Washington State City Loses more than $280,000 of Public Funds in Phishing Scam

Ransomware
Written By Guest User

Exploit: Phishing
Company: City of Tenino, Washington
Industry: Municipal Government
Sources: https://www.govtech.com/security/washington-city-loses-280-309-to-successful-phishing-scam

The City of Tenino, Washington is down $280,309 in public funds according to the Washington State Auditor’s Office after a city employee fell for a phishing message that launched a business email compromise scam. Reports say that former Clerk Treasurer John Millard fell victim to a phishing message and paid cybercriminals a boatload of money, some without city council approval. The official reportedly initiated 20 automated clearing house payments from the city’s bank account to multiple out-of-state bank accounts. News outlets are also reporting that a warning was sent out to clerks about the phishing scam immediately but that didn’t stop this disaster from happening. 

No specifics about any consumer/employee PII or financial data loss were available at press time.

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