Stay Alert: Spoofing and Phishing Scams Increasing in Tennessee

Stay Alert, Tennessee: Spoofing and Phishing Scams on the Rise

Nashville, TN – If you’re living in Tennessee, it’s time to put on your detective hat! The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Securities is raising the alarm about some sneaky scams that could put your hard-earned money and personal information at risk. So gather around, friends, as we dive into the world of spoofing and phishing!

Understanding the Bad Guys

First things first, let’s break down the baddies here: spoofing and phishing! While they sound a bit like something out of a spy movie, they are real tactics used by cybercriminals to take advantage of unsuspecting folks just like you and me.

Spoofing is when someone’s phone number, email address, or even a website is copied and altered to make it look like it’s coming from someone you trust. It’s like if a stranger dressed up in your best friend’s clothes and tried to offer you a deal that’s too good to be true! For example, some crafty criminals recently pretended to be the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. They placed threatening calls, claiming people had missed jury duty or had warrants out for them, all while demanding money to clear things up. Yikes!

Meanwhile, phishing is when hackers try to lure you into giving them your personal information through fake emails, texts, or calls that seem legitimate. Imagine getting a friendly email from “your bank” asking you to confirm your account details—only to find out it wasn’t your bank at all! They can use this stolen information for all sorts of fraudulent activities or even sell it on the dark web.

The New Kid on the Block: Smishing

On top of spoofing and phishing, there’s also a newer player called smishing—a catchy term that combines “SMS” (that’s text messages for you non-techies) and phishing. This bad boy targets folks through deceptive text messages. Ever received a text about winning a prize you never entered? That could be smishing trying to lure you in!

What to Do If You’re Targeted

With these scams going around, TDCI is encouraging everyone to keep their eyes and ears open. Commissioner Carter Lawrence emphasizes that Tennessee investors should always ask questions, especially when contacted through email or online platforms by unknown individuals. This is the best kind of self-defense against these sneaky attacks.

And don’t worry, you’re not alone! If you suspect you’ve been the victim of a scam or if something smells fishy, reach out for help. The Securities Division at TDCI is there to assist you with any complaints about securities scams and will investigate the situation. You can reach them via their website or through their hotline!

Know the Signs

To protect yourself from falling into these traps, it’s imperative to educate yourself on the red flags. Key warning signs might include:

• Unsolicited communication: Be cautious of unexpected emails, calls, or messages from strangers.
• Urgency and threats: Scammers often create a sense of urgency or fear to make you act quickly without thinking.
• Requests for personal information: Legitimate businesses seldom ask for sensitive information over email or text.

Final Thoughts

As we continue to maneuver through the digital age, staying informed is our best defense. By learning the differences between phishing, spoofing, and smishing, along with keeping an eye out for the red flags, we can better protect our personal and financial information. Remember, it’s always okay to ask questions!

Stay safe and always be vigilant, Tennessee! Let’s keep our financial futures bright and secure from those tech-savvy tricksters.