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Beware of Bitcoin Gift Card Scams and AI-Generated Threatening Emails

Posted on by Sarah Haopshy

As a Managed Service Provider (MSP) focused on cybersecurity, we must inform our clients about the latest threats. Recently, there has been a surge in scams where individuals are asked to pay in Bitcoin for gift cards. Additionally, AI scammers are using publicly available information to craft threatening emails. This blog post aims to alert you to these dangers and provide tips on protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Bitcoin Gift Card Scams

Scammers are increasingly asking victims to pay in Bitcoin for gift cards. These scams often start with an email or phone call claiming that you owe money or need to pay a fee. The scammer will then instruct you to purchase gift cards and send the codes to them, often requesting payment in Bitcoin. Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to these scams:

  1. Be Skeptical: If someone asks you to pay in Bitcoin for gift cards, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never ask for payment in this manner.
  2. Verify the Source: Always verify the identity of the person or organization contacting you. Use official contact information from their website, not the information provided in the email or call.
  3. Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a suspicious request, report it to the relevant authorities and inform your MSP.

AI-Generated Threatening Emails

AI scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using publicly available information to create personalized and threatening emails. These emails may appear to come from a legitimate source and can be very convincing. Here are some steps to protect yourself:

  1. Educate Yourself and Your Family: Make sure everyone in your household, including parents and children, knows these scams. Discuss the importance of not sharing personal information online.
  2. Use Strong Passwords: Ensure all your accounts have strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
  3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, making it harder for scammers to gain access.
  4. Be Cautious with Public Information: Limit the personal information you share online. Scammers can use this information to craft convincing emails.
  5. Report and Block: If you receive a threatening email, report it to your email provider and block the sender.

Protecting Your Loved Ones

It’s essential to extend these protective measures to your entire family. Here are some additional tips:

  1. Talk to Your Children: Explain the dangers of sharing personal information online and encourage them to come to you if they receive suspicious messages.
  2. Monitor Online Activity: Monitor your children’s online activity and educate them about safe internet practices.
  3. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest scams and threats. Share this information with your family to ensure everyone is aware and prepared.

You can protect yourself and your loved ones from these evolving threats by staying vigilant and informed. Remember, it’s always better to err on caution if something seems suspicious.

Contact us if you’re unsure you’ve fallen for a scam.