Technology

Don’t fall for this email scam that almost cost an elderly woman $25K

Published

1 month ago

May 25, 2024

Press Room

Don’t fall for this email scam that almost cost an elderly woman $25K

Unfortunately, phishing scams seem to be the new normal.

Most recently, an elderly woman in the tri-state area almost got scammed for $25,000.

According to Patch.com, what began as an average phishing scam turned even more sinister when the scammer turned up at this elderly victim’s house to retrieve money physically.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson has a warning about an email scam. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Geek Squad scammer caught in elaborate phishing scheme

While this Geek Squad scam isn’t new, this scammer took it to new lows and got caught in the process. In this particular scam, scammers send their victims phishing emails pretending to send them a large invoice for their Geek Squad subscription. The email recipients usually panic at the large charge and call the customer service telephone number listed in the scam email and invoice.

The scammer then pretends to be the customer service representative helping to cancel or refund the charge. They’ll usually use that moment as an opportunity to confirm bank account information with the victim to steal their money later. Even if you simply click on their links or download the invoice from the email, there is a potential risk that viruses or malware have been downloaded onto your device.

A woman on her cellphone and laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: THE ‘UNSUBSCRIBE’ EMAIL SCAM IS TARGETING AMERICANS

Elderly victim foils scammer’s elaborate plot

The elderly victim gave her bank account number and remote access to her computer. The scam, however, doesn’t just stop there. The scammer went a step further and proceeded to convince this elderly woman that they had accidentally refunded a fake $25,000 into her bank account by mistake and that he needed her to withdraw $20,000 in cash initially for him to pick up with arrangements to pick up the remaining $5,000 the following day. This is when the elderly woman called her local authorities. Thankfully, the authorities set up surveillance and apprehended the scammer when he came to collect the $20,000.

Perhaps the elderly victim lucked out that this scammer had an extra level of greed: combining multiple scams into one.

A woman stressed out while on a phone call. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: 7 EFFECTIVE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE SECURE AND PRIVATE ONLINE

How do you prevent this scam from happening to you?

Know your subscriptions: The better you know what active subscriptions you currently pay for, the less likely you are to realize such emails are fake.

Organize your invoices: If you’re still receiving emails or physical invoices, keep track of when they usually arrive. Invoices, for better or worse, come regularly and on a consistent schedule. If something shows up in an unusual form (an email instead of a letter in the mail per usual) or at a particular time, you are more likely to stop yourself from falling for this type of scam.

Go to the official website for contact information. If the scammers happen to pick a company that you do subscribe to, it can be even easier to fall for this type of scam. But before clicking any links, downloading any invoices or calling the number listed, you can google the company’s official website and use the contact information there. If the company did indeed send you a bill, they should be able to help you with the refund or confirm whether you were sent legitimate communications.

Watch for language and tone of voice: Most legitimate companies go out of their way to specially train their employees to provide their customers with excellent service. They are trained not to lose their temper, so if you happen to be on a call with a scammer, they often don’t use professional language or have a professional demeanor. If you push back on providing certain information, a real customer service agent wouldn’t make any threats or demands. Providing Social Security numbers or bank account information is usually frowned upon for security reasons by legitimate companies. Legitimate companies typically have other ways to validate your identity and account information. You can always hang up the phone if you get overwhelmed on a call! After all, an honest company doesn’t disappear after one disconnection.

Setup payments electronically: If you have your subscriptions paid electronically on a regular basis, you’ll know that you shouldn’t be receiving an additional invoice for a subscription service. Additionally, if you are paying with a credit card, you can try to use a specific card for all your subscriptions so you know where and when to expect the charges. You’ll also know that certain bank information shouldn’t be relevant to paying an invoice if you get one of these phishing emails. For instance, why is the scammer asking for bank account information when you charge your subscriptions on a credit card, etc.?

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson shares his caution about an email scam. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SCAMMERS ARE USING FAKE NEWS, MALICIOUS LINKS TO TARGET YOU IN AN EMOTIONAL FACEBOOK PHISHING TRAP

What to do next if you’ve been scammed?

These scammers could have obtained your email address through various methods, from email harvesting to purchasing it from the dark web; below are some active steps you can take to protect yourself if you feel you have been scammed:

1. Change passwords: For any accounts that might have been accessed or mentioned to or by the scammer, you should log in from a secure, virus- and malware-free device and change your password immediately. It is best to create unique and complex passwords, including letters, symbols and numbers, for each separate online account. If you need help generating and storing complex passwords, consider using a password manager.

2. Keep an eye on all your accounts and credit consistently: Contact the financial institution and explain the situation for all accounts impacted by the potential scammer. They can help you freeze or lock your account, so these scammers have little or no access to your money. Contact the three main credit bureaus to freeze your credit. This will prevent anyone, including hackers, from wreaking havoc on your credit. Make sure to report any errors on your credit reports with the credit agencies. Remember that you are allowed a free annual credit report. If there are too many accounts for you to keep track of regularly, a credit monitoring service can help by constantly monitoring and alerting you of any account changes or problems.

3. Setup alerts for financial accounts: Most financial institutions offer financial alerts or restrictions for all transactions for checking accounts and cards. Do use them so you can be notified of any fraudulent transactions immediately. The faster you can report these charges to your financial institution, the more likely you can stop the scammers in their tracks.

4. Enable two-factor authentication for any account impacted by the phishing scam: This would include your financial accounts and email address. If you have this additional layer of security on, the hacker or scammer would have to send a code to another device or account to gain access, even with your password.

5. Get Identity Theft Protection: While getting an identity theft service seems overkill, many identity theft protection services can help you when your accounts get compromised. They continually monitor the dark web and your financial accounts to see if any crucial personal information like your email addresses or bank account information is compromised or up for sale on the dark web. Getting those alerts immediately allows you to act faster and take the above-mentioned steps. If you have already given out your information to a potential scammer, you should follow these steps to ensure that your identity hasn’t been stolen. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

6. Use strong antivirus software: If you have antivirus software installed on the device where the scam email was received and any links clicked or attachments downloaded, run a scan on that device to identify suspicious software, delete it, and restart your device. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

7. Call the local authorities: While you hope never to encounter a scammer like the elderly woman who was victimized, if you feel unsafe and uncertain about how scammers will use your information, definitely reach out to local authorities.

DON’T CLICK THAT LINK! HOW TO SPOT AND PREVENT PHISHING ATTACKS IN YOUR INBOX

Kurt’s key takeaways

While there is little you can do about your digital information swimming around the internet, there are active steps you can take to protect yourself from these types of phishing scams. In the worst-case scenario, there are also ways to prevent further compromise if you fall victim.

Have you been a victim of a phishing scam? How did you find out it was a scam? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Meta tests Vision Pro-like freeform virtual screen placement for Quest headsets

Published

5 hours ago

June 25, 2024

Press Room

Meta tests Vision Pro-like freeform virtual screen placement for Quest headsets

Meta is testing a feature for its Quest headsets that allows you to place windows freely, similar to the Apple Vision Pro. Multitasking with multiple windows has been part of Meta Horizon OS (formerly Meta Quest OS) for a few years now, but currently, it only supports three virtual windows docked in a side-by-side layout.

It brings the Quest 3, in particular, a step closer to Apple’s spatial computing when used in mixed reality mode, but from the video, it doesn’t seem to work quite the same way. You can freely move up to three windows from 2D apps — such as the browser or OS windows like your library and settings — around your space and keep another three docked.

Other demos suggest that the windows will only remember their placement within a limited distance and return to their default positions should you switch orientation or reset the view. We haven’t tested it yet ourselves to know the full limitations here, but it looks promising.

The update also allows you to switch between curved and flat windows, as well as a dimmer that lowers the brightness of virtual environments while using 2D apps. (The latter doesn’t yet work for passthrough mode.)

The Apple Vision Pro allows you to move windows around whichever space you’re in and keep them locked in place even while you move around and after you take the headset off. That way, you can have a window sitting next to your refrigerator and another positioned alongside the TV in your living room, and then walk to and from the windows as if they’re actual objects.

Technology

Why US surgeon general wants warning label on social media

Published

5 hours ago

June 25, 2024

Press Room

Why US surgeon general wants warning label on social media

Let’s face it, social media has become a mixed bag. Sure, it promised to connect us all in ways we never imagined, but let’s be real: The downsides are starting to overshadow the upsides.

It’s funny how your birth year can totally shape your view on this digital playground. Some of us might shrug off the issues, thinking, “No big deal,” while others are going to extremes, ditching their smartphones for old-school flip phones just to escape the social media circus. It’s like we’re all trying to figure out our own social media survival strategies.

And then there are the parents. Oh boy, are they in for a ride, especially if they’ve got teenagers. They’re busy crafting rules faster than you can say “TikTok,” hoping to keep their kids safe in this wild digital world. But here’s the kicker: It feels like they’re running a never-ending race. Just when they think they’ve got a handle on things, boom, another app or platform pops up, and they’re back to square one. It’s like trying to nail jelly to a wall – frustrating, messy and seemingly impossible.

Welcome to the social media age, folks, where the only constant is change.

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Mom and daughter looking at social media (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The dangers of social media

Social media platforms have become integral to our daily lives, but the impact they have had on mental health, productivity and even politics has gotten progressively worse over the years. Though awareness has been raised on this issue, which has helped people learn how to create boundaries for it, we’re still not able to stay ahead of what social media will do next.

Here are just some of the dangers of social media:

1) Exposure to scammers: Children and adolescents are vulnerable to online scams and fraudulent schemes.

2) Excessive screen time: Prolonged use of social media can lead to physical and mental health issues, including eye strain, poor posture and disrupted sleep patterns.

3) Dopamine-driven notifications: Frequent notifications can create addictive behavior patterns, leading to increased anxiety and reduced ability to focus.

4) Negative body image: Social media often promotes unrealistic body standards, contributing to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.

5) Cyberbullying: Many young users face harassment and bullying online, which can lead to severe psychological distress.

6) Exposure to inaccurate news: The spread of misinformation and fake news on social media can influence young minds and contribute to anxiety and confusion.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET

What the US surgeon general wants to put into place

This isn’t the first time that issues concerning social media have reached the government. Most recently, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to introduce a warning label on social media apps to highlight the potential harm these platforms pose to young people.

Murthy’s push for this warning label aligns with longstanding concerns from youth advocates and lawmakers who have criticized social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat for their detrimental effects on children. These effects include contributing to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, vulnerability to predators, and, in the worst cases, suicide.

In fact, according to the NIH, “…age-adjusted suicide rates have steadily increased over the past decade in the United States with suicide being the second most common cause of death in youth. Hence, the increase in suicide rate parallels the simultaneous increase in social media use. In addition, the rate of non-suicidal self-injury ranges between 14% and 21% among young people.”

In the meantime, according to the article, “New York state lawmakers this month passed legislation to bar social media platforms from exposing “addictive” algorithmic content to users under age 18 without parental consent.”

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMMERS

Teenager looking at social media (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BALANCING THE PROS AND CONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA SCREEN TIME

What we can expect to happen if this goes through

If this warning does get approved through Congress, it would, of course, take some time before we actually see “warning labels,” and it’s unclear what that would actually look like. But if it did happen, here’s what could potentially happen:

Pros:

Increased awareness: Warning labels could make parents and adolescents more aware of the potential mental health risks associated with social media use.

Behavioral change: Similar to the impact of tobacco warning labels, these could encourage healthier social media habits and reduce usage among vulnerable groups.

Pressure on social media companies: Companies may be compelled to implement stricter safety measures and better content moderation practices to avoid legal and public relations issues.

Cons:

Resistance from tech companies: Powerful social media companies may lobby against the legislation, leading to protracted legal battles and potential delays in implementation.

Perceived insufficiency: Warning labels alone may be seen as a minimal effort, insufficient to address the deeper, systemic issues of social media’s impact on mental health.

Potential stigma: Warning labels could unintentionally stigmatize social media use, leading to fear or anxiety rather than informed, balanced usage.

An adult on social media (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How you can protect yourself in the meantime

Depending on what your own stance is on social media, the fact of the matter is that it does have the potential to harm too many vulnerable people, especially children and teenagers. And if you’re not in this demographic but still struggle with managing your social media usage, then there are some ways you can limit your time:

1) Set boundaries: This is not easy for everyone, but make it your goal to limit screen time and establish specific times of day for checking social media to prevent overuse. You can check how much time you’re on the screen by looking up the “screen-time” function on your device.

2) Manage notifications: Turn off non-essential notifications to reduce constant interruptions and the dopamine-driven urge to check your phone.

3) Don’t give away sensitive information online: Always be careful of what information and photos you put online. It’s never too difficult for someone to find.

4) Log out of social media on your phone: Not having the social media apps installed on your device and logging off of them on the browser (they make it easy to log back in with one click, so you’ll need to go the extra mile) can help you get off social media.

5) Don’t take things personally: Though social media can be a dangerous tool, and any harassment, stalking or other misconduct should be reported to the authorities, most negative people on social media are “trolls.” Ignore them, don’t engage with them, and report them to the platform, if need be.

6) Get a dumb phone: Many people are trading in their smartphones for a dumb phone, which helps them to get off of social media.

7) Install parental controls: Phones, laptops and other tablets come with parental controls that parents can use to limit their child’s social media activity. But it’s important to also talk about the dangers of social media with them, and if they are allowed on it, what the ground rules are. Get my top four child monitoring programs of 2024.

HOW TO TAME THE BARRAGE OF STEALTHY SOCIAL MEDIA NOTIFICATIONS AND REGAIN CONTROL

Kurt’s key takeaways

Social media is fine if used appropriately, responsibly and in moderation. But its potential to do harm is something that’s important to take seriously, especially if you’re a parent and/or someone who has already suffered from anxiety or depression. Essentially, if what it’s taking from you is more than what it’s giving to you, it may be time to reconsider your relationship with your social media platforms or at least put some restrictions on it.

Do you enforce social media restrictions on yourself and/or your children? If so, why? And what are your thoughts on putting a warning label on social media platforms? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Technology

This Matter-enabled smart ceiling light costs under $100

Published

13 hours ago

June 25, 2024

Press Room

This Matter-enabled smart ceiling light costs under $100

Developed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung (and others), Matter is an open-sourced, IP-based connectivity software layer for smart home devices. It works over Wi-Fi, ethernet, and the low-power mesh networking protocol Thread and currently supports over 30 device types. These include lighting, thermostats, locks, refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, ovens, smoke alarms, air quality monitors, EV chargers, and more.

A smart home gadget with the Matter logo can be set up and used with any Matter-compatible ecosystem via a Matter controller and controlled by them simultaneously, a feature called Multi-Admin.

Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple Home are some major smart home platforms supporting Matter, along with hundreds of device manufacturers.