Jan 28

Don't Reward These Scammers

Posted on January 28, 2026 at 12:27 PM by Jackie Kolb

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Scam of the Week

Don't Reward These Scammers


In this week’s scam, cybercriminals are targeting Verizon customers. Verizon is a cellular service provider that recently experienced a major network outage. You receive a text message that appears to be from Verizon, claiming you have expired reward points to redeem. The text includes a link and urges you to select it immediately to claim your points. You may think this message is related to the recent network outage and be tempted to follow the instructions. 

However, this is actually a smishing, or text phishing, scam! Cybercriminals are exploiting the recent news stories about a mobile outage to trick you. If you select the link in the message, you will be taken to a fake website and asked to enter your financial information to redeem your reward. But if you enter your banking details, the scammers will steal them!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a smishing scam:

  • Never select links in unexpected texts, even if the message appears to be from an official source, such as your mobile carrier.
  • If you want to check whether you really have an account credit or reward, open the official Verizon app on your phone or log in to their official website.
  • Be very suspicious if a website asks for your credit card number or bank details to issue you a credit or reward.

The KnowBe4 Security Team

Jan 21

This LinkedIn Warning is a Phishing Trap

Posted on January 21, 2026 at 4:00 PM by Jackie Kolb

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Scam of the Week

This LinkedIn Warning is a Phishing Trap


In this week's scam, you post on LinkedIn and then receive what appears to be an official reply from LinkedIn's website. The reply appears as a comment on your post and warns that your account has been temporarily restricted because you've violated the platform's policies. It contains the LinkedIn logo and instructs you to select a link to resolve the issue and regain access to your account.

But this “official” comment is actually fake! Even though the logo and alarming message about a policy violation seem real, the reply you received is actually from a cybercriminal. If you select the link in the comment, you’ll be directed to a fake webpage that contains a Verify your identity button. If you select the button and enter your username and password, cybercriminals will steal both your login information and your account!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a phishing scam:

  • Remember that LinkedIn will never communicate policy violations through public comments on your posts.
  • Be suspicious of comments that use alarming language or threaten account suspension. Cybercriminals often try to create a sense of urgency to trick you into clicking without thinking.
  • If you encounter suspicious comments or replies that impersonate LinkedIn, report them immediately so the platform can take appropriate action and protect other users.

The KnowBe4 Security Team

Jan 14

This Fake Warrant Wants Your Wallet

Posted on January 14, 2026 at 11:39 AM by Jackie Kolb

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Scam of the Week

This Fake Warrant Wants Your Wallet


In this week’s scam, you receive a frightening phone call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer. They tell you there is a warrant for your arrest because you missed jury duty, failed to appear in court, or owe unpaid taxes. They might even use your real name, tell you their badge number, or give you a specific court case number. All this information may lead you to believe that you are in serious legal trouble.

However, this is actually a vishing, or voice phishing, scam! You’re not speaking to a real law enforcement officer, but a cybercriminal who is trying to make you panic. Their goal is to scare you into acting without thinking. They will ask you to pay a fine by wiring money, purchasing gift cards, or sending cryptocurrency if you want to avoid being arrested. Remember, you aren’t actually in any legal trouble, and if you pay this “fine”, you’ll be giving your money directly to a scammer! 

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a vishing scam:

  • If someone calls you and threatens to arrest you unless you pay a fine immediately, it’s a scam. Cybercriminals often try to scare you into acting without thinking.
  • Keep in mind that cybercriminals can search online for public information, such as a case or badge number, and use it to make their scams appear more convincing.
  • Real law enforcement agencies will never ask you to pay a fine using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. If anyone asks for these payment methods, hang up.

The KnowBe4 Security Team

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