Scammers are sending fake Evite-style text messages and emails during graduation season to trick people into sharing passwords and security codes.
WASHINGTON — Summer is almost here and many picnics and graduation parties are popping up, but the Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers to be wary of fake digital invitations that are actually phishing scams designed to steal personal information.
Federal Trade Commission explain Scammers send unexpected text messages and emails that appear to come from popular invitation services like Evite and Paperless Post. These messages often claim to be from someone the recipient knows and may ask users to enter their email login credentials or provide a special verification code to view party details or RSVP.
“That’s not how true invitations work,” the FTC said in a consumer alert issued this week.
Officials warn that scammers may use stolen login information to take over email accounts and send additional phishing messages to victims’ contacts.
How the scam works
According to the Federal Trade Commission, scams often start with unexpected invitations related to graduation parties, summer celebrations or other events.
Some fake invitations direct users to a login page asking for an email username and password, while others ask for a phone number and one-time verification code.
The FTC said legitimate invitation platforms typically do not require users to hand over a password or special access code to open an invitation.
If consumers receive an invitation they were not expecting, the agency recommends contacting the alleged moderator directly before clicking on any links.
How to protect yourself
The FTC recommends that consumers take several steps to protect themselves from phishing scams:
• Keep computer and phone software updated to help protect against security threats.
• Use two-factor authentication for email and other online accounts.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or entering login credentials on unfamiliar websites.
• If you believe your account information has been compromised, change your password immediately.
Consumers can forward phishing emails to reportphishing@apwg.org and scam text messages to 7726, or SPAM. You can also report phishing attempts to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
