David Selig is warning New Yorkers about a sophisticated new phishing scam called “Conversation Hijacking”

With tax season upon us David Selig is warning New Yorkers about a sophisticated new phishing scam called “Conversation Hijacking”. In a nutshell, internet scammers gain access your ongoing email conversations, and send the participants messages containing malicious links or attachments. It looks 100% legit says Selig. Victims click the link or open the attachment and Whammy! The scam is so pervasive that even Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody said: “As technology evolves, so do the methods scammers use to bypass security and trick users into compromising sensitive information. Conversation hijacking attacks are the latest trick being used to steal people’s identities and access their financial information. Floridians should remain cautious and avoid clicking on links or opening attachments that seem suspicious.” Agreed. 

The Straight Dope 

1.   Don’t share passwords or login credentials

2.   Change passwords frequently  

3.   Maintain a strong password that utilizes numbers and special characters and avoiding common words, birth dates, or other easily discernable terms 

4.   Don’t click on unsolicited links or download any unsolicited files without verbally verifying the authenticity with the sender through another means of communication, such as a phone call; and Ensure systems and devices are updated with the latest operating systems, security patches and antivirus software