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Herald Publisher Warns of Email Invoice Scam Dangers

Herald Publisher Allan J. Bassler has asked Herald advertisers and subscribers to be aware of fake Herald invoices.

A handful of advertising clients and even a few subscribers have received email notices that appear to have been sent from Herald staff members. These messages claim that the recipient has an overdue invoice that requires immediate attention, and usually include a link to click and view an invoice.

Bassler warned that clicking the link is dangerous as it might download malicious software to the receiver's computer.

According to Herald Bookkeeper Martin Bakner, the sender is using a technique known as "spoofing," in which it appears that the message is sent from a legitimate Morrisons Cove Herald email address but is actually from an unknown site.

Bakner said that these fraudulent emails are likely intended to infect the recipient's computer with a virus or malware.

"Any invoice that is emailed from the Herald will originate from the address martinbakner@mcheraldonline.com and will include an image that lists the invoice number and amount," Bakner said. "In addition, the invoice number will appear in the subject line and a PDF file of the actual invoice will be attached to the message. At no time will just a link appear with instructions to click it in order to view the invoice."

Bassler and Bakner stated that if Herald customers receive an email of the suspicious type, they should never click the provided internet link.

"It's best to delete the email immediately and run an antivirus scan as a safety precaution," Bakner said.

Customers and subscribers who receive a suspicious email or who have questions about the authenticity of an invoice from the Herald should call Bakner at the Herald office at (814) 793-2144, extension 105.

"As always, we thank our subscribers and advertisers for supporting the Herald's community journalism," Bassler said. "We apologize for the problems created by unscrupulous criminals with bad intent."

 

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