FRESNO, California – Cody Sarhan, Communications Specialist

A disturbing new trend is on the rise, where scammers are using AI to simulate a desperate child begging their parent for help. The result has left victims giving away personal and/or financial information to the scammer, believing it to be their child. Scammers can clone the voices of individuals through AI technology, by using just a few clips of audio taken from their child’s social media accounts.

Speaking with The Post, a mother in New York City recounts an event where she received a phone call from her distraught daughter screaming and crying for assistance because she had just been arrested. “Mommy, I just got arrested. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” Eventually, the call would be transferred to a “police officer” where the scammer proceeded to ask the mother for $15,000.

Learn more: How BCT help protect you with our secure VoIP Phone Service

Another story out of Arizona would see a scammer use artificial intelligence to clone a “dead ringer” version of a mother’s child, while she was on a ski trip. The scammer would proceed to make it seem like her daughter was kidnapped, hearing the pleas of the child in the background as the scammer demanded $50,000 in ransom.

“I pick up the phone, and I hear my daughter’s voice, and it says, ‘Mom!’ and she’s sobbing. I said, ‘What happened?’ And she said, ‘Mom, I messed up,’ and she’s sobbing and crying. It was completely her voice, it was her inflection. It was the way she would have cried.” — Jennifer DeStefano

🎥 Video Curiosity of ABC News, Nightline

As AI becomes more sophisticated these diabolical scams are just the tip of the iceberg. Scammers are capable of analyzing and replicating the voice patterns of individuals, often using just a few snippets of their voice obtained from social media or other public platforms. These scammers prey on the emotional vulnerability of their victims, creating a sense of urgency and panic, making it even harder for individuals to question the authenticity of the call. The emotional turmoil caused by these incidents is immeasurable, and the financial losses can be substantial, with some victims losing thousands of dollars.

How to Combat This Threat & Spot the Fakes

These scams are becoming more prevalent each and every day, so individuals and businesses alike must stay vigilant and educate themselves about these threats. Verifying the identity of the caller, especially when they are asking for money or personal information, is crucial. One should take the time to contact the person in question directly through a known and trusted method before taking any action. Some people have “safe words” set up to help identify people immediately if there’s any doubt, or they’ll ask a question that only that person would know the answer to. It’s even wise in some cases, to let the call go to voicemail and return the call to better help verify.

How BCT Can Help Protect You

Cybersecurity measures have never been more crucial than they are today. Protecting oneself from these advanced scams requires a multifaceted approach, combining education, vigilance, and the right technological tools. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, for instance, can play a significant role in this battle against scammers. For small businesses specifically, VoIP offers a cost-effective and flexible communication solution, but it also provides an additional layer of security. With features such as call encryption, authentication, and the ability to trace and block fraudulent calls, VoIP technology can significantly mitigate the risk of falling victim to these AI-powered voice scams.

Contact one of our highly skilled technicians now to learn how you can protect yourself from scammers and spam calls.

BCT Consulting now has engineers servicing clients within Fresno, Clovis, Madera, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco & the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Anaheim, Palm Springs, and more.

Cody Sarhan | Communications Specialist, Xobee Networks

FRESNO, California – Cody Sarhan, Communications Specialist

In 2022, there were over 500 million phishing attacks reported; doubling the number of attacks reported in 2021, with California ranking as the 4^th most affected state. The meteoric rise in phishing attacks over the past few years is no surprise, as it’s the easiest type of scam for cybercriminals to fool people with.

“What we’ve been seeing is an increase in the use of voicemail and text as part of two-pronged phishing and BEC [business email compromise] campaigns… The attackers leave a voicemail or send a text about the email they sent, either lending credibility to the sender or increasing the urgency of the request.” — Jess Burn, Senior Analyst at Forrester Research

With the rise of phishing scams, PDF and invoice phishing scams have emerged as a significant concern for small businesses, specifically. These deceptive attacks, which use seemingly harmless PDF files or fake invoices as bait, can have devastating consequences for unsuspecting organizations. It’s for this reason that small businesses should seek out a secure inbox protection service for email communication.

Learn more: How BCT can protect your email inbox

What Is A PDF/Invoice Phishing Scam?

PDF or Invoice phishing scams involve cybercriminals sending fraudulent PDF documents or fake invoices via email or other messaging platforms. These files are often disguised as invoices, receipts, job applications, or important business documents. The goal is to trick recipients into opening the file and unwittingly compromising their sensitive information or systems.

Example of a Fake Invoice

How Do PDF Phishing Scams Work?

• Deceptive Emails. Attackers craft convincing emails that appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks, government agencies, or trusted vendors.
• Malicious Attachments. These emails contain attachments in the form of PDF files. When opened, these files may contain links or forms that prompt users to enter confidential information.
• Data Theft. Once victims input their data, it is sent to the attackers, who can then exploit it for financial gain or commit identity theft.

Learn more: How BCT can protect your email from spam, viruses, and more

Impact on Small Businesses

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to PDF phishing scams due to limited resources for robust cybersecurity measures. Here are some ways these scams can affect small businesses:

How You Can Combat Phishing Attacks

To defend against phishing scams, small businesses can implement several key strategies. Firstly, they should focus on employee training and awareness, educating their staff about the risks of phishing scams and how to spot suspicious emails. Secondly, deploying a robust email security solution such as Hosted Exchange can help identify and filter phishing/spam emails before they reach employees’ inboxes.

Additionally, small businesses should consider using secure file-sharing platforms, regularly update software to minimize vulnerabilities, and implement two-factor authentication for added security.

Investing in cybersecurity solutions such as antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint security is also essential. Finally, developing an incident response plan that outlines steps to take in case of a PDF phishing attack, including communication procedures and mitigation strategies, is crucial for overall defense against these threats.

Learn more: How BCT can help protect your business from scammers

How BCT Consulting Can Safeguard Your Inbox

BCT Consulting offers you a secure, state-of-the-art solution through Hosted Exchange. With our advanced security solutions, you can sleep comfortably knowing that your email is delivered cleanly and without any malicious viruses or code — saving your business significantly in the long term.

Contact one of our highly skilled technicians now to get connected with our Hosted Exchange service.

BCT Consulting now has engineers servicing clients within Fresno, Clovis, Madera, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco & the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Anaheim, Palm Springs, and more.

Cody Sarhan | Communications Specialist, Xobee Networks

FRESNO, California – Cody Sarhan, Communications Specialist

While the Internet, and particularly email, is a digital playground for cybercriminals, phone calls and text messages have remained the go-to weapon scammers have used for years — a weapon that’s only getting stronger as technology advances. The advent of robocalls and text-based scamming is part of the new frontier for bad actors to explore. Small businesses, often with limited resources for cybersecurity, are particularly vulnerable to these insidious attacks.

“An average employee of a small business with less than 100 employees will experience 350% more social engineering attacks than an employee of a larger enterprise.” — Anne Campbell, PR Manager for Barracuda

Phone-based scams come in all flavors of deception and can be deployed through text messages, and phone calls. Scammers often manipulate phone numbers and pretend to be reputable businesses to appear trustworthy, underscoring the heightened importance for business owners to seek out a dependable and secure Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service provider.

To put things into perspective, the year 2022 witnessed a staggering $330 million in reported losses due to text scams, according to data from the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network. What’s even more alarming is that the median reported loss was $1,000, more than double the losses reported in 2021 and nearly five times what victims reported in 2019. This sharp increase in financial losses highlights the growing success of text-based scams.

Learn more: How BCT can help protect you from phone call and text scammers

How Scammers Acquire Your Phone Number

Data brokers play a significant role in the proliferation of phone call and text-based phishing scams. These companies collect and sell personal information, including phone numbers, to the highest bidder. Legitimate businesses often use data brokers for marketing purposes, but cybercriminals exploit these databases to target unsuspecting victims.

Examples of Fake Text Messages

How These Phishing Scams Work

Phone call and text-based phishing scams involve scammers posing as legitimate organizations, such as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies. The hope is that scammers catch you when you’re too busy to really pay attention to the message, and you’ll just click on it without thinking.

They use various tactics to manipulate victims into sharing sensitive information, like passwords, Social Security numbers, or financial details. This can happen through:

• Impersonation. Scammers pretend to be trusted entities, creating a false sense of urgency or fear to pressure victims into sharing information.
• Spoofing. They manipulate caller IDs to make it seem like they are calling from a trusted source, adding an extra layer of deception.
• Fake Links. Text messages may contain malicious links that, when clicked, can install malware on the victim’s device or direct them to a counterfeit website.

How These Scams Negatively Impact Small Businesses

Small businesses face a disproportionate risk when it comes to phone call and text-based phishing scams. This vulnerability stems from their limited resources, which often lack dedicated IT and cybersecurity teams. Without these critical defenses, they become prime targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit their weaknesses.

The consequences of falling victim to such scams are multifaceted. Financial losses, whether through direct theft or the costs of recovery, can be particularly devastating to small businesses. These losses can disrupt operations and strain already tight budgets.

Perhaps equally damaging is the harm to their reputation. A security breach not only jeopardizes sensitive data but also erodes the trust and confidence customers place in the business. Rebuilding that trust is a painstaking process, often resulting in the loss of loyal clientele and hindering future growth prospects. Given these challenges, it’s imperative for small businesses to adopt proactive measures to safeguard themselves against these scammers.

How BCT Consulting Can Help Protect You From These Scammers

At BCT Consulting, we know our stuff. Scammers constantly adapt their tactics, so remaining vigilant and cautious is essential to our core operations. By combining our state-of-the-art security features with our advanced VoIP Phone Service we can help aid in protecting you and your business from phone-based and text scams. Contact one of our highly skilled technicians today to learn more about our VoIP Phone Service.

BCT Consulting now has engineers servicing clients within Fresno, Clovis, Madera, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco & the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Anaheim, Palm Springs, and more.

Cody Sarhan | Communications Specialist, Xobee Networks

FRESNO, California – Cody Sarhan, Communications Specialist

Mobile apps have become indispensable tools for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses, in particular, can reap significant benefits from developing their own mobile apps. From enhancing customer engagement to streamlining operations, mobile app development opens up a world of possibilities.

Sometimes it’s the small addition of a mobile app into your business portfolio that can mean all the difference in engagement and advertisement to both your targeted audience and people who otherwise would have never stumbled upon your business. Having a mobile app means your business becomes omnipresent. When it comes to business-to-customer, the mobile app market is becoming a necessity.

Learn more: How BCT can create a custom-tailored mobile app for your business

Mobile apps have the power, no matter what industry you’re in, to place your business in the palm of the hand of those you wish to engage with. It both future-proofs your business and opens the door to a digital ecosystem that your competitors may remain locked out of. 

From e-commerce to on-demand services, communication, appointment scheduling, and more the advantages of mobile app adoption for small businesses are endless. They allow businesses to provide a unique custom-tailored approach for users wishing to engage with their services from anywhere, at any time.

The Five Ways Mobile Apps Can Enhance Your Business

• Direct Customer Engagement. Mobile apps provide a direct channel for businesses to engage with their customers. Push notifications, in-app messaging, and personalized content can keep customers informed and engaged.
• Increased Brand Loyalty. A well-designed mobile app can build brand loyalty by offering convenience and rewards. Loyalty programs, discounts, and special offers can keep customers coming back for more.
• Streamlined Operations. Mobile apps can streamline internal processes, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. Inventory management, appointment scheduling, and order processing are just a few examples.
• Data Insights. Apps collect valuable customer data that can inform business strategies. Analyzing user behavior helps small businesses make informed decisions and refine their offerings.
• Competitive Advantage. Having a mobile app sets small businesses apart from competitors. It demonstrates a commitment to innovation and customer-centricity.

How BCT Can Help Design & Develop Your Custom Mobile App

BCT Consulting specializes in custom app design and development. We can empower businesses of any size by creating a custom-tailored solution that enhances efficiency and customer satisfaction. We’ve designed apps for various clients across multiple industries that have proven to be valuable assets that drive growth and success for their businesses.

For more information about how BCT Consulting can help design and develop a custom mobile app for your business, contact one of our highly skilled technicians today.

BCT Consulting now has engineers servicing clients within Fresno, Clovis, Madera, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco & the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Anaheim, Palm Springs, and more.

Cody Sarhan | Communications Specialist, Xobee Networks

FRESNO, California – Cody Sarhan, Communications Specialist

It’s no secret that communication plays a pivotal role in the success of small businesses. Traditional phone systems have long been the norm, but while some businesses are slow to adopt new standards of communication, others have thrived on embracing them. The biggest shift in business communication over the past 30 years has been the advent of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone services. VoIP has revolutionized the way small businesses operate, offering cost-effective, scalable, and feature-rich communication solutions that can significantly benefit small businesses.

Learn more: How BCT can connect your business through affordable VoIP phone services

Businesses that adopt VoIP phone services often experience a notable boost in profit margins and savings. A study by Tech.co found that businesses can experience average savings between 50-75% when switching to VoIP.

The Key Benefits of VoIP Phone Services

VoIP technology allows voice calls to be transmitted over the internet rather than through traditional phone lines. This shift in communication technology offers several advantages for small businesses.

• Cost Savings. VoIP services are typically more cost-effective than traditional phone systems. Small businesses can save on monthly phone bills and long-distance charges, enabling them to allocate more resources to growth and innovation.
• Scalability. With VoIP, businesses can easily scale their phone systems up or down as needed. This flexibility is crucial for seasonal businesses or those experiencing rapid growth.
• Advanced Features. VoIP offers a wide range of advanced features, including call forwarding, voicemail-to-email transcription, virtual phone numbers, and video conferencing. These features enhance productivity and customer service.
• Remote Work Enablement. The ability to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection empowers businesses to embrace remote work. This flexibility can lead to improved employee satisfaction and productivity.

How Small Businesses Are Utilizing VoIP Phone Service

Small businesses leverage VoIP phone services in various ways to streamline operations and enhance customer interactions:

How to Enhance Your Business with VoIP Phone Services

Since 2020, VoIP Phone Services have grown by 200%, and as we continue to adapt to new workplace habits, the staying power of VoIP has proven to be a permanent enhancement to workplace functionality and connectivity. With year-over-year adoption rates, businesses are seeing the benefits of VoIP Phone Services in both profit and productivity.

We at BCT Consulting are the experts in VoIP Phone Services. We offer flat-rate pricing, with state-of-the-art technology, at a price that is affordable. We can scale to any business size, allowing you to connect your employees anywhere and everywhere. For more information about how BCT Consulting can help connect you with our VoIP Phone Service, contact one of our highly skilled technicians today.

BCT Consulting now has engineers servicing clients within Fresno, Clovis, Madera, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco & the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Anaheim, Palm Springs, and more.

Cody Sarhan | Communications Specialist, Xobee Networks

FRESNO, California – Cody Sarhan, Communications Specialist

Our lives are seamlessly integrated with smartphones; financials, photos, emails, messages, work data, and more are all sitting in your pocket like a digital coin purse, ripe for the taking. As such, ensuring the security of these devices has become a paramount concern. Mobile devices have evolved from mere communication tools to versatile companions managing our personal, financial, and professional lives. The convenience they offer is unparalleled, but so are the risks they pose. As our phones become more and more tethered to our lives, we need to take extra care that goes beyond the traditional means to safeguard them.

“Enterprises face a far greater threat from the millions of generally available apps on their employees’ devices than from mobile malware. Enterprise users casually give these riskware apps sweeping permissions, not realizing that their personal and corporate data may be sent to remote servers and advertising networks all over the world, where it can be mined by cybercriminals and hostile governments seeking access to corporate networks.” — Dave Jevans, CEO of CipherTrace

How the Ubiquity of Mobile Devices Creates New Threats

The penetration of mobile devices globally has been nothing short of remarkable. According to recent statistics from Statista, there are over 6.9 billion smartphone users worldwide — that’s 85% of the world’s population. This ubiquity has not only transformed how we access information and connect with others, but it has also attracted the attention of cybercriminals. With more personal and sensitive data stored on these devices, they have become an enticing target for various malicious activities. As protective measures become more widely adopted, bad actors are becoming more adept and well-versed in bypassing those safeguards.

Cyberattacks are the fastest-growing crime in the U.S., and they are increasing in size, sophistication, and cost.

To protect your mobile device, you have to stay up-to-date on the latest tools to shield yourself and remain aware of the ever-evolving landscape of cyber hygiene. Operating system updates and security patches are designed to address vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Surprisingly, many users tend to postpone or ignore these updates, unknowingly leaving their devices susceptible to attacks. Verizon’s Mobile Security Index found that 73% of organizations had experienced a major mobile-related security compromise in 2022, often due to outdated software.

Cybersecurity Ventures estimated that cybercrime would cost the world $10.5 trillion USD annually by 2025, a significant portion of which can be attributed to mobile-related threats. The rise of mobile malware, phishing attacks, and data breaches has exposed countless individuals to identity theft, financial loss, tarnished reputations, and privacy invasion.

Learn more: How BCT can help you and your business stay protected against rising cyber threats.

— Video courtesy of Insider Tech

The Threat of Public Wi-Fi

We’ve all been there – connecting to a public Wi-Fi network at a coffee shop or airport. While convenient, these networks are notoriously insecure and can serve as a playground for hackers. The Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report revealed that 69% of people polled in the US had been a victim of cybercrime, with Wi-Fi network vulnerabilities being the leading cyberthreat that they’d experienced.

How to Take Proactive Measures

• Use Strong Passwords & Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This might sound obvious, but using strong, unique passwords for each app and account can prevent a single breach from compromising multiple services. In addition to this, enabling 2FA for account login is one of the best measures you can take to safeguard your data.
• Biometric Authentication. Utilizing fingerprint login or facial recognition can add an extra layer of protection. But keep in mind that while this is an extra layer, it can be easily circumvented by a skilled cybercriminal.
• Keep Software Updated. Regularly update your device’s operating system and apps to ensure you have the latest security patches and fixes.
• Install Trusted Apps. Download apps only from official app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Be cautious of third-party app sources, as they can expose your device to malware.
• Beware of Phishing Attempts. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or pop-ups asking for personal information.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). When using public Wi-Fi, connect through a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from potential eavesdropping.
• Regularly Backup Data Back up your device’s data regularly to a secure cloud storage or computer. This ensures you won’t lose important information in case of device loss, damage, or theft.
• Educate Yourself. Stay informed about the latest security threats and best practices. Being aware of potential risks empowers you to make informed decisions about your device’s security.

Learn more: How BCT can protect your business data

Why Mobile Data Security Matters for Small Businesses

Small businesses are exposed to significant mobile data protection risks, including breaches due to compromised devices containing sensitive information, leading to financial losses and reputational harm. Lost or stolen devices risk unauthorized access, while weak security policies and training may cause inadvertent breaches. Insecure apps and mobile malware compromise data, and unsecured Wi-Fi networks heighten risks.

To counter these threats, small businesses must establish strong security policies, train employees, use mobile device management, and prioritize updates, as the cost of neglecting data protection far outweighs prevention investments. We at BCT Consulting are the experts in data security and privacy protection. For more information about how BCT Consulting can help protect you and your business, contact one of our highly skilled technicians today.

BCT Consulting now has engineers servicing clients within Fresno, Clovis, Madera, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco & The Bay Area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Anaheim, Palm Springs, and more.

Cody Sarhan | Communications Specialist, Xobee Networks