New Twists In Phone And Email Fraud

Added on: 27/08/2024 In a recent update, local police have issued a fresh warning about evolving phone and email scams that have been targeting residents with alarming frequency. As scammers become more sophisticated in their methods, it’s crucial for the public to stay informed and vigilant to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

The Latest Scams

According to the police advisory, scammers are now employing new tactics that combine elements of both phone and email fraud, making their operations more deceptive and harder to detect. These scams often begin with an unsolicited phone call or email, where the scammer poses as a trusted authority figure—such as a government official, bank representative, or even a law enforcement officer.

In one common scenario, the victim receives a phone call from someone claiming to be from a government agency, such as the IRS or Social Security Administration. The caller may assert that there is an urgent legal issue, such as unpaid taxes or a problem with the victim’s Social Security benefits, and that immediate action is required to avoid severe consequences. To add legitimacy, the scammer might spoof the caller ID to display a government agency’s number or use an official-sounding email address.

In some cases, these phone calls are followed up by an email, ostensibly from the same agency or representative. The email often contains official-looking logos and language, further convincing the victim that the threat is real. The email may also include links or attachments that the victim is urged to click on, which can lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal information, or download malware onto the victim’s computer.

Scammers Targeting Financial Information

A particularly worrying trend is the scammers’ increasing focus on extracting financial information from their victims. In many cases, the scammer will demand immediate payment to resolve the supposed issue, often through non-traditional means such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. They might also instruct the victim to provide sensitive financial details, such as bank account numbers or credit card information, under the guise of verifying their identity.

Another twist involves scammers posing as representatives from the victim’s bank. They may claim that the victim’s account has been compromised and that they need to confirm personal details or transfer funds to a “safe” account. This type of scam not only risks immediate financial loss but also provides scammers with the necessary information to commit further fraud, such as identity theft.

How Sentrya Can Protect

In light of these increasingly sophisticated scams, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect your personal information and online accounts. Sentrya offers a valuable solution for personal Gmail users by providing advanced security features designed to safeguard against phishing attempts, unauthorised access, and other online threats. By utilizing Sentrya, you can add an extra layer of protection to your email account, preventing scammers from gaining access to sensitive information or exploiting your email for further fraudulent activities.

Sentrya’s real-time monitoring and threat detection features are particularly effective in identifying and blocking malicious emails before they reach the inbox, allowing you to stay one step ahead of scammers. With Sentrya, you can secure your personal information and reduce the risk of becoming victim of these sophisticated fraud schemes.

Police Recommendations for Staying Safe

To combat these increasingly sophisticated scams, police are urging residents to take several precautions:

1. Verify the Source: Always verify the authenticity of any unsolicited phone calls or emails before taking action. If someone claims to be from a government agency, hang up and contact the agency directly using an official phone number or website.

2. Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited request, whether by phone or email. Legitimate organizations will not ask for sensitive information in this manner.

3. Beware of Payment Demands: Be wary of any demand for immediate payment, especially if it involves unconventional methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. These are red flags of a scam.

4. Look for Signs of Phishing: Be cautious of emails that contain generic greetings, misspellings, or suspicious links and attachments. Hover over links to see where they actually lead before clicking on them.

5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to local law enforcement and the appropriate federal agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This can help authorities track down the scammers and prevent others from being victimized.

The Importance of Community Awareness

The ongoing evolution of scam tactics underscores the importance of community awareness and education. By staying informed about the latest fraud schemes and knowing how to recognize the warning signs, residents can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling prey to these crimes.

The police continue to monitor these scams closely and are committed to providing updates as new threats emerge. In the meantime, they encourage everyone to remain vigilant and to share this information with friends and family, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to such tactics, such as the elderly.

As scammers refine their methods, it’s more important than ever to stay cautious and informed. By following the police’s advice, using tools like Sentrya to enhance personal security, and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming victim of these increasingly sophisticated phone and email frauds.

How to Clean 80% of Spam in 2 Days in 2025

Personal data is the new gold, and as a result, scammers make bank by taking advantage of us — did you know that they made over $1 trillion from scams two years ago? That’s more than half of Canada’s GDP… I’ve seen many people just give up their long-term email accounts just because it got filled with spam, scams and phishing emails — and it’s just sad. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty emotional about my account I made almost 2 decades ago, and I really don’t want to lose it or just give up on it. This is exactly what pushed my research for a permanent solution to get rid of all the junk from my inbox, and give my account a second chance to life - by the way, my next checklist is made strictly for Gmail (that’s what I’m using), so if you’re an Outlook, Yahoo or other type of user, this might not be for you. Let me dive into what I discovered, how it works and how quickly it turned my inbox around. <h2 class= "text-heading">What I discovered</h2> My journey started about 15 years ago, when I used to get more spam than legit emails in my inbox, and it made me wonder why that happens. I didn’t know much at the time, so I got left with just the question. It wasn’t until 6 years ago when I got a job as a data entry assistant for a start-up operating in the data protection industry, and got introduced to this brand new world - that was my ‘Aha!’ moment. I learned a lot there, found what data is collected about us, consumers, by a lot of companies, how entitled many of them feel to do anything they want with our information, and how a large number of them “get back” at us when we try to distance ourselves from them. In simple terms, from the data they collect about us (name, email, phone number, shopping, browsing etc.), they can generate inferred data, like net worth, how much we’re worth to them as customers, and even predict future spending habits. In terms of “getting back” at us, many of them sell our information to others as soon as we unsubscribe from their marketing emails — this way they make up some of the loss resulted from their inability to market their products directly to us. <h2 class= "text-heading">How it works (how I turned my inbox around)</h2> It took me a good while to figure out how to get rid of spam and junk. I first started to look at how I can filter out these types of emails, but since even tech giants like Google or Microsoft haven’t figured it out, I clearly had no chance of doing it, especially by myself. And then it clicked! Instead of chasing after scammers, which use an email or domain as a one-time thing, where they send a bunch of scams once and switch to a different email/domain, I asked myself - what’s constant? Scammers or actual subscriptions? I think it’s pretty obvious that subscriptions are constant for a lot of us. We may have hundreds of opened accounts, but in reality, we use only a handful. So I started fiddling with some filters to see what would happen if I changed my inbox to accept emails only coming from a set list of senders. In 2 days, I got only 2 or 3 emails after I set up that filter. This was my “holy sh*t” moment, and it changed my inbox ever since. I made this filter (along with some other things) into a digital product, but I want to share the “secrets” here with you, so you can get a better email experience, and avoid having to give up on it. Here’s how to create a complete and comprehensive filter: - Make a list of services and subscriptions you still need, and are important to you (important in the next step) - Click on the filter icon in Gmail’s web app, and add the list you made in the “Doesn’t have” field using this format: {(from:sender1 OR from:sender2 OR from:sender3)} - Next, select the “Delete it” option. This way, all emails not included in your filter will be sent to trash, and permanently deleted in 30 days The best thing about this is that it clears all unwanted emails (junk, spam, scams and phishing), and ensured you won’t miss new emails since they’ll just be sent to trash - you can then update the filter and add the new sender to it next. Of course, this will you take you some time to do, but it’s not impossible or overwhelming. Now to the ‘selling’ part - I mentioned that I made this into a digital product called <a href= "https://sentrya.net" class= "content-link">sentrya.net</a>. Sentrya is for privacy-conscious people who don’t want to spend hours manually searching for subscriptions and creating the filter I mentioned earlier. Basically, Sentrya does all the heavy lifting for you, saves you time and gives you peace of mind. Here’s a short comparison between using Sentrya and doing it yourself: Do it yourself: - It’ll take you a few hours gathering all (or almost all) subscriptions - You have to remember to look in your Trash folder every time a new sender emails you - You need to manually update the filter if you want to add a new sender to it With Sentrya: - It takes about 10 minutes to see a list of active subscriptions - You select (mark as Important) the ones you need - Create the filter with a tap - Get notified when a new sender emails you - Update the filter with a tap This is available for free on Sentrya - Remove your information from unwanted subscriptions (to avoid data selling) - Remove your information from a lot of data brokers (avoid having spammers buying your data) - Find if and when your data appears on the dark web These are available under paid plans Thanks for reading all the way here, and I hope you found this article to be useful in saving your email account :) PS: If you know someone on the brink of giving up on their email, send them this article and spare them the heartache of losing their account Read more

Your iPhone Data May Have Been Leaked in China:–Here is What It Means and How to Protect Yourself

Did you know that your iPhone data may have just been exposed? According to Cybernews, up to 62 million iPhone users’ personal information has been leaked from an iOS app in China. This includes details like your name, ID number, gender, date of birth, phone number, province, and city – basically, enough data for scammers to wreak havoc. If you’re like most people, this probably feels like a punch to the gut. After all, you trust your iPhone and Apple to keep your data safe. Unfortunately, even the best technology can’t always protect you when shady apps or data brokers get involved. <h2 class= "text-heading">Here’s What Was Leaked</h2> Hackers managed to grab personal info that could let them impersonate you online or even in the real world. This data is fresh – as recent as February 2025 – so it’s especially worrying. <h2 class= "text-heading"> Why Should You Care?</h2> Think about all the ways your personal data is linked to your life: - Identity theft – Scammers could open bank accounts or credit lines in your name. - Phishing attacks – You might get emails or texts that look real but are traps. - Financial fraud – They could trick you into sending them money or personal info. - Location-based scams – Because they know where you live, they might tailor attacks just for you. <h2 class= "text-heading">How to Protect Yourself</h2> The best thing you can do right now is to start cleaning up your personal data footprint. Removing your info from data brokers and shady sites is crucial. That’s where services like <a href= "https://sentrya.net" class= "content-link">Sentrya</a> come in. Sentrya helps you find and delete your personal data from data broker websites and search engines. It’s like taking your info back into your own hands – because the less data out there, the harder it is for criminals to target you. Sentrya works by continuously scanning for your info and removing it from places where it shouldn’t be. It’s a smart move to help protect your privacy, especially after a major leak like this. If you’re an iPhone user – or just care about your privacy – don’t wait. This breach is a wake-up call that your personal data can be out there in ways you never imagined. Act now to lock down your information and stop hackers in their tracks. Read more

Morocco CNSS Data Breach: A Wake Up Call for Consumer Data Protection

In April 2025, Morocco experienced a significant cybersecurity incident when the National Social Security Fund (Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale – CNSS) was compromised. The breach resulted in the unauthorised release of sensitive data pertaining to millions of Moroccan workers and hundreds of thousands of businesses. The fallout from this breach has raised serious concerns about consumer privacy and the adequacy of data protection measures. <h2 class= "text-heading">The CNSS Breach: What Happened?</h2> On April 8, 2025, a hacker group identifying itself as JabaRoot DZ claimed responsibility for the cyberattack on CNSS. The group leaked over 50,000 official documents, including personal identification numbers, salary declarations, employment contracts, and correspondence involving foreign diplomatic entities. The leaked data was disseminated through various channels, including encrypted messaging platforms and public file-sharing websites. Cybersecurity analysts suggest that the attackers may have exploited vulnerabilities in outdated file storage protocols or gained access through compromised administrator accounts. The breach potentially began weeks or months before the data was released, allowing the attackers ample time to exfiltrate information undetected. <h2 class= "text-heading">Implications for Consumer Privacy</h2> The CNSS breach has exposed nearly 2 million employees and approximately 470,000 companies to potential risks, including identity theft, financial fraud, and targeted phishing attacks. The leaked information encompasses a wide range of personal and financial data, making it a valuable resource for malicious actors. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities inherent in centralised data repositories and the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect consumer information. It also highlights the importance of transparency and prompt communication from institutions in the event of data breaches. <h2 class= "text-heading">Sentrya: Empowering Consumers to Protect Their Data</h2> In the wake of such breaches, you must take proactive steps to safeguard your personal information. <a href= "https://sentrya.net" class= "content-link">Sentrya</a> offers a comprehensive solution designed specifically for individual users. Sentrya provides tools to remove personal data from the web and data brokers, and to clear inboxes of scams and phishing emails. By leveraging Sentrya’s services, you can regain control over your digital footprint and enhance your privacy. The CNSS data breach serves as a stark reminder of the growing threats to consumer privacy in the digital age. While institutions must bolster their cybersecurity frameworks, individuals also have a role to play in protecting their personal information. Utilising services like Sentrya can be an effective strategy for consumers to mitigate risks and maintain their privacy in an increasingly interconnected world. Read more

Trump Administration Reverses Data Privacy Protections Exposing Americans to Increased Risks

In a significant policy reversal, the Trump administration has dismantled a Biden-era initiative aimed at limiting the sale of Americans’ personal data by data brokers. This move raises substantial concerns about consumer privacy and national security. <h2 class= "text-heading">Background: The Biden-Era Initiative</h2> Under President Biden, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) proposed regulations to subject data brokers to oversight akin to credit bureaus. The goal was to protect consumers from the unregulated sale of sensitive personal information, which could be exploited for identity theft, scams, and even national security threats. <h2 class= "text-heading">The Reversal and Its Implications</h2> On May 14, 2025, the CFPB announced the withdrawal of the proposed regulations, stating that they no longer align with the bureau’s policy objectives. Consumer advocacy groups, such as Consumer Reports, have expressed alarm, warning that this decision leaves consumers vulnerable to scams and identity theft. The rollback also includes the withdrawal of proposals related to digital payment technologies and the prohibition of certain terms in consumer finance products. <h2 class= "text-heading">Risks to Consumer Privacy</h2> The unregulated sale of personal data poses several risks: • Identity Theft: Personal information can be used to impersonate individuals, leading to financial loss and reputational damage. • Scams and Phishing: Data brokers can sell information to malicious actors who craft targeted scams and phishing emails. • National Security Threats: Sensitive data about government officials and military personnel can be exploited by foreign adversaries for espionage. <h2 class= "text-heading">Sentrya: A Consumer-Focused Solution</h2> In light of these developments, consumers seeking to protect their personal information can turn to services like <a href= "https://sentrya.net" class= "content-link">Sentrya</a>. Sentrya offers tools to remove personal data from the web and data brokers, and to clear inboxes of scams and phishing emails. Designed specifically for individual consumers, Sentrya empowers users to take control of their digital privacy. The Trump administration’s decision to scrap proposed data privacy regulations underscores the importance of individual action in safeguarding personal information. While federal protections may be in flux, consumers can proactively protect themselves using services like <a href= "https://sentrya.net" class= "content-link">Sentrya</a> to mitigate the risks associated with data exposure. Read more

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