SCAM WATCH
SCAM WATCH: My new 'Sioux' chef was a likely scammer
Are scammers getting more concerned about spelling?
I got a text a few days ago from a fake admirer, expressing excitement at being my 鈥淪ioux鈥� chef for dinner the next evening. I鈥檓 pretty sure it was supposed to be 鈥渟ous chef鈥� rather than a reference to the tribe from mostly the upper Midwest.
Of course, I just deleted it, although I was slightly amused.
The next day, my culinary companion sent a text apologizing 鈥� not for trying to con me, but for the misspelling. He 鈥� or she, or it (artificial intelligence?) 鈥� blamed it on that 鈥渄amn auto spell.鈥� I appreciated the gesture, but I鈥檓 kind of glad the annoying texter got a share of annoyance in return.
Computers and mobiles devices of working adults often targeted
There are many methods scammers use to trick people into turning over sensitive information, but there鈥檚 a rising occurrence of a different kind of threat, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.
Unauthorized access to a computer or mobile device was the leading tactic behind identity theft against adults between the ages of 35 and 64. It happens when someone gains entry without the victim鈥檚 permission or even knowledge while the victim still has the device. In other words, it鈥檚 not because you鈥檝e been somehow duped into handing over access.
When a bad actor gains such unauthorized entry, 鈥渢hey can reach every account the victim is logged into 鈥� banking, email, social media, payment apps 鈥� without the victim being aware it鈥檚 happening,鈥� says the resource center鈥檚 鈥�2026 Trends in Identity鈥� report.
鈥淏y the time they realize it, the damage has already spread.鈥�
The significance of the age range most targeted is that these are working-age adults who heavily rely on technology to manage professional and personal lives, so 鈥渢he compromise of a single device provides access to that entire ecosystem,鈥� the report says.
Generally, it occurs when the user downloads an app or other software with a virus, allowing remote access, or 鈥渆ven having the main account (like an Apple ID or Google ID) taken over,鈥� says Mona Terry, chief operating and programs officer for the resource center.
Here鈥檚 how to prevent this invisible attack, according to Terry:
Ensure the phone has a screen lock and remote wipe capability, which makes all data inaccessible.
Make sure to download all available software updates.
Don鈥檛 download apps or files or click on links that you haven鈥檛 verified first.
Adopt passkeys or unique strong passwords for every app and account and set up
multi-factor authentication, preferably app-based.
Companies that are commonly impersonated
Another tidbit from the resource center鈥檚 report: Among the most commonly impersonated companies when it comes to scams are PayPal, American Express, Amazon, Publishers Clearing House and Microsoft.
Use extra caution when it appears you are being contacted by one of these companies 鈥� for everything from fake cash prizes to tech support assistance.
Complaints about them 鈥渟uggest that certain brand names carry specific psychological weight,鈥� the report says.
Contact Ellen Marks at emarks@abqjournal.com if you are aware of what sounds like a scam. To report a scam to law enforcement, contact the New Mexico Consumer Protection Division at 505-490-4060. Complaints can be filed electronically at nmag.gov/contact-us/file-a-complaint/.
