Good day everyone,
This statement is in response to some phishing emails thar are impersonating our Division Commander, Michael Hurley. These emails have gone around multiple times. Whoever is operating this scam is emailing Texas Division members and asking for “gift cards.” Lately, most scams no longer involve regular U.S. currency, now scammers would prefer the transactions to be done with Gift Cards or Bitcoin because there is virtually zero paper trail. So let that be the first red flag that you may be reading a scam.
Secondly, it’s always wise to check the sender email address. Our Texas Division Commander will contact you with the email “scvtexascommander@gmail.com”, in this case, the email address has been mocked up to be a pretty close spoof with the email being “SVCtexascommander@gmail.com” The emails look almost identical, but our scammer swapped the C & V in their email address.
Thirdly, look for language that seems inconsistent with the sender. Is there’s grammatical errors, maybe certain phrases this particular person doesn’t use. I know this can be difficult, especially if you’ve never spoken to the individual but if you can look for it, you should.
Below is a detailed list of things you should be aware of and some steps to keep yourself safe online. Online safety is very important, especially for our Texas Division community. Here are some simple tips to help you recognize phishing emails and avoid scams:
- Check the sender’s email address: Make sure it’s from a legitimate source.
- Look for your name: Be cautious if the email starts with “Dear Member.”
- Beware of urgent requests: Scammers try to create panic.
- Check for errors: Look out for spelling and grammar mistakes.
- Don’t click suspicious links: Hover over links to see where they lead.
- Avoid unknown attachments: They might contain harmful software.
- Notice inconsistent content: Compare with previous communications.
To stay safe:
- Use security software: Keep it updated.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Adds extra security.
- Use strong passwords: Different for each account.
- Monitor your accounts: Regularly check for any unusual activity.
- Stay informed: Learn about common scams.
- Never share personal info via email: Legitimate organizations won’t ask for it.
- Use secure networks: Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks.
If you suspect a phishing email:
- Don’t respond or click links.
- Report it to your email provider.
- Contact the Texas Division SCV directly using a trusted number or website.
- Delete the email after reporting it.
Stay safe and vigilant online!
Ctrl + Alt + Take Care,
Cody Crislip
3rd Lt. Commander
Texas Division, SCV