Scammers send emails that look like they're trying to help you because they know you're more likely to click a link within them if you think you're protecting yourself. But, beware! In particular, watch for emails that look like they're coming from large tech companies you likely do business with. The emails say something like, "See the attached invoice for your recent purchase. If you did not authorize this purchase, click on the link below."
Just like other phony emails, this one is designed to get you to click on a link that takes you to a copycat website where you're asked to provide personal information that can be used for identity theft. Or it executes a program that gives scammers access to your computer, where they then install ransomware that prevents you from accessing your own files.
We will host a free workshop covering Basic Grant Writing. Individuals and nonprofit organizations interested in learning about grant seeking and proposal writing are invited to attend. The workshop is scheduled to take place April 3rd, 2018 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the conference room of the Harlem Public Library.
The workshop is limited to the first 20 participants registered on or before Monday, April 2nd, 2018. To register or for more information, contact Colleen or Carly at the Harlem Library by calling 406.353.2712 or e-mailing the library at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Spoofed Facebook Accounts It seems scammers have an endless supply of ways to trick you on Facebook. The latest hoax is being performed with the intention of disrupting your device. Here's how they do it:
1. They post something that a lot of people are likely to like and share, and encourage you to do so.
2. After a certain number of likes and shares are accumulated, they change the post so it contains malicious content.
3. At this point, if you like it, everything from that poster starts showing up in your feed.
This process is called like-farming, and clicking the wrong like button or link can cause serious damage to your device.
The latest message going around is something like this: "Facebook's algorithm is now choosing only 25 people to be viewable in your feed. I want you to keep seeing my posts, so please like or share this and let everyone know!" See how it gives you something to be afraid of and rallies viewers against Facebook to generate likes? Other types of messages can include an offer to win a prize if you like or share.
Don't fall for Facebook hoaxes. Remember these tips to help stay safe:
Be very judicious about what you like and share on Facebook. Don't automatically like everything.
Notice where the post is coming from. If you don't recognize the person, don't interact.
If the post promises you anything for liking or sharing, or even if you just feel pressured to do so, you can bet it's probably a scam.
If you do see fake posts, you can report them to Facebook by clicking the down-arrow in the top right corner of a post, clicking Report, and following the instructions from there.
Students in grades 7-12 will develop a concept for a mobile app that will address a problem or improve a process in their rural community. The challenge will be concept-based only. The concept must be possible, well-researched and not already an app in existence.
*At least one student teammate must live in a Triangle Communications service area.
Winning Team will win $1,000 in gift cards and Codecademy Scholarships
A new phishing scam is targeting PayPal users. Remember that "phishing" is what scammers do when they're "fishing" for personal information that could enable them to steal your identity. This particular phishing expedition starts with an email that looks surprisingly genuine. It includes the PayPal logo and comes from the email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. It informs you that PayPal is unable to verify a
transaction, and includes a reference number and link to a phony site which asks for information that could be used against you such as your name, birthdate, address, mother's maiden name, and credit card number.
The request for all this information is a red flag, as is the fact that the phony website includes no help or settings icons and doesn't require you to log in. Despite the authors' best efforts to make it look
legitimate, the email itself may contain grammar errors or other elements that seem "off."
You can avoid becoming a victim by remembering these rules:
~ Never click a link from an email if you're at all uncertain about its origin or intention.
~ Instead of clicking an emailed link, visit the site in question using your own bookmark or by typing in the URL you already know. If you're receiving a legitimate email, the information will also be listed in your real account. If it's not, contact customer service to verify that the emailed request is valid.
~ If you do think an emailed link is legitimate and decide to click, check the URL where you land to make sure it's the real deal.
~ Never provide private information requested from a site you arrived at by clicking an emailed link.
~ Check your credit reports regularly to catch fraudulent activity.
When scammers want to go phishing, don't take the bait!
Students in grades 7-12 will develop a concept for a mobile app that will address a problem or improve a process in their rural community. The challenge will be concept-based only. The concept must be possible, well-researched and not already an app in existence.
