DENVER (KDVR) — Law enforcement and internet security experts warn of a surge in scams during the federal government shutdown. Victims are typically those who rely on Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
Check Point Security Architect Aaron Rose tells FOX31 the company’s research shows scam attacks have increased more than 43%.
“This is due to geopolitical tensions; the ease of access to hacking or scamming-related tools,” Rose said.
Government shutdown scams usually involve the impersonation of the IRS, Federal Trade Commission and Social Security Administration. Criminals are seeking personal and financial information.
“There’s a lot of what we call FUD: Fear, uncertainty and doubt, so in this moment they can start broadcasting messages — whether it be text messages or phone calls or whatever it might be — that are jumping on that opportunity and saying hey you know your Medicaid your Medicare maybe your taxes or some sort of SNAP benefits application, we can get you priority processing before the shutdown is complete,” Rose told FOX31.
Anyone enrolled in government programs should only use trusted contact information from legitimate government websites.
“Trust your gut if something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t,” said Rose.
FOX31 spoke with Denver residents who say they receive spam calls and unsolicited texts and emails several times a day.
“There’s older folks as well that don’t really know what a scammer is, and they’re getting caught. It’s unfortunate and we don’t really have a lot of protection,” said one resident.
Rose warns that the government will never reach out to you through a text or social media message or ask you to wire money, use cryptocurrency or send gift cards.
If your caller ID says a call is coming from a government office, let it go to voicemail, then look up the government office contact information for yourself and make an independent call if you have questions.
For more information about how to spot imposter scams, visit the FTC’s website.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
