American Go E-Journal

“Phishing” probes aimed at the American Go Association have increased in volume and sophistication recently, according to AGA President Andy Okun, who is urging all members of the go community to be cautious and skeptical of all messages they receive.

“I’m never going to e-mail you or text you or message you asking for a hurried package of gift cards, money orders, negotiable securities, or anything else,” said Okun. “If you receive a communication like this that purports to come from me or another AGA official, please write us back at our AGA email or other e-mail already known to you, or call us on the phone.”

Until recently, the pace of such attacks was low and almost always in the form of a message purporting to be from Okun to another AGA official like the treasurer, asking for quick but modest transfer of $5,000, say, to a distant bank. The change in recent weeks is that the e-mails are being sent to other AGA members, expanding the pool of potential victims.

Resources:
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice
Phishing.org
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency