
Read this Periscope for a few tips from the FBI about how you can protect yourself from fraud and theft.
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud
On Wednesday June 16, Supervisor Special Agent Brian Blauser from the FBI shared some stories and advice about fraud happening right now. The FBI does not allow us to record the presentation, however I did take a few notes and will share with you some of my take-aways.
Talk on the Phone, not on Email or Text Before Sending Money
One of the stories he shared was an email exchange between a fraudster impersonating the CEO of a company and a nervous employee. The CEO demanded, immediately, that the employee wire money to an address in Hong Kong for work previously done, for a supplier the employee did not know. The employee asked all the right questions, but he did not pick up the phone to verify. Had he done that, the fraud would have been prevented. As it turns out, it was a fraud and the company lost their money.
Complex Financial Crimes
The most sinister of crimes happen when the fraudster breaks into the computer network and watches the activity of your people. The fraudster can learn your habits and take advantage of an opportunity when you least expect it. Brian gave examples of imitating the CEO, or a payroll person, and more. Again, a conversation helps to avoid the crime!
Ransomware and Returning the Funds
Importantly, Brian says we need to report the crime right away to ic3.gov. If they get the news quickly, they can track the bitcoin before it becomes legal tender. They were able to do this and recovered several millions of dollars for Colonial pipeline.