SCAM ALERT: With many Americans working from home due to COVID-19 concerns, we’d like to alert the community to an older scam that has resurfaced involving phishing emails and payroll direct deposits. In a phishing attack, the scammer attempts to steal sensitive information by duping a victim into opening an email, instant message, or text message.

There are many variations of this scam, but, typically, the scammers send a phishing email to payroll or human resources personnel asking to change an employee’s deposit information for payroll purposes. The email provides a new bank account and routing number, which are linked to an account created by the scammer. An employee often loses one or two payroll deposits before realizing what is going on.

There are many ways to protect yourself from these types of scams including:

• Review emails carefully for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors
• Always call the person asking for the payroll information change to confirm the request
• Do not click on any links contained in the email unless you are completely sure they are legitimate

You can report a scam to the Sheriff’s Office by contacting us at (540) 658-4400.