Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

October 2023

Decoding Synthetic Identity Fraud in the Evolving AI Landscape

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence is a two-sided coin. Fraud protection software, like INETCO BullzAI, harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to offer fraud protection against financial criminals and cyber attackers. Conversely, fraudsters can weaponize the same technology to steal funds. A prominent example of this connection is synthetic identity fraud. This payment fraud vector often employs AI and deepfakes.

Amazon-themed PDF Phishing, Abusing LinkedIn and Twitter, Targets Microsoft Live Outlook Users

In August 2023, Netskope Threat Labs highlighted an increase in downloads of PDF phishing attachments in Microsoft Live Outlook, caused by a series of phishing campaigns targeting users of the email service. We took a closer look and found that these campaigns are mostly Amazon-themed scams with a few Apple and IRS-themed phishing attempts sprinkled throughout. Just like in our previously reported phishing blog posts, attackers are abusing free services in these campaigns.

Work-From-Home Job Scams You Should Know About

Some common Work-From-Home (WFH) job scams you should be aware of include reshipping job scams, MLM job scams, job placement service scams, envelope stuffing and data entry job scams. Continue reading to learn about the most common work-from-home scams you should be aware of, the signs that point to a work-from-home job scam and how to avoid becoming a victim.

The Peril of Child Identity Theft and How to Mitigate It

We often hear of how we need to protect ourselves from online scams. Criminals seek our personal information in order to use it for multiple nefarious purposes. However, there is a population who, while not having a broad online presence, are equally vulnerable to identity theft. Children are particularly vulnerable to identity theft, as they often have clean credit histories and their personal information is not monitored as closely as adults.

Can You Get Hacked by Replying to a Scam Text?

No, you cannot get hacked by replying to a scam text, but you can get hacked from a scam text if you click on a malicious link the scammer sends you. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost a total of $330 million from scam texts in 2022, making scam texts a serious threat to your online security. Continue reading to learn how to spot scam texts and the common scam text tactics that scammers use.

Common Venmo Scams To Avoid

Common Venmo scams include phishing scams, offers of fake prizes and cash rewards, fake payments and more. The more aware you are of common Venmo scams, the better you can avoid falling for them and losing money. Continue reading to learn some of Venmo’s most common scams, what to do if you’re scammed on Venmo and how to stay safe when using Venmo.

Beware of Fake iPhone 15 Upgrade Emails

With the new iPhone 15 release, scammers are taking advantage by impersonating mobile carriers or Apple support, claiming their target is eligible for a free or discounted iPhone upgrade. The scammer’s goal is to get their target to provide personal and financial information which is then used to attempt identity theft or make unauthorized charges. Read on to learn what signs to look out for and what to do if you fall victim to this iPhone 15 scam.

[HEADS UP] Aurora Police Department Warns of Contactless Payment Processors Scams

If you didn't trust contactless payment processors before, you really won't after hearing about this recent scam. The Aurora Police Department Economic Crimes Unit posted this tweet last week with a warning: Source: Twitter In a statement by Aurora Police Sergeant's Dan Courtenay on how cybercriminals obtain the user data to FOX31, “Now they have Bluetooth, where they can just sit in the parking lot of the gas station and it feeds right onto their laptop,” Courtenay said.