I’ve blogged about scammers’ use and abuse of remote access software before. Specifically, I see Connectwise’s ScreenConnect software deployed by bad actors to infiltrate people’s computers. But this problem is expanding, happening more often this year. The uptick is rather alarming to me, so read on and buckle up: Coming from Average Phishing Emails I … Read more
I’m seeing a lot of real estate scams, posted to TikTok this month. Check out the following screenshot and other details: If I needed an affordable place to stay, $950/mo would be a great deal in my zip code. Most 3BR rentals around here are going for twice that price! And that should be your … Read more
A local PTO just received the invoice pictured below. They recognized this as a scam but I worry that it could fool some people. So let’s get familiar with this: This invoice was faxed to a local public school, and then handed over to the PTO members. It looks like a legitimate invoice, but: Invoice … Read more
Many people are finding my 2025 blog post, detailing how ScreenConnect is used in scams. I’m glad to hear how it helps people figure things out and free their computers of this particular problem. Since that writing, I’ve seen an increase in the abuse of this remote access program. I intend for this blog post … Read more
Here’s an unexpected scenario for you to think about: While sitting quietly at home, your doorbell rings. A couple of strangers are darkening your doorstep and they claim that they’re tracking down their lost iPhone and it is pinging from inside your house. They hold up their device to show you a map with a … Read more
Utility Scams are on the rise. You could encounter these via email, text message, phonecall or even at your door. Here are some examples to learn about and be ready to dodge: Slamming In some states, you are allowed to switch your energy supplier to save money on (for example) your natural gas bill. This … Read more
Meta will take anyone’s money, if they want to pay for ad-space on Facebook. And that’s a problem. Because the scammers of the internet have no problem ponying up a little cash, if it gets their scams in front of thousands of people. Last year, I blogged a bit about this, and in this post, … Read more
It’s said that here’s no such thing as a free lunch. So, of course, the same logic applies to all those spammy emails you get. The ones claiming you won a lottery. Earned a free gift card. Awarded an iPhone. None of these offers is legitimate, even though their logos and senders look real. But … Read more
No, you didn’t buy a gun. A firearm is not being shipped to you. If you received the email below, please take a moment to realize that it is just The Gun Purchase Scam. As scams go, this is another variant of the Thank You for Your Purchase Scam. That means that there is no … Read more
The latest smish to arrive in people’s texts is the Unpaid Traffic Ticket scam. It may look familiar to you, because it’s brought to you by the same criminals who are behind those ubiquitous unpaid-toll and unpaid-parking schemes. If you get a text message like what’s pictured here, don’t believe it. Don’t answer it, don’t … Read more