Scam Warning from the Dubuque Police Department

The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization devoted to the success of our members. Part of our mission is keeping businesses informed. Below is a message from the Dubuque Police Department regarding an email scam targeting businesses. Please be aware that this is going on and check to make sure your emails are coming from a trusted source.

Over the last week several area organizations have reported receiving scam emails from a suspect purporting to be upper management in their organization. The scammers are using spoofed email addresses for presidents and CEO’s and are then sending emails to staff within the organizations. These scam emails usually ask the employee to send money in some form (iTunes cards, money wires, etc.). Staff who respond to these emails can have a back and forth conversation with the suspect who continues to play the role of the upper manager. While this scam is not new, it does seem to be more widespread in the Dubuque area recently.

Redacted text taken from one of these emails is listed below for your reference. The email from “Local CEO” is from the scammer. The message from BRF Global is added to the email thread to make it appear more legitimate to the staff member who receives it.

From: Local CEO
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 10:04 AM

To: Employee

Subject: Invoice for XXXX Company

Hi Employee,

I am waiting for an invoice and W-9 for BRF global, payment of deposit needs to be made today let me know if you can process payment so I forward you this information immediately I receive it.

Local CEO
President/CEO
XXXX Company
Dubuque, IA 52001

From: Harvey Mark <Harveym@brfglobal.org>

Date: Wednesday February 13, 2018 at 9:04:41 AM EST

To: Local CEO

Subject: Invoice for XXXX Company

Local CEO,

Please find attached Invoice# 70794 for payment upon receipt. Initial payment of $22,700.80 is required immediately for us to move forward as per contract

Let me know if you have any questions.

Best,
Mark
CEO