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Please take the time to read this email. I am sending it because I care about all of you and I wouldn’t want you to fall victim to a scam that you trusted thinking it was from me.
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A couple of our members recently received a BEC-style email scam impersonating me and asking for gift cards.
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Maybe you think, “I would never fall for anything like that,” and you might be right. But Newsweek reports that “highly targeted ‘spear-phishing’ attacks can fool over 50 percent of recipients.”
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So, one out of two of us? Really? Yes, apparently, even when we think we’re on top of things, it’s easy to be fooled.
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Scammers can easily spoof email addresses, domain names, and telephone numbers. With the help of AI, they can craft very convincing messages. They rely on deception and familiarity, and they know that people are more likely to respond to a sense of urgency and authority. Which is what they attempted with our members, who thankfully paused, contacted me directly, and did not fall victim.
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But, even people who are generally cautious and informed can be caught off guard. Scammers know you are vulnerable when you are hurried, tired, or distracted.
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So, first, please know that neither I nor anyone on the PCCC Board will not ever send you a random email or text asking you to buy gift cards that we will reimburse you for later.
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Second, please carefully read the linked article from Newsweek that highlights the most common email scams (as well as providing general safety tips). Because there are new scams all the time. Ever heard about Quishing? That’s a newer one. Please read the article!
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As the scammers get more sophisticated, we need to up our game to stay on top of the latest trends and protect ourselves.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this. Now, go enjoy some pickleball!
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