January 2023 | Phishing Scams

Welcome 2023

Let us celebrate the New Year with a fresh start and a positive outlook for the future ahead.

 With the New Year comes new scams, cons and fraud tactics. Cybercriminals are constantly changing how they swindle and con people out of their money to stay ahead of law enforcement. Be aware of suspicious activity on your bank account, suspicious phone calls and email. Through technology, fraudsters can use very convincing information, graphics and programs to make them appear legitimate.

Here are some scams that we may see more of in the future.

Phishing is at an all-time high, and is still one of the most successful threats when it comes to online fraud.

The most common companies impersonated by phishers are Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Apple, and Paypal.

Even after companies worldwide began implementing security tactics like hardware-based authentication and awareness training, the phishing threat has only continued to increase. Google’s threat analysis group was at one point blocking around 800 million COVID-19-themed phishing emails per day.

Even now, security experts are working to develop new training methods to create an awareness that will serve as the front line of defense against phishing attacks. By 2022, we expect phishing to be an even greater threat than it is today.

For more information click here.

Identity Theft occurs when someone steals your personal information to commit fraud. No matter how much goes missing, you should take action.

IRS Imposter Scams- IRS imposter scams occur when someone contacts you pretending to work for the IRS. The imposter may contact you by phone, email, postal mail, or even a text message. There are two common types of scams:

Tax collection - You receive a phone call or letter, claiming that you owe taxes. They will demand that you pay the amount immediately, usually with a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. They may even threaten to arrest you if you don’t pay.

Verification - You receive an email or text message that requires you to verify your personal information. The message often includes a hyperlink phrase which reads “click here.” Or, you may see a button that links you to a fraudulent form or website.

Telephone Scams- Telephone scammers try to steal your money or personal information. Scams may come through phone calls from real people, robocalls, or text messages. Callers often make false promises, such as opportunities to buy products, invest your money, or receive free product trials. They may also offer you money through free grants and lotteries. Some scammers may call with threats of jail or lawsuits if you don’t pay them.

Banking Scams- Banking scams involve attempts to access your bank account. Use this information to recognize, report, and protect yourself from them.

Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams- Prize scammers try to get your money or personal information through fake lotteries, sweepstakes, or other contests. Many claim that you’ve won a prize but must pay a fee to collect it. Others require you to provide personal information to enter a “contest.” These scams may reach you by postal mail, email, phone call, robocall, or text message.

For more information, click here. 

Help the Winter Springs Police Department: 

Be a crime-stopper, not a victim. Lock your car and report suspicious activity. 

Emergency | 911

Non-Emergency | 407-327-1000