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IT security AMO

Social Engineering COVID-19 Scam

WARNING FROM A POLICE OFFICER

I would like to take this opportunity to alert my friends on Facebook to please be aware of some of the Facebook posts you comment on especially now while the world seems to be at a standstill.  

These posts ask questions such as; 

  • What was your favorite teacher's name? 
  • Who was your 1st grade teacher?  
  • Who was your childhood best friend?  
  • What was your first car?etc.  
Do these questions sound familiar? They should.  These are the same questions you are asked as security questions when setting up bank accounts and credit card accounts.  When answering these questions and posting them, you are giving out answers to your security questions that you may be using without realizing it.  

Hackers are setting these up as a "get to know each other better" game on Facebook. This is why I jokingly asked about your 2500th picture, as some of you may or may not know, your pictures may have geolocation turned on so people will know exactly where you took that picture.

They can then build a profile of you and use this information to hack your accounts or open up new lines of credit in your name.  Not all of these on Facebook are scams. However, it is best to remain vigilant and refrain from participating in such activities as there is no way to tell which ones may have been created by scammers. Some of you don't like participating in chain messages but this may be one in disguise.

Also make sure to check your photos published to Facebook as they too can have identifiable information. An example would be a picture of your college degree or your kids degree.

Stay safe out there.

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