Association News

Beware of Phishing Attacks During COVID-19

By USEA | April 13, 2020

USEA Community,

As the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented times, it has opened opportunities for criminal activities. Even non-profit organizations such as the USEA are not exempt from falling prey to these types of activity. Commonly it manifests as a phishing attack, a form of identity theft designed to steal sensitive information or money.

Phishers use phony websites, email messages, or phone numbers that appear to be from trusted businesses and brands in order to scam users. The messages can be hard to recognize as fake because they appear to come from known sources with familiar logos and screen shots. The more familiar a message looks, the more susceptible people may be to performing actions suggested in the message.

Our community recently received phishing messages with a plea to donate gift cards for hospice care for COVID-19 patients on behalf of our president. Though the message did not originate with a @useventing.com verified email address, it could easily be mistaken for a valid request. Do NOT respond to these email messages and do NOT follow any directions contained in such messages. If you have any question about the validity of an email from the USEA or any of our community members, please contact us at [email protected] or our main number (703) 779-0440.

Robert Winter
USEA IT Director
(703) 779-0440

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