Folks, I wanted to share with you that I have been hit, not once, but twice, in the past month by emails signed by people I know and trust, asking for information from me about my personal accounts, etc.  Immediately, I recognized that the email address was not the one I get from my friend.  That, and the strange nature of the email, prompted me to call my friend to see if the email was actually from them. Naturally, it was not!  By calling to verify when you see anything suspicious, or even asking for information, you protect yourself and alert your friend or colleague that their name is being used in a scam. They can then communicate with their friends to be on the alert and that they did NOT send such an email...to ignore it.  You can also REPORT IT!  We must be the front line of this battle!  You can also report it to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission which is the Federal agency charged with protecting us from these scams!

Here is the info on reporting from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission website:

How To Report Phishing

If you got a phishing email or text message, report it. The information you give can help fight the scammers.

Step 1. If you got a phishing email, forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.

If you got a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM (7726).

Please, do not give any information out over the phone, or by email, or by text to ANYONE you aren't 100% sure is safe.  If you have any doubts, hang up (or ignore the email) and call the person you know to verify it!  Be vigilant, and PLEASE STAY SAFE!

Matt Gentile, District O Webmaster