Warning Issued Of Ransomware Email Scam In CT

A ransomware email scam has hit some residents of Connecticut, and the state's Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Commissioner Kevin Sullivan is joining with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to warn the public about it.

The scam involves an email that poses as the IRS and FBI which can take computer data hostage.

"Email-related scams are ongoing. They try to trick people to get at personal information, passwords and money," said Sullivan in a statement. "Cybercriminal tactics are constantly evolving. Be cautious of emails that may try to lure you into clicking a link or opening an attachment."

From Commissioner Sullivan's release:

This scam email tries to entice users to download a fake FBI questionnaire that is actually a malware called ransomware. The ransomeware prevents users from accessing data stored on their device unless they pay the scammers to unlock it.

The CT DRS, IRS and tax industries – working in partnership as the Security Summit – currently are conducting an awareness campaign called Don’t Take the Bait, warning the public about the various types of phishing scams, including ransomware.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently cautioned that ransomware attacks are a growing and evolving crime. Victims should immediately report it to the FBI at the Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.IC3.gov. Forward any IRS-themed scams to phishing@irs.gov or contact DRS by calling (860) 297-5962 or outside the Hartford calling area at (800) 382-9463.

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