In this issue:

• Work-from-home scams

• Medicare open enrollment scams

• Data breaches this week

Work-from-home scams

Every week I get a text on my cell phone for a work-from home-scam. They claim I can make thousands a month “posting ads,” “rating products,” or “processing data” but these offers are pure scams designed to drain someone's wallet or steal personal information.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that business and job opportunity scams cost Americans more than $367 million in 2022, with a median loss of $2,000. The fraudsters count on you being tempted by low-effort, high-pay jobs that sound too good to pass up.

The pattern is familiar: you’re told you’ll earn great money doing simple online tasks or setting up your own “business.” Then comes the catch. You must pay upfront for supplies, training, or software. In some cases, the scammer sends a check “to cover expenses.” You deposit it, spend some of the money, and then the bank informs you the check was fake, leaving you responsible for the loss.

Another version involves fake recruiters who contact you by text or messaging apps like Telegram. After a quick “interview,” you’re offered the job but only if you share personal data or banking information. Some victims even end up unknowingly helping criminals by reshipping stolen goods or laundering money.

Protect yourself:

• Be skeptical of any job promising high pay for little work.

• Don’t pay upfront for training or materials.

• Verify the company through the Better Business Bureau or FTC.gov.

• Never share personal or banking info until you confirm it’s a legitimate employer.

Real work-from-home jobs exist, but scams are far more common. Take a pause before you reply to that next “amazing offer.” And if you receive a random text like I do, block the number and report it as spam.

Medicare open enrollment scams

Every year from October 15 to December 7, Medicare open enrollment gives seniors a chance to review and change their health or prescription drug plans. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scammers pretending to be Medicare representatives.

Here’s how the scam works: you might get a call, text, email, or even an in-person visit from someone claiming to represent Medicare or an insurance company. They might sound official, know your name, and even show a fake ID. Their goal? To get your Medicare, Social Security, or banking information.

You’ll often hear scare tactics like “act now or lose your benefits” or be tempted with fake “free gifts” and “limited-time savings.” But here’s the truth: Medicare will never call or text you first, and there are no special bonuses for signing up early.

What to do:

• Never share personal or financial information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.

• Ignore pressure tactics — you have until December 7 to make your decision.

• Visit medicare.gov or call 800-633-4227 (800-MEDICARE) for legitimate help.

• Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or Senior Medicare Patrol if you suspect fraud.

Stay smart this season and remind family members to do the same. Scammers count on confusion; the best defense is awareness.

Data breaches this week

Most of the time these will be companies that you don’t have any personal data with, but scan the names to make sure you aren’t affected.

Discord social media platform: 70k users: Discord Says 70,000 Users Had IDs Exposed in Recent Data Breach - SecurityWeek

Florida’s Doctors Imaging Group: 172k individuals: Data Breach at Doctors Imaging Group Impacts 171,000 People - SecurityWeek

Michigan’s Sturgis Hospital: 77k individuals: Michigan Critical Access Hospital Suffers Two Hacking Incidents Affecting Almost 78,000 Individuals

Do you have an idea for a future newsletter? Please reply to this email and let me know.

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,
Cassie Crossley
Founder, Cyber Safe Center
https://www.cybersafecenter.com