– Scams

1. The ‘Brushing’ Envelope Scam

• What it is: You receive an unsolicited, often empty, white envelope at your home.
• The danger: Scammers use your address to create fake “verified buyer” accounts on platforms like Amazon to post fraudulent positive reviews. These envelopes may also contain malicious QR codes designed to install malware or steal data from your phone when scanned.
• What to do: Do not scan the QR code. Report the package to the retailer (e.g., Amazon) as an unsolicited “brushing scam” and change your account password.

2. Social Media & Employment Scams

• The danger: Fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies on Facebook and WhatsApp to lure victims into fake job opportunities or high-yield cryptocurrency investment schemes. Victims are often coached by “mentors” and lose significant life savings through wire transfers.
• Red flags: Never pay money to secure a job or “work” for a company. Be wary of remote job offers that communicate exclusively via encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp.

3. Microsoft 365 & Tech Support Scams

• The danger: Attackers send phishing emails to Microsoft 365 users that lead to fake verification pages, allowing them to hijack your email and OneDrive accounts without needing your password. Additionally, “scareware” pop-ups on your computer may freeze your screen and instruct you to call a fake support number.
• What to do: Never click unsolicited links or call numbers on pop-up ads. If a pop-up appears, restart your computer immediately. Check your account settings regularly for unknown devices and remove them.