Beware of Impersonation and Social Engineering During Emergencies

https://ociso.ucla.edu/news/beware-impersonation-and-social-engineering-during-emergencies 

During emergency situations, cybercriminals exploit heightened emotions and urgency to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or taking harmful actions. Staying aware of their tactics and practicing caution is essential to protect yourself and the UCLA community. 

LAPD has also issued a community alert warning of recovery scams: 

https://x.com/LAPDHQ/status/1878507293081571534 (The text is reproduced below) 

In the aftermath of recent fires, scammers are actively targeting vulnerable individuals and families, exploiting their distress. Below are important warnings to help you recognize and avoid some of the most common scams. 

False Job Solicitation Scams: 

If you are looking for work related to fire recovery, beware of job offers circulating on social media that claim to be from the government or reputable agencies. These offers are often fraudulent and designed to steal your personal information. The job postings are not from legitimate sources. Scammers may ask you to submit personal details, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or other sensitive data. Never provide personal information through links found on social media, especially if the offer seems too good to be true. Always verify job offers through official, government-approved channels or the agency's official website. 

Fake City, County, or Federal Employees: 

Do not trust anyone who approaches you claiming to be a representative of the City, County, or Federal government without proper identification. Government workers will not ask for payment for services on the spot or pressure you into making immediate decisions. Verify their credentials by contacting the relevant agency directly using official contact information, not the details they provide. 

Phone and Text Message Scams: 

Beware of unsolicited phone calls asking for donations for fire recovery or claiming to help you recover your losses. Legitimate organizations will not cold-call you for donations. Scammers may impersonate FEMA or insurance agents, asking for sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank account details. Always hang up and call back using verified contact details. Never click on links or attachments in texts from unknown numbers, especially those offering "assistance" or "recovery help." These are often phishing attempts designed to steal your information. If you receive a text claiming to be from a government agency or insurance company, do not respond. Instead, verify their authenticity through official channels. 

Voice cloning Scams: 

Scammers are increasingly using voice cloning technology, which can replicate a person's voice from just a short audio sample, to impersonate loved ones and trick victims into sending money. This technology allows criminals to create convincing audio mimicking the voice of a relative in distress, such as claiming they are in jail or need emergency funds. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns consumers to be cautious, especially when receiving calls from unknown numbers, and advises not to trust the voice on the other end. It recommends verifying calls by reaching out to the person directly through a known contact method and using a pre-arranged code word for added security. Additionally, requests for money via hard-to-trace methods, such as gift cards or cryptocurrency, are common signs of fraud. 

Unsolicited In-Person Solicitations: 

Be cautious of people approaching you in person offering "free help" with repairs, insurance claims, or government assistance. Always ask for identification and do not make decisions on the spot. Contact the agency or organization they claim to represent directly before agreeing to anything. 

Gift Card or Payment Scams: 

Scammers may ask you to pay for services or "government fees" using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate agencies will never ask for payments in these forms. If anyone requests payment in these unusual ways, report the incident immediately. 

Fraudulent Donations: 

Be cautious when donating to fire relief efforts. Always verify the legitimacy of the charity or organization, especially if they reached out to you directly. Use trusted platforms like Charity Navigator to check the legitimacy of organizations before making a donation.