PSA - Pennsylvania Commonwealth Employees Take Note

I started to add PSA(Public Service Announcement) as a way to warn people of the silly things that happen on the internet and through e-mail. I received this copy of an e-mail from a trusted source that was sent out today to all Pennsylvania Commonwealth Employees. It is valid and you should take note. If it is happening in Pennsylvania, it will begin happening all over the world in a short period of time, and is worthy of your attention and perserverance in letting these fools know that we will not be cowed by them.

Recently, the Commonwealth has been the target of spam emails that appear to be part of an “extortion” scheme. The Commonwealth’s Information Security Division is aware of the spam email attack. The spam email purports to be from a “hitman.” The email provides accurate information about the victim including complete name. The email demands that the victim sends a certain sum of money or reply to the sender by a certain time. Commonwealth employees have reported receiving such emails in their email accounts.

There is no evidence that the threats are authentic, however, all appropriate authorities have been contacted regarding these e-mail attacks and are being investigated.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• These emails are an attempt to extort money. Do not follow the instructions.
• Report receipt of email to your agency Information Security Officer or equivalent, or local law enforcement.
• Be cautious - protect personal identity when responding to requests delivered through unsolicited email.
• Guard your personal information as well as your account information carefully.

As a final warning from The Ranting Queen, remember to always guard your personal lives with the same protective nature you will find from a mother bear protecting her cubs. Not everyone is an innocent person that you will meet in real life or in the internet world.

Do not give your personal information out to strangers. Be careful who you trust. In the end, the only people you can ever really trust is yourself and your family members.

Best Wishes,
Melanie
A.K.A.
The Ranting Queen