Latest news with #FBIPittsburgh
Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Scammers are delivering mysterious packages with a QR code to steal money- FBI warns
Have you ever received a mysterious package on your doorstep that you did not order? Well, now you may have to take extra caution with these packages, as they may become a trap for scammers to steal your money. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from Pittsburgh has shed light on a new type of scam, which has become quite frequent in several regions. This new trick is being called the 'brushing scam,' where scammers are delivering 'unsolicited packages containing a QR code'. These QR codes are pasted as a trap, as the moment these are scanned, the scammers are able to retrieve the user's personal and financial data and also install malicious software on the phone. Here's everything you need to know about this ongoing scam, and how you can stay safe. FBI warns of a brushing scam that tricks smartphone users into scanning a malicious QR code. What is a brushing scam? FBI Pittsburgh recently shared a post on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighting a new ongoing scam to trick smartphone users into emptying their bank accounts. The post talked about the 'brushing scam', which scammers are using to steal personal and financial information, via QR Code. Reportedly, scammers are using people's curiosity to find out where the unsolicited package is delivered. The package does not include any return address or sender information, leaving people with a QR code. If the curious mind scans the QR code, they are tricked into putting their personal information being compromised or scammed by downloading malicious spyware on their phones. These tricks are being used to steal credit card numbers, bank credentials, trading accounts, and others. While the scam sounds scary, the FBI assured that 'this scam is not as widespread as other fraud schemes, but the public should be aware of this criminal activity.' How to stay safe from a brushing scam? With the warning, the FBI also shared a few tips for smartphone users to stay safe from such smart tricks by scammers: Here are a few tips to avoid becoming a victim of online scams: 1. Be careful if you receive any unsolicited packages that contain merchandise. 2. Be sure to check the sender information. If the package does not include any return address or information, then avoid receiving the package. 3. Avoid scanning QR codes from any suspicious packages or unknown origins. 4. Lastly, if you have been tricked into a brushing scam, instantly change your account passwords and block your bank accounts. Mobile Finder: iPhone 17 Pro LATEST specs, features, and price
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
FBI Pittsburgh showcases annual Citizens Academy
FBI Pittsburgh showcased their annual Citizens Academy Saturday. According to FBI Pittsburgh, the academy offers insight to a number of things surrounding the FBI. The Citizens Academy gives an inside look of the FBI to participants and shows what real techniques that are used during investigations. Participants also get to learn about what it takes to become a FBI employee as well as the international and domestic roles they play in protecting the American people. Students got to enjoy hands-on experiences with the FBI's Evidence Response Team and role played with the FBI's SWAT Team. To learn more about FBI Pittsburgh, click or tap here. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Yahoo
FBI warning Pittsburgh area seniors of ongoing ‘Grandparents Scam'
In the last few months, five Western Pennsylvanians fell victim to the 'Grandparents Scam,' and were defrauded out of $50,000. The FBI Pittsburgh office held a press conference Friday to tell people that there are likely more victims out there. Investigators arrested a Dominican Republic man, who was living in Cleveland on an expired Visa. They say Luis Alfonso Bisono Rodriguez was using ride shares like Uber to get the money delivered from his victims to him. Investigators say they were able to spot a high number of rideshares that may be part of this scam. 'Because of this horrible fraud, we are urging anyone who received a suspicious call from someone claiming to be a child or a grandchild, or an attorney offering to assist a relative, please come forward and submit a complaint,' said Kevin Rojek, Special Agent at FBI Pittsburgh. At a press conference on Friday, FBI agents urged people to speak to their older loved ones about this scam. They also advised resisting the pressure from scammers to act quickly. Criminals will create a sense of urgency to produce fear and push victims into acting immediately. Call the police immediately if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls and emails. If someone randomly calls claiming to be a loved one needing help, and it sounds suspicious, hang up immediately. Contact that loved one to determine whether or not the call is legitimate. Never hand over cash, checks, money, gold, jewelry, precious metals, or wire money or information to people you don't know. Have recurring conversations with your family and friends about scams, protecting your financial information, and how to stay safe. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
