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Don’t get hooked by cyber phishing scams

By Tech. Sgt. Dan DeCook
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WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Fast cash promises on popular social media sites like Courtesy photo
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are causing major problems for service members.
ery. “Fraudsters ask for things we would never ask for -- personal identifiers, debit
Phishing scams have continued to evolve in an attempt to keep up with progress- card information, account numbers -- we already have all that.”
ing technology. Today, some phishing scams have been using social media outlets
to fool users into revealing sensitive and personal information at an alarming rate. A financial woe isn’t the only thing that comes with being a willing, or unwill-
ing, victim. Security clearances, which take financial standing in account, can also
Phishers typically send a short message targeting young adults and, recently, be affected. Depending on their level of involvement in the schemes, service mem-
more service members, asking if they would like to make quick cash. Preying on bers may face legal action and possible discharge.
those in need of money, phishers entice victims with the idea of an easy payday.
Many service members are sending debit card personal identification numbers or Phishers aren’t content with just social media sites. They are also crafting emails
online credentials, only to be left holding a large bill. with company logos from official looking addresses. Phishers send emails from
what appear to be trusted establishments.
One popular scheme involves a phisher depositing a fake check into a willing member’s
account and then using the personal information obtained to withdraw funds from that ac- According to the Cyber Security Division within the office of Headquarters Air
count. For example, an Instagram post with the hashtag #USAA offers a $5,000 deposit to Force Communications, these emails often contain links to fake websites which ask
establish dialogue with a potential victim. The victim then provides account information, the potential victim to enter their personal and account information. The site then
allowing the phisher to upload a phony check into their account. Since many banks offer records the information entered giving phishers all they need to wreak havoc on
immediate withdrawals, the phisher can take the money and run. In some cases, the victim such things as bank accounts and credit cards.
agrees to the scheme and deposits the fake checks themselves with the intention of claiming
no knowledge later on. Either way it’s done, the account holder is responsible for the funds. Banks and other financial institutions do not ask for personal information or ac-
count information via email. If you suspect an email or social media post is phish-
Recently, a 20-year-old Sailor had a checking account balance of $25 with ing, contact the company directly using information on a recent billing statement.
USAA. After he engaged with a phisher and provided account information, several
fraudulent checks were deposited into his account, totaling $17,453. The fraudster
withdrew his fee and left the Sailor liable for $6,500. Phishers often deposit large
amounts because only a portion of a deposited check is available right away.

While many service members are falling for these fake check phishing attempts,
banks aren’t. They also aren’t paying the bills left in the wake.

“USAA is not going to post something like that on social media,” said Brent
Mosher, the USAA executive director of financial crimes, investigations and recov-

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