Drive-By Malware, Phishing, Vishing & Phone Scams

A senior citizen from Haddam recently reported that he was victim of a cyber scam, and was accused of viewing child pornography. His computer was locked with an attached false message demanding payment.

   

The Federal Bureau of Investigation website described the scam as "drive-by malware" because unlike many viruses—which activate when users open a file or attachment—this one can install itself when users simply click on a compromised website. 

Once infected, the victim's computer immediately locks, and the monitor displays a screen stating there has been a violation of federal law.

The bogus message goes on to say that the user’s Internet address was identified by the FBI or the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section as having been associated with child pornography sites or other illegal online activity. 

To unlock their machines, users are instructed that they are required to pay a fine using a prepaid money card service.  

For further information regarding this scam, go to the FBI link: http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2012/august/new-internet-scam

For FBI contact information:

http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us

 ~Trooper Enrico Milardo

 Haddam Resident State Trooper

"Phishing" is a form of Internet fraud that utilizes spoofed e-mails to lead the recipient to a false website. The false website is designed to trick the recipient into disclosing financial information such as credit card numbers, account usernames, passwords and social security numbers.

"Vishing", also known as "voice" phishing over the phone, is the practice of criminals whose main intent is to collect sensitive or personal information through the use of the telephone. This type of scam usually involves a spoofed (false) telephone number that appears to be a legitimate company. If you are ever in doubt of the call, hang up and call the business back using their main line and not the one they provide you.

An East Haddam resident recently reported receiving several repeat phone calls from a person claiming to be a representative from the telephone/internet company, offering to correct some recent problems that had been reported, related to the resident's internet service.

The caller went on to request that the resident would need to turn on their computer for further instructions.

The number, as it was registered on the resident's Caller ID, as 254-784-5226, was only identified as a "Wireless Caller".

An internet search on this particular phone number revealed further activity of the same nature, as reported on the following website:

http://www.whycall.me/254-784-5226.html

If you think you have become a victim of this type of telephone-solicited fraud and that your personal and/or financial information has been compromised, you may contact the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office at 860-873-1226.

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