics to get you to send them a wire transfer.

Remember, slow down and verify.

02/14/2025

🚨 Toll Tag Smishing Scam Alert! 🚨

Scammers are targeting drivers with fake text messages claiming unpaid tolls. Don't fall for it! Here’s how to stay protected:

🔴 How It Works:
You receive a text claiming you owe money for an unpaid toll, urging you to click a link to avoid penalties. The link leads to a fake website designed to steal your payment info and personal data.

💡 How to Spot the Scam:
✅ Toll agencies don’t text you payment requests—verify through official websites.
✅ Watch for spelling errors & suspicious links in messages.
✅ Never click links from unknown senders—go directly to your toll provider’s website instead.

🛑 What to Do If You Get One:
❌ Don’t reply or click any links.
⚠️ Report the scam to your toll agency.
🔄 Block the sender to avoid future attacks.

🔐 Stay vigilant, protect your data, and don’t let scammers take a toll on your wallet!

Post any images you may have of this type of scam!

02/14/2025

💘 Love is in the Air… and So Are Scammers! 💘

Cybercriminals use Valentine’s Day to prey on emotions and steal personal data. Protect yourself and your loved ones with these cybersecurity tips:

🔴 Romance Scams: If someone you just met online professes love too quickly or asks for money—🚨 it’s a red flag!
📦 Gift Scams: Fake online stores advertise "exclusive" Valentine’s deals but disappear after stealing your credit card info. Verify sellers before you buy!
💌 Phishing Emails: Be wary of "secret admirer" emails or e-cards. Clicking unknown links can expose you to malware.

💡 Stay Cyber-Smart & Love Safe This Valentine’s Day! ❤️💻

02/13/2025

Chase Bank reports that 50% of scams reported to Chase originate on social media. Many of Chase customers are reporting that scammers on social media asked them to send their payment with Zelle or Wires.

Avoid sellers who require certain forms of payment. These payment types do not have purchase protection. If you use them to pay a scammer you most likely will not get your money back. Payment types include, cash, checks, Crypto, Gift Cards, Wire Transfers and Zelle.

Be on the alert for fake ads. These are real scams happening right now. Deceptive ads, shady listings, and fake profiles.

Slow down and verify.

Any of you dealt with any of these type of scams? Let us know.

02/12/2025

Online Dating and Romance Scams

Love is in the air and online, but so are cybercriminals.

Almost a third of Americans said they used an online dating service or app according to a recent Pew survey, and 10% of people in a relationship said that they met their partner online. These stats are even higher for younger people. Unfortunately, though, all this online romance creates opportunities for scammers. Ick!

What is a Romance Scam?
Romance scams are also called sweetheart scams, which refer to scams involving online dating. Essentially, a bad actor creates a fake online profile, fires up the charm, and attempts to stir up romantic feelings in potential victims. After some not-so-innocent flirtation, eventually, the scammer asks for money.

Pay attention to red flags
Romance scammers try to be as convincing as possible, which can now include using artificial intelligence-powered deepfake video or audio technology. Still, many cybercriminals follow a similar scammy pattern. Look out for some red flags when cybersurfing for love:

The person requests money for urgent matters, such as medical expenses or a plane ticket to see you. Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.

The person requests hard-to-track forms of payment, like pre-loaded gift cards.

The person claims to live far away from you, often in a foreign country. They might also say they are in the military and serving overseas.

The person breaks promises to see you in person.

The person wants to push the conversation from the dating app to other messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram.

The relationship feels like it is moving very fast.

Break up with scammers
If you suspect you or a loved one are the victim of a romance scams, take action:

Immediately stop communicating with the scammer.

Note any identifiable information you may have on them, such as their email address or phone number. Take screenshots and write down any contact information.

Contact your bank or credit card company if you’ve been scammed out of money.

File a report with your local police department.

Report the scam to the FTC and the FBI.

Alert the website, platform, or app where you met the scammer. They might have more information on the scammer that can help investigators.

Did you know?
Americans reported losing a heartbreaking $1.3 billion to romance scams in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission, and the number is likely higher due to underreporting.

Safeguard your heart (and wallet) from scammers
By adopting a few privacy habits, you can limit what scammers can learn about you:

Share with care: Think before posting about yourself and others on social media or online dating services. Consider what a post reveals and who can see it.

Check your settings: Consider setting your social media profiles to “private”. This makes it harder for scammers to target and communicate with you.

Think before you click: Be wary of messages that push you for immediate action or ask for personal information. This is a red flag for phishing. Never share personal info via email or text if you do not know the sender.

Use reverse image search: Do a reverse image search of the flirty account’s profile picture. You may see that image belongs to a completely different person, or has been affiliated with different online identities. If this is the case, there is a high chance the person behind the fake profile picture is trying to scam you.

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02/12/2025

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Fake Bank Text Messages Targeting HOT! 🚨
🔴 Beware of Fake Banking Alerts! Scammers are sending text messages pretending to be from your bank, claiming your account is locked or there’s suspicious activity. Their goal? To steal your login details and drain your account!

🔍 How to Spot the Scam:
❌ Urgent Message – "Your account is locked! Click here to verify now!"
❌ Suspicious Link – A fake website that looks real but steals your info.
❌ Unknown Sender – Banks never text you for personal info.

✅ What to Do Instead:
✔ DO NOT click links in unexpected texts.
✔ Contact your bank directly if unsure.
✔ Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

💬 Have you received a fake bank text recently? Drop a screenshot (without personal info) in the comments! 👇

📲 Share this post to warn others!

02/12/2025

👋 Welcome to HOT Cybersecurity Scam Alerts!🔐🚀

We're here to keep Central Texas safe from online threats, scams, and cyber fraud. Every week, we’ll share real-time scam alerts, cybersecurity tips, and expert advice to help you protect yourself and your community.

✅ Stay informed on the latest phishing, identity theft, and online fraud scams.
✅ Learn simple cybersecurity tips to keep your accounts and devices safe.
✅ Engage with us! Ask questions, report scams, and share your experiences.

💬 Question of the Day: What’s the most suspicious message or email you’ve ever received? Drop it in the comments! 👇

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