To keep you and your money safe, I make it a point to always let you know about spreading scams, from crypto catfishing to AI deepfakes. I bet you’re going to be surprised by this news: The crime that shot up 400% last year is old-school check fraud.

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It’s not high-tech, but it is highly effective. In 2023, check scammers stole $26.2 billion from Americans like you and me, right out of our mailboxes. You need to make sure you don’t become a statistic.

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How crooks write themselves a blank check

Scammers coordinate in private groups on Telegram, Facebook or TikTok to share tips and sell tools that make it easy for scams to spread. One of their tricks? Buying universal keys that can open any USPS drop box or snapping up books of blank checks from the Dark Web.

But plenty of crooks just swipe checks right from your mailbox. Then, they use simple household chemicals like acetone to dissolve the ink and write themselves (or their alias) some spending money.

Fraudsters deposit their haul at an ATM or right from their couch through a banking app, then they withdraw the cash in chunks so it doesn’t trigger alerts. Before you or your bank know it, they’re on their way to the casino, buying designer goods or investing in real estate — you name it.

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Old-fashioned check fraud is en vogue as of late, with instances of the crime shooting up some 400% in the past year. (Fox News)

What are banks doing about it?

Banks are cracking down on fraud with stricter deposit policies and extended hold times on deposits. So, if you’ve noticed your funds aren’t clearing as fast as they used to, it’s because banks are taking extra time to verify deposits for potential fraud.

A recent viral TikTok glitch exploited J.P. Morgan’s instant access feature for deposits from bad checks. Scammers flooded in, and many ended up being sued — proof crime doesn’t pay.

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5 ways to protect yourself and your money

1. Use a USPS-approved locking mailbox. This one ($99, 9% off) has an extra layer of security that keeps casual thieves from easily grabbing your mail.
2. Set up notifications for suspicious activity. Check your bank account regularly for anything unusual. I have alerts set up for withdrawals over a certain dollar amount, as well as fraud alerts.
3. Skip the mailbox. For recurring bills or one-time payments, apps like Zelle, Venmo or PayPal, or even ACH transfers, are secure and eliminate the risk of stolen checks. If you really need to send something sensitive, like birthday money, drop it off inside a post office instead of using an outdoor mailbox.
4. Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery. This free service lets you see and track your incoming mail online, so you’ll know if something goes missing before it arrives (or doesn’t).
5. Only use fraud-resistant pens. My favorite low-tech solution is to write checks with a pen specifically designed to prevent ink from being altered. This 4-pack is my go-to.

USPS Informed Delivery and fraud-resistant pens are just a few ways you can better insulate yourself against check fraud. (Fox News)

If any of your checks go missing or you suspect fraud, file a report immediately — not just with your bank, but also with USPS and your local police department. Be sure to ask for a case number so you can track the progress of your claim.

The biggest checkwriters are baby boomers. They don’t like change.

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There are companies whose entire business model is built around collecting personal data, including criminal records, employment details, addresses and more. They use this data to offer background check services to other businesses and individuals. However, while they profit from this information, they often fail to adequately protect it. Earlier this year, the National Public Data made headlines for failing to secure 2.7 billion records of people whose data it collected. Now, on a smaller scale, another data aggregator has exposed the personal information of 600,000 Americans.

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Illustration of a hacker (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What information leaked?

As reported by Website Planet, the exposed database contained 644,869 PDF files, totaling 713.1 GB of sensitive data. These documents mainly consisted of background checks but also included court records, vehicle ownership details such as license plates and VINs, and property ownership reports. The background checks alone revealed highly sensitive personal data, including full names, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, employment details, information about family members, social media accounts and criminal histories.

The worst part is that the database was left publicly accessible without password protection or encryption, allowing anyone to grab it. Anyone with the link could view and download the files. Plus, the files were named in a way that exposed personal details, using formats like “First_Middle_Last_State.PDF.” This made sensitive information visible even without opening the files.

Illustration of a hacker (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What you need to know about the company

The database that exposed over 600,000 records belongs to SL Data Services LLC, an information research provider that appears to prioritize convenience over basic data security. The company operates a sprawling network of around 16 websites, including Propertyrec, which advertises real estate ownership data and property records. However, SL Data Services’ business goes far beyond property records, offering services like criminal background checks, DMV records and even birth and death records.

While Propertyrec promotes its affordability, claiming users can search for documents for as little as $1, customer reviews paint a different picture. Many users report being unknowingly enrolled in subscription services, resulting in recurring charges instead of the promised one-time fees. This predatory business practice raises further questions about the company’s ethics and transparency.

A woman working on two computers (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How could the leak affect people?

The exposure of sensitive personal info in this breach is a big deal for the people involved. The database has detailed data about them, and that’s basically a jackpot for cybercriminals. This kind of leak can lead to various dangerous outcomes. 

For one, attackers could use this info to run phishing scams or social engineering tricks. If they know details like your job, family or even criminal history, they can send super convincing messages to trick you into sharing even more sensitive details, like your financial info. That’s not all. Criminals could also use this leaked data to impersonate someone and apply for loans, credit cards or other services in their name.

What really gets me, though, is that most people whose info got leaked probably won’t even find out about it unless they’re using a service to remove their data. A lot of them might not have even known they were being background-checked in the first place. For those with criminal records, this kind of leak could cause major reputational damage or lead to discrimination, even if the info is outdated or flat-out wrong.

We reached out to SL Data Services/Propertyrec for a comment but did not hear back before our deadline.

7 ways to protect yourself from data leaks

1) Remove your personal information from the internet: While no service can promise to completely erase your data from the internet, using a data removal service is one of the best steps you can take. They do the heavy lifting by actively scanning and removing your personal information from hundreds of websites. This helps protect you from scammers who may cross-reference data from breaches with other information they find on the dark web. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

2) Be wary of mailbox communications: With your address exposed, bad actors could try to scam you through physical mail. They may impersonate companies or people you trust and send fake urgent letters about things like missed deliveries, account suspensions or security alerts. Be skeptical of unexpected communications and verify any claims before taking action.

3) Be cautious of phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software: The leaked data could lead to phishing attacks via email, phone calls or messages from unknown sources. Be on high alert for any requests for personal information, especially if they seem urgent or ask you to click on suspicious links. Always verify the legitimacy of any request before responding.

To protect your devices from malicious links, make sure you have strong antivirus protection. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

4) Monitor your accounts: Given the scope of this breach, it’s crucial to start regularly reviewing your bank accounts, credit card statements and other financial accounts. Keep an eye out for any unauthorized transactions and report them immediately to your bank or credit card company to prevent further damage.

5) Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex passwords for each of your online accounts and consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely.

6) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Implement this extra layer of security on all accounts that offer it to prevent unauthorized access.

7) Regularly update your software: Keep your operating system, apps and security tools up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

It’s alarming how many companies profit from collecting personal data, yet fail to protect it adequately. Recent breaches, including one exposing the sensitive information of 600,000 Americans, highlight this negligence. With unprotected databases containing everything from criminal records to addresses, cybercriminals have a treasure trove of information to exploit. This situation underscores the urgent need for you to take proactive steps to safeguard your privacy and demand better security practices from these data aggregators.

Should companies face stronger penalties for failing to protect personal data? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Phone hacking is a bigger deal than most of us realize, and it’s something we all need to be aware of. Just the other day, Dennis sent an email sharing that he had a pretty unsettling experience with a suspicious text message that seemed to come from a friend’s number. His story is a wake-up call for all of us to stay alert and informed. By understanding the signs of potential hacking, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from cyber threats.

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A woman texting on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The suspicious text message

Dennis received a text from a friend that was unusually brief and out of character, simply asking, “Would you like to chat?” This raised immediate concerns, especially since the number appeared to be his friend’s but wasn’t recognized by Messenger as being in his contact list. Such scenarios often suggest phone number spoofing or hacking, where cybercriminals disguise their identity by using someone else’s number.

Illustration of friend’s suspicious text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Signs your friend’s phone number might be compromised

Understanding the signs of a compromised phone number is crucial for protecting your personal information and that of your friends. Here are some indicators that your friend’s number might be hacked:

Unusual messages: If your friend starts sending texts that seem out of character – such as odd phrasing, unexpected links or requests for personal information – it could indicate their number has been hacked.

Unknown contacts: If Messenger says the number is not in your contact list when it actually is, it might indicate a problem.

Unexpected phone behavior: If your friend mentions their phone is acting strangely, they should look out for:

• High data usage: Unexplained spikes in your friend’s data usage can indicate malicious apps running in the background on their phone.
• Unfamiliar apps: If your friend notices new apps that they didn’t download, it could be a sign that their phone has been hacked.
• Battery drain: Rapid battery drain, even when not using the phone heavily, might suggest background malware activity.
• Slow performance: If your friend’s phone suddenly becomes sluggish or unresponsive, it might be due to malicious software using up the device’s resources.
• Pop-ups and ads: An increase in pop-up ads or redirects to dubious websites while your friend is browsing could indicate adware or malware on their device.

Unauthorized charges: If your friend’s phone bill shows unexpected charges, it can result from premium SMS services or calls made by malicious apps.

Spam sent from your friend’s number: If you or other contacts receive spam or suspicious messages from your friend’s number, it’s a strong sign that their phone might be compromised.

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A man texting on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Steps to protect yourself

If you suspect your friend’s phone number has been hacked, consider these actions:

1) Verify with your friend: Contact them through another method to confirm if they sent the message.

2) Check for malware using strong antivirus software: Advise your friend to use strong antivirus software to scan for malicious apps or malware on the device. The best way for them to safeguard from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing their private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all their devices. This protection can also alert them to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping their personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

3) Change passwords: If your friend suspects their phone number has been hacked, they should change their passwords for all accounts linked to their phone number. They should consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

4) Contact service provider: Your friend should contact their mobile service provider to report the issue. The provider can help secure their account and prevent further unauthorized access.

5) Enable two-factor authentication: Encourage your friend to enable two-factor authentication nn their accounts for added security.

6) Monitor accounts: Advise your friend to regularly check their bank statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Phone hacking is a bigger issue than most people realize, and Dennis’s recent experience is a stark reminder of that. It’s crucial for all of us to stay vigilant and informed about the signs of potential hacking. By recognizing these warning signs and taking proactive steps, we can better protect our personal information and our loved ones from cyber threats.

Have you ever experienced a suspicious message or a potential hacking incident? Share your story with us and let us know how you handled it by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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