Scammers Exploit Government Shutdown In Emails, Police Say

Email scammers are using the government shutdown to swindle people, the Pennsylvania State Police warn in a Facebook post. 

For example, bad actors are sending emails, claiming to be from a government office. They tell intended victims that their federal benefit direct deposits will be cut off unless they verify their bank information.  

The person is instructed to click on a link to a site that downloads malware. 

Such scams are also being conducted through telephone calls and web pop-ups. The phone calls often feature a spoofed local number to make them look authentic.

Typically, these messages threaten people with loss of Medicare benefits. 

Police also warn of fake job offers that are sent to furloughed workers. Such postings demand an application fee.

The Federal Trade Commission consumer complaint system is non-operational due to the shutdown, they add.

In another scheme not related to the shutdown, cyber criminals are offering pre-approved loans or grants, but demand personal bank information to deposit the money.

The police note that government agencies rarely, if ever, call or send emails to people. And they will not ask for personal information by phone or email

Consumers are advised to not open links from an email that contains spelling mistakes or bad grammar, and to never provide personal information such as a Social Security number, bank account information, credit card details or birth date.

The police conclude: “Above all, use common sense. If something does not seem right, it probably is not right.”

 

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