FRONT RANGE

FBI Denver warns of online file converter scam

The FBI Denver Office is warning against a scam involving free online document converter software.

In this scenario, criminals use seemingly harmless online document converter tools to load malware onto victims’ computers, including ransomware, to extract personal and banking information.

“The best way to thwart these fraudsters is to educate people so they don’t fall victim to these fraudsters in the first place,” FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said in a news release. “If you or someone you know has been affected by this scheme, we encourage you make a report and take actions to protect our assets. Every day, we are working to hold these scammers accountable and provide victims with the resources they need.”

To conduct the scheme, cybercriminals across the world may be using any type of free document converter or downloader tool. That might be a website claiming to convert one type of file to another, such as a .doc file to a .pdf file. It might also claim to combine files, such as joining multiple .jpg files into one .pdf file. The suspect program might claim to be an MP3 or MP4 downloading tool.

FBI Denver encourages victims or attempted victims of this scheme to report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

COLORADO

State sends measles vaccine reminder

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment sent out notifications Thursday afternoon to families of nearly 63,000 children between ages 4 and 6 whose records show the children may be overdue for a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

According to a news release, large measles outbreaks are happening across the country, including 223 cases in Texas and 33 cases in New Mexico.

“Measles is highly contagious and can cause very serious health complications,” Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, said in the release.

The notifications, which were to be sent via text message from 45778 and over email from cdphe.vaccine.registry@state.co.us, state that measles can hang in the air for up to two hours and that two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles.

“You can find it for low or no cost at doctor’s offices, community health centers, pharmacies, public health clinics and some schools,” the release said

Officials said people can access immunization records on the online Colorado Immunization Information System self-serve portal at copublicportal.state.co.us.

— Staff reports