×

(KNSI) – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page shared a note from a concerned citizen about a new scam that tries to pass itself off as the United Parcel Service.

The post shows screenshots from a text message saying the package you are waiting on cannot be delivered and a website meant to mimic UPS that it redirects you to, which tries to fool you into giving out personal information. Sheriff Troy Heck says to be vigilant because criminals are always rolling out new cyber traps.

“I think scams like this are becoming a lot like mosquitoes in August in that they’re just kind of ever-present and a constant annoyance.”

Heck says scams have come a long way from the days of Nigerian prince emails and falling victim to fraud can happen to a person of any age. He says they are becoming more difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications, especially when they come by cell phone. Heck has some tips if the worst happens and you fall for one.

“The first thing you want to do is — especially if you’ve given someone money or your bank account information, is get with your bank and talk to them about what’s going on so they can try to limit the damage, close accounts and take other kinds of measures to make sure that it isn’t worse than it’s already going to be. You will also want to consider putting a freeze on your credit.”

Heck says to be wary of any communications when you are not expecting them. No matter how legitimate something looks if it is a surprise, that should raise red flags.

___

Copyright 2023 Leighton Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.

FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!

FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!

KNSI on Twitter

No feed items available at this time.