Thursday, February 26, 2026

If you think or have been the subject of a Cyber SCAM or Crime - Please read this!

Recently, several of our SCHH neighbors we the subject of attempted cyber crime.  We are currently working with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and they have provided the following guidance (below in BOLD).  To begin the reporting process, please call their NON-EMERGENCY number at 843.524.2777.  Also, see below is a draft data sheet with the type of questions they will have, please have this info handy when you speak to them.

"Have the victim of the crime ask to report the incident.  A report with us will document the incident and then go to our investigations and they can investigate the incident.  
    Also they can report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at IC3.gov and to the Internet Crimes Complaint Center Reportfraud.ftc.gov

Master Sergeant Robert Herlong

Crime Prevention / Public Affairs  

Beaufort County Sheriff's Office

2001 Duke Street, 

P.O. Box 1758

Beaufort, SC 29901

(843) 255-3406


ESSENTIAL DATA ELEMENTS FOR REPORTING A CYBER RELATED INCIDENT

 

WHO IS SUBMITTING THIS REPORT:   (   )  Victim or (   )  Assisting Individual: Name of Assistant:_____________

TODAY’S DATE:  ________________________

VICTIM NAME: ____________________________________

PHONE NUMBER:  ___________________________  (  ) Cell Phone        ( ) Home Phone

EMAIL Address:   ______________________________

Physical Address:  __________________________________________________

Age: (  ) Under 60   (   ) 60 to 70    (  ) 70 and above

Is this a Personal or Business Related Incident? (  )  Personal      (  ) Business

Was any MONEY lost during this incident?  (  ) Yes   (  ) No

If MONEY was lost during this incident, what type of TRANSACTION was involved (choose from the list below)    

Cash  Check  Crypto Currency  Debit Card  Credit Card  Money Order  Cash Xfer (VENMO)  Wire Xfer

AMOUNT:  _______________

TRANSACTION DATE:  _______________________

Have you already contacted your Bank?   Yes    No    BANK NAME/Address: _________________________

                      Please have your BANK INFO readily available (Name, Account number, etc)

WHO was the transfer made TO:  (Name, Address, Account information, etc)  _______________________

ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU HAVE ABOUT THE SCAMMER/CRIMINAL:

              Name: ________________________      Address:  ______________________   

              Phone: _______________________        Email Address: _________________

Were there any witnesses?   Name: ______________  Phone Number:__________________

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL FOR THE INDICDENT REPORT:

              How were you initially contacted by the Scammer:  Email?  Phone Call?  Please provide as much detail as possible (time, date, etc). 


Wednesday, February 25, 2026

This new phone scam has 'carriers' calling to exchange your device - don't fall for it!

The next time you receive a new mobile phone through the mail, be wary if someone calls claiming that you were sent the wrong device and that you need to return it. That could be a scammer looking to get their hands on your expensive new gadget.


Click here to read the article.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is March 1 – 7, 2026

 NCPW is a time to talk about frauds, scams, and consumer rights. Help spread the word in your community. Join the FTC and partners in conversation about how to avoid, report, and recover from fraud.

Click here to access the FTC.GOV web site.

How to avoid a side hustle scam

 As the holiday season becomes an ever more distant memory, the holiday bills might not be. If you’re looking to pick up a side gig to make extra cash, pay down debt, or catch up on some bills, know that scammers are looking to make money, too. One of their hustles is advertising fake jobs. So how do you tell a legit gig from a scam?


Click here to read the article.

Monday, February 23, 2026

Video Article from MSN: How to avoid "GOLD SCAMS"

Scammers are moving beyond gift cards. Here's what you need to know to keep from losing your life savings.

Click here to watch the video

Saturday, February 21, 2026

The hotel key card myth: Why modern travelers are finally changing their habits.

 For decades, hotel guests have been warned about the dangers lurking in their pockets. Keep your room key away from your phone.

Don't put it near your credit cards. That magnetic clasp on your purse?

It's probably destroying your access to the room. These warnings have been repeated so often at front desks across the globe that they've become accepted as universal truth.


Click here to read the article.

Why 'locking' your Social Security number is the new credit freeze.

Your Social Security Number (SSN) was never designed to be the "master key" for your entire financial life, yet in 2026, that is exactly what it has become. In an era where data breaches are practically a weekly occurrence and AI-powered scammers can generate convincing fake identities in seconds, simply "guarding" your nine-digit number is no longer enough.

Click here to read the article.

Someone just looked at you and pulled up your name, job and home address. You didn’t notice.

 Meta is adding facial recognition to its Ray-Ban smart glasses. Anyone wearing a pair of sunglasses can look at you and instantly pull up your personal details. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Click here to read the article.

AI can clone your voice in 3 seconds. Here’s how scammers are using it against you

 Voice cloning tools are cheap, easy to use and terrifyingly accurate. Scammers use them to fool families, coworkers and even banks. OpenAI’s CEO says voice authentication is broken.


Click here to read the article.

Criminals are using Zillow to plan break-ins. Here’s how to remove your home in 10 minutes.

 An 84-year-old was kidnapped from her home. Retirees in Florida had their sliding glass door shattered at midnight. Two teens dressed as delivery drivers duct-taped a couple in Scottsdale. It all starts the same way: Your address is free online, and Zillow shows them the blueprint.


Click here to read the article.

Ukrainian National Sentenced in ‘Laptop Farm’ Scheme That Generated Income for North Korean IT Workers

 WASHINGTON – Oleksandr Didenko, 29, of Kyiv, Ukraine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 60 months in prison in connection with a years-long scheme that stole the identities of U.S. citizens and sold them to North Korean workers so they could fraudulently gain employment at 40 U.S. companies, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

Click here to read the report.

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Got a letter about unemployment benefits you didn’t file? That’s identity theft

Unemployment benefits can be a life saver if you’re between jobs. But what happens if a scammer misuses your personal information, like your Social Security number (SSN) to file a fraudulent unemployment claim? That’s identity theft.

You might find out someone stole your identity when your state’s unemployment agency or your employer contacts you about unemployment insurance benefits you didn’t file. Don’t ignore the letter, which could lead to problems like wage garnishment or tax identity theft. Instead, take action: focus on moving quickly to stop the damage and protect your personal information.

Click to read the article.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

A new spyware called ZeroDayRat can take over your iPhone or Android via text — here is how to stay safe.

Whether you use an iPhone or an Android phone, hackers have a brand new tool that’s capable of completely hijacking it to steal your data, track your location, log your keystrokes, intercept your 2FA codes and more. The worst part? The tool is sold on the dark web with full customer support in case they run into any problems.

Click here to read the article.

Cybersecurity Tips for Tax Season: How to Protect Your Identity and Refund

Every year around April, scammers ramp up phishing attacks, fake IRS messages, and tax-related identity theft attempts, hoping to steal personal information or redirect refunds.  

Importantly, though, these scams can occur at any time of the year.  

But the good news is that a few habits can dramatically reduce your risk. Whether you file on your own or work with a tax professional, these tax season cybersecurity tips can help keep your data, identity, and your refund safe. 

Click here to read the article.

Why Ransomware Remains One of Cybersecurity’s Most Persistent and Costly Threats

Ransomware is a cybersecurity issue that refuses to disappear. If anything, attacks are becoming more disruptive, difficult to fix and financially costly.  The average ransom demand in 2025 was $1.3 million and over half of payments cost over $1 million. A stark contrast compared with ransomware attacks a decade ago which saw average ransom demands of under $1000 according to a Symantec report published in 2016.

Even when victims refuse to pay a ransom in return for a decryption key, ransomware attacks are still costly. You just have to look at the long-term operational and financial impact ransomware attacks had on organizations like Jaguar Land Rover, Marks & Spencer and Asahi in 2025.

In 2026, there has already been several high-profile ransomware incidents, indicating the problem shows no signs of abating.

The uncomfortable truth is that ransomware has been known to be significant cybersecurity risk to organizations for at least a decade, but it’s also more disruptive than ever before. So, why is this the case?

Click here to read the article.

FOUR Fundamental things to do EVERYDAY to help stay cyber-safe(r)

 

🔐 The steps I follow every single day

1. Use strong, unique passwords. A reused password is basically handing cybercriminals your house key. One breach and they're into everything. Make each one different, make them long, and don't use your dog's name. Sorry, Bella.

2. Turn on two-factor authentication everywhere, and use an authenticator app. SMS codes can be intercepted through something called SIM swapping, where a scammer takes over your phone number. An app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator is the stronger move. Easy to set up, way harder to hack.

3. Don't click links in texts or emails. Got a message saying your account is locked or your package is delayed? Don't tap that link. Go to the website yourself by typing it in your browser. That one habit alone can save you from the majority of phishing scams out there.

4. Keep your devices updated. Most attacks target people running old software with known holes. Those "update later" reminders? Stop ignoring them.

Password managers’ promise that they can’t see your vaults isn’t always true.

 Over the past 15 years, password managers have grown from a niche security tool used by the technology savvy into an indispensable security tool for the masses, with an estimated 94 million US adults—or roughly 36 percent of them—having adopted them. They store not only passwords for pension, financial, and email accounts, but also cryptocurrency credentials, payment card numbers, and other sensitive data.


Click to read the article.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Google Patches First Actively Exploited Chrome Zero-Day of 2026

 Chrome vulnerability

Google released an emergency Chrome update on Friday to patch a zero-day vulnerability that has been exploited in the wild.

Click here to read the article.

Saturday, February 14, 2026

What to do if you're the victim of a romance scam on Valentine's Day

 

What to do if you're the victim of a romance scam on Valentine's Day

If you fall victim to a romance scam on Valentine's Day, then immediately cut off all communication with the scammer and block all forms of contact, experts told Newsday. Sometimes, if notified quickly enough, the Postal Service might be able to intercept mail, said Daniela Lella, a U.S. postal inspector in the New York Division. “Go to local law enforcement and report,” she said. Provide as many details as possible, including screenshots. Lyon said to make sure that the incident is specifically filed as a crime report. New York financial scam victims who are under 18, 60 or older, or disabled may qualify for up to $2,500 in compensation from the state. Experts also advise reporting the crime to the FBI and the FTC. Kathleen Benedetti-Fisher of AARP NY said victims should also call their banks, implement a credit freeze, and change passwords to their financial accounts.

You’re paying a VPN to protect your privacy. But who’s protecting you from the VPN?

 A VPN hides your traffic from your internet provider. But that means the VPN company can see it instead. Here’s how to tell if your VPN is actually trustworthy or just another company collecting your data.

Click here to read the article.

Friday, February 13, 2026

Apple Patches iOS Zero-Day Exploited in ‘Extremely Sophisticated Attack’

 Apple released patches a memory corruption flaw in the dyld component that allowed arbitrary code execution and was exploited in targeted attacks. The vulnerability is linked to two previously patched zero‑days which suggests it was part of a chained exploit used against select individuals. Fixes were issued across iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, with additional updates for older device generations.

Click here to read the article.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

From the FTC: Debt collection: Know your rights, avoid scams

If a debt collector calls, do you know what to do? You have rights. Debt collectors can’t harass, lie, or treat you unfairly — even if you owe the debt. Before you pay, confirm a debt is actually yours — not someone else’s or a scam to get your money. Consider talking to the collector at least once to find out, even if you don’t think you owe the money. To help you avoid a scam, here’s what to do next.

Click here to read the article.

Your personal information is everywhere online — 5 ways to start removing it from the internet

 Your digital footprint is likely much larger than you realize. Every social media post, account signup, and online purchase adds to the trail of personal information scattered across the internet. While completely disappearing from the digital world is nearly impossible, you can significantly reduce your online presence with a few targeted strategies.

Whether you're concerned about privacy, trying to minimize targeted advertising, or simply want a fresh start, these methods will help you take back control of your personal information.

Click here to read the article.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

FTC data highlights online threats to consumers and businesses.

Ransomware and other cyberattacks represent a tiny fraction of the fraud complaints that Americans file with the Federal Trade Commission, the FTC said in a report published on Friday.  The newly released data, contained in an annual report mandated by Congress, underscore the fact that other schemes, such as tech-support scams, are a more persistent threat to consumers and should be top of mind for businesses hoping to avoid their own potential security incidents.

Click here to read the report.

Monday, February 9, 2026

The dark web price list: What criminals pay for your personal data.

Your Social Security number goes for $1. Your complete identity? Under $100. Here’s what’s being sold, who’s buying and why medical records are now worth more than credit cards.

  • Your SSN sells for as little as $1 on the dark web. A complete identity package called fullz goes for $20 to $100.
  • Medical records are worth 10 times more than credit cards because they can be used for fraud, prescription scams and more.
  • Cartels and organized crime have moved into stealing identities because it’s more profitable than selling drugs.

A good article which illustrates why Passkeys will be an important future update.

From January 2026 - "About any type of account imaginable" — 149 million usernames and passwords exposed, and it's way more than just Outlook, OnlyFans, and Gmail.

Click here to read the article.



Thursday, February 5, 2026

Upcoming Webinar - National CyberSecurity Alliance - Ask Me Anything: Protect Yourself from Romance Scams

Romance scams are on the rise, and they don’t always look the way you expect. Join our live Ask Me Anything (AMA) webinar where we'll break down how romance scams work, the red flags to look for, and what to do if you or someone you care about may be affected.

Bring your questions!

Sample questions we’ll cover:

  • How can I tell the difference between a genuine online relationship and a romance scam?

  • What are the most common warning signs scammers use to build trust?

  • What should I do if I think I’m already talking to a scammer?

No matter where you are in your journey, you’ll leave with practical tips, clearer insight, and resources to help you stay safe.

Click here to register for the webinar.

Why the most private way to browse the web isn't incognito mode (but this instead)

If you want the highest level of privacy and security online, you should be using the Tor browser.

Click here to read the article.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

The pros, cons and security musts of online banking.

Online banks pay way more interest and skip the annoying fees. But no branches, deposit limits and sneaky scams can bite you. Here’s what to know before you switch.

Online banks pay 400 times or more interest than traditional banks, and most have zero fees.

Use the FDIC’s BankFind tool to verify any online bank is legit.

Lock down your account using an authenticator app, transaction alerts and a separate email for banking.

Click here to read the article.

Use Microsoft Copilot? 7 Settings I Changed Right Away to Protect My 529060902027/5794192973845260765Privacy

Like most other AI chatbots, Microsoft Copilot wants to collect your data. One reason it does this is to personalize its responses, but it also uses your chats to train its model. Though Microsoft promises that the information is anonymous, you may still want to limit what Copilot knows about you. Thankfully, you can tap into a variety of privacy settings to control how much or how little data the AI scoops up. Here’s how to control privacy with Copilot.


Click here to read the article.

Sunday, February 1, 2026

TurboTax Desktop Won’t Run on Windows 10 in 2026 — Here’s Why

Article Summary 

TurboTax Desktop Windows 10 is no longer available: TurboTax Desktop will not be able to install, update, or run on Windows 10 computers after January 1, 2026.

TurboTax Windows 10 support is ending: This change is in line with Microsoft’s end-of-support timeline and is meant to protect sensitive tax data.

You need Windows 11 to use TurboTax: If you keep using TurboTax Desktop, you will meet the Windows 11 requirement for TurboTax Desktop.

Windows 10 will not let TurboTax run: If you stay on Windows 10, TurboTax Desktop will not work at all for future tax years.

If your computer can run Windows 11, make the switch: The easiest way to continue using TurboTax Desktop safely is to upgrade to Windows 11. You can use TurboTax Online or switch tax platforms if you need to stay on Windows 10 a little longer.

Click here to read the rest of the article

Protecting Yourself When True Privacy Is Impossible

The Fake Call That Seemed Too Real

It started with a phone call that seemed completely ordinary. “Hello, Mrs. Patel? This is Michael from your bank’s fraud department. We’ve noticed unusual activity on your account. Did you recently make a $1,200 purchase at an electronics store?” Mrs. Patel’s heart skipped. She hadn’t bought anything like that.

To make things more convincing, “Michael” confirmed her home address and her birth date—information she assumed only her bank would know. He explained that to reverse the charge she would need to verify her identity by providing her credit card details and bank login and password. Feeling anxious, she did as he asked. The caller thanked her and assured her the issue would be fixed, but a few hours later, Mrs. Patel could no longer access her bank account. Then she started getting notifications of thousands of dollars being transferred overseas from her account.

What Mrs. Patel did not realize was that the scammer had obtained her personal information from a previous data breach and used it to sound credible. Everything about the call was fake. She had just been scammed.

Our Data is Everywhere

In today’s connected world, privacy has become one of the hardest things to protect. Every time we shop online, stream a movie, use a credit card, drive on the highway, or use a mobile app, our information is being collected, analyzed, and shared. In addition, much of our personal data may be a matter of public record, stored in government voter registration databases, tax records or data on home purchases. Even something as simple as walking in a parking lot can involve being recorded by security cameras in most modern cars.

Regardless of who is collecting the information or why, the result is the same: A massive amount of personal information is stored in databases around the world, which is data you have no control over. And once that data exists, it can be stolen, sold, shared or misused. Achieving true privacy is nearly impossible.

Just Because They Know You Doesn’t Mean They’re Legitimate

Attackers often use all of this accessible information about you to make their scams more believable. For example:

  • A scammer might call you pretending to be from your bank and confirm your home address before asking for your login and account number.
  • An email may include your full name, phone number, and birth date to appear legitimate.
  • A text message may look like it’s from a car warranty service, complete with details about the make, model, and year of one of your cars.

The truth is, having personal information about you doesn’t make someone trustworthy, it only makes them more convincing. Always treat unexpected messages, calls, and emails with skepticism, no matter how much the sender seems to “know” about you or how urgent the message feels. Always feel comfortable hanging up and calling the institution on a trusted phone number that you know to be legitimate.

Watch Over Your Money – This is Where Fraud Begins

Since you can’t protect all your information, the next best line of defense is early detection. Monitoring your financial accounts gives you a critical advantage: You can catch suspicious activity before it causes real damage. The faster you notice a fraudulent charge, the easier it is to reverse it and prevent further losses. Here are simple steps anyone can take:

  • Set up alerts: Most banks, credit cards, and investment services allow you to receive instant text messages for every transaction, withdrawal, or login attempt.
  • Review your accounts regularly: Even with alerts, take a few minutes each week to check balances and recent activity for anything unusual. Or perhaps configure your accounts to email you daily or weekly reports.
  • Freeze your credit: Depending on your country, you may be able to freeze your credit so no one can take out a loan or credit card in your name. In addition, you can access free or low-cost reports from credit bureaus. Look for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.

In today’s world, perfect privacy is no longer achievable. Always remember that just because someone knows information about you does not make them legitimate. You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe: just stay alert, ask questions, and keep watch over your accounts.

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