🔆 Pup on Patrol - Scam Alert
Each quarter, members share real scams they’ve encountered. We break them down together so you know how to protect your information, your accounts and your network.
📨 The Member Story
“I received what looked like a normal invitation from a respected business colleague I was eager to build a stronger connection with. It was MLK Day, and she was exactly the type of person who would invite me to a breakfast like this.
"It struck me that the invite was a bit last minute, but it was from her email address and at first glance, the design appeared legit.
Not wanting to miss the opportunity, I clicked. The invite told me I needed to sign in or create an account to see it.
That seemed sketch, so I emailed her directly; and, yup, it was a scam. Her email had been hacked.
Thank goodness I didn't enter any of my information!
🎭 Pup Scam Alert
This is a trusted-contact invitation scam.
Here’s how it works:
- A real person’s email account is compromised
- The scammer sends invitations from that legitimate account
- The message looks normal and is even expected
- You click because you trust the sender
You’re asked to:
- log in
- enter your email/password
- or download something
Once that happens:
❗️ your account can be taken over
❗️ your contacts can be targeted
❗️ the scam spreads
⚠️ Why this Scam is Dangerous
This scam doesn’t rely on obvious red flags.
It works because it combines:
- a real sender
- a real email address
- familiar platforms (Paperless Post, Punchbowl)
- believable context
It bypasses both spam filters and your instincts.
And once one account is compromised, it can spread quickly through networks of friends, family, and coworkers.
In some cases, attackers may also:
- steal login credentials
- access personal data
- use your identity to target others
🔍 Scam vs. Legit
How to Spot the Difference
🚩 Scam Invite
(What to watch for)
- asks you to download or install something
- prompts you to log in just to view the invite
- it includes unusual instructions (like "ensure it's installed")
- may be missing expected branding (like the official logo)
- contains vague event details or missing information
- feels slightly off, even if you can't explain why
✅ Legitimate Invite
(What it should look like)
- opens directly in your browser — no download required
- comes from an official platform email domain
- lets you view details without entering a password
- includes clear event information including who, what, when and where
- behaves in a way you'd expect from an invitation
🛡️ How to Avoid It
- Pause before clicking unexpected invites
- Verify directly with the sender
- Check where the email actually came from
- Never enter your password to “view” an invitation
- If something feels off, trust that instinct
🐾 Pup Takeaway
Scams don't always look suspicious. Sometimes they come from someone you trust's hacked email address.
💛✨ Privacy Pup's maxim: "Paws before you click."
👀 Have You Seen a Scam?
Pup Scam Patrol is powered by our members.
If you’ve received a message, email, or request that didn’t feel quite right, send it our way. We'll break down how it works, what to look for and how to avoid it. Your experience could help others spot the same thing before it spreads.
📩 Submit your example to sc@privacymatters2u.com
🌈 On the H☀️rizon
Next week: We begin a four part series called Privacy Is a Web.
We often think of privacy as something we control through our own settings and choices, but in reality, your privacy is shaped by more than just you. It’s influenced by the people you interact with, the platforms you use, and the systems that connect them. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore how those connections work, and why privacy is ultimately a team effort.
Coming Up:
📅 April — Shield Up! METAmorphosis Guided Group
Meta apps like Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and Threads take way more personal data than you realize. Shut it down while still enjoying your social media experience. Or, if you're ready to leave, exit safely.
Guided Groups provide a shared experience including email encouragement and online support through the weekly Q&As. Groups meet Wednesday (noon) of the month, but you can join anytime.
📅 Month of May: Shield Up! Inbox Island Guided Group.
Ready to switch from a privacy invading email to one that respects your boundary? Join Inbox Island and complete the quest in May.
📅 Weekly Pup Pack Hours - Online Q&A with PrivacyMatters2u Team
Every Tuesday Wednesday at NOON Central Time. FREE to all Initiative Members.